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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When Dagny stops at a newsstand buy cigarettes, what is the last thing the vendor says to her?
(a) Oh well, we'll have your cigarettes tomorrow.
(b) Oh well, you need to stop smoking anyway.
(c) Oh well, who is John Galt?
(d) Oh well, next time I'll save you a paper.

2. When Dr. Stadler questions why the man who was developing the revolutionary motor was working in a factory research lab, what is Dagny's reply?
(a) Maybe he couldn't find another place.
(b) He probably came from somewhere around here.
(c) Maybe the Science Institute turned him down.
(d) He probably liked living on this earth.

3. What does Dagny object to about the San Sebastian Line?
(a) That it is going to help the communist government.
(b) That it is using Rearden steel rails.
(c) That is was not her idea.
(d) That the Mexican government will subsidise it.

4. At the party, James Taggart demands that Francisco explain why the San Sebastian mines are worthless. What is Francisco's ironic reply?
(a) He says he gave them the mines to do with as they pleased.
(b) He says he gave them the wrong location because he knew what they would do.
(c) He says he wanted to contribute to the Mexican economy.
(d) He says the mines are not worthless bacuse they contain silver.

5. Why will Amalgamated Switch and Signal Company not complete Dagny's order for switches and signals on the Colorado line?
(a) They made a deal with Jim Taggart not to supply the equipment.
(b) They believe she cannot pay for the items.
(c) Too many people are opposed to Rearden metal.
(d) They cannot get the steel they need.

6. What sarcastic comment does Dagny make to James Taggart and Wesley Mouch?
(a) Got what you've been asking for, all these years, gentlemen?
(b) You tell me how to run a train on bad rails.
(c) Which one of you is planning to rob a bank?
(d) What's the point in running a business if there is no profit?

7. What is the problem Rearden sees in any government that professes to run by committee for the "public good."
(a) The moral purity of a committee cannot know what the public good is.
(b) The committees are selected by popular vote.
(c) It favors industrialists who create jobs for the public.
(d) There is no morality of right and wrong involved.

8. What is "the chain"?
(a) A means of restraining railroad workers.
(b) The imprisonment of Hank's family.
(c) A bracelet made from the first pouring of Rearden metal.
(d) The weakest link in Rearden's new metal.

9. What does Dagny notice before leaving Dannager's office?
(a) A plane ticket to Europe.
(b) A cigarette butt with the $ sign on it.
(c) A pistol on Dannager's desk.
(d) A note signed by John Galt.

10. What decision does Dagny make when she is nine years old?
(a) To run Taggart Rail Lines.
(b) To marry Eddie Willers.
(c) To study in Paris.
(d) To become a fashion model.

11. What did the National Alliance of Railroads pass to eliminate competition?
(a) Every man for himself Rule
(b) Anti-dog-eat-dog Rule
(c) Local and Transcontinental Rule
(d) Anti-cooperation Rule

12. What was Francisco's nickname for Dagny when they were children?
(a) Mouse
(b) Daggy
(c) Slug
(d) Pest

13. A theme that runs throughout ATLAS SHRUGGED is one which shows strength and character outside but emptiness and moral corruption inside. What metaphor does Ayn Rand use to illustrate this idea?
(a) The deteriorization of New York City.
(b) The old oak tree that was struck by lightning.
(c) The engine of a Taggart train.
(d) The flaws in Rearden steel.

14. When Dagny demands to be made Vice President in Charge of Operations, what reason does Jim give her for opposing the idea?
(a) Dagny, father never intended for you to work at Taggert.
(b) Dagny, you don't know anything about railroads.
(c) Dagny, you'll get married and leave.
(d) Dagny, you're a woman.

15. What happens after the disappearance of Wyatt and his vast Colorado oil fields?
(a) Small companies cannot supply enough oil to fill the demand.
(b) The government reopens the Wyatt oil fields and everything gets back to normal.
(c) Project X provides a new and better fuel.
(d) Mine owners begin blowing up their mines.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why can Dagny not learn the name of the third student at Patrick Henry University according to Dr. Akston?

2. What prevents Taggart Transcontinental from meeting Rearden's deadline for delivering steel?

3. What is the purpose of the party Lillian plans to give in three months?

4. Why is James Taggart marrying Cherryl Brooks, the dime store clerk?

5. When Dagny demands that Francisco tell her why Ellis Wyatt will be wiped out in Colorado, why does he refuse to tell her?

(see the answer keys)

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