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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Einstein tells Miss Dukas he let the boy from the porch in for what purpose?
(a) The boy brings Einstein's mail.
(b) The weather is getting worse.
(c) To discuss an interesting theory.
(d) So that the boy can warm up and answer Einstein's questions.

2. Who becomes Einstein's second wife?
(a) Geneva.
(b) Margot.
(c) Maja.
(d) Elsa.

3. In his spare time from work at the patent office, what does Einstein invent?
(a) A device for measuring small electric charges.
(b) A new way to calculate distance.
(c) A formula to measure the energy of the sun.
(d) A better way to measure gravity.

4. What is Einstein's attitude toward politics during Chapter Seven?
(a) He is never interested.
(b) He is involved for a long time.
(c) He finds it fascinating.
(d) He thinks it ridiculous.

5. Toward the end of Chapter Seven, Einstein's theory is finally ______.
(a) Proven correct.
(b) Proven irrelevant.
(c) Proven incorrect.
(d) Proven ridiculous.

6. Albert tells his uncle that being in school is like what?
(a) Going to the doctor.
(b) Sleep walking.
(c) Going to prison.
(d) Being a soldier.

7. What does Einstein's theory tell us about time and space?
(a) Neither of them change.
(b) Neither of them are measurable.
(c) Neither of them matter.
(d) Neither go on forever in the same fixed way.

8. What does Einstein tell the boy from the porch that he remembers best about Munich?
(a) Playing with his sister in the front yard.
(b) Listening to his mother play Beethoven on the piano.
(c) Fighting on the playground.
(d) Walking to school everyday.

9. The author says that Albert and Maja resemble each other strongly except for one feature. What is different about the children?
(a) Maja is blonde, while Albert has dark hair.
(b) Maja's eyes twinkle with laughter, while Albert's are clouded with dreams.
(c) Maja is short, while Albert is very tall.
(d) Maja is polite, while Albert is rude.

10. The Einsteins come to the conclusion that they should divorce. What does the author say about their relationship after the divorce?
(a) They hate each other.
(b) They remain friends.
(c) They cannot stand living together.
(d) They ignore each other.

11. Why is Hermann Einstein pleased when his son displays interest in the pocket watch?
(a) Albert seldom expresses interest about anything.
(b) Albert usually throws a temper tantrum when in trouble.
(c) He is happy that the Albert is sorry for his behavior.
(d) He is glad his son can tell time.

12. Einstein's responses to the people he meets during the course of chapter one suggest what about his character?
(a) He thinks the other citizens are dumb and makes fun of them.
(b) He knows he is smarter than everyone else, and goes out of his way to show it.
(c) No one knows who he is.
(d) He is known and respected by everyone, and doesn't think he's better than others.

13. With what part of Einstein's job at the university is his wife dissatisfied in Chapter Six?
(a) The University doesn't promote his work.
(b) She feels he doesn't have enough time for his family.
(c) She doesn't like the other professors.
(d) She is concerned about their financial situation.

14. Mileva decides to add to the household income by supplementing her husband's university job with income from what?
(a) Taking in boarders.
(b) Tutoring students.
(c) Working in a factory.
(d) Giving piano lessons.

15. When Einstein first lectures on his theory in the US, he comments that, "It is all very simple." How does the audience respond?
(a) Bursts into laughter.
(b) Gets up and leaves the lecture hall.
(c) Stares at him silently.
(d) Begins shouting at him.

Short Answer Questions

1. Whom does Hermann suggest his son ask about the compass?

2. Why is the hometown of the boy waiting on the porch significant to Einstein?

3. Why is Albert kicked out of school in Chapter Two?

4. In relation to Michelson and Morley's work, Einstein's theory claims what?

5. What reason does the author mention for why Mileva is unhappy in her marriage?

(see the answer keys)

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