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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What was smallpox known as by the ancient Aztecs?

2. Who picks up Dirk and Summer to take them back to America?

3. Who was the creator of the G8 summit?

4. How do Kang and his men plan to sink the Sea Rover?

5. What make of car do the Asian thugs drive when chasing Dirk?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Kang's role as he is revealed in Chapter 14.

2. How do Dirk and Sarah escape the thugs in the Cadillac in Chapter 18?

3. What is the outcome of the meeting between Dirk and bureaucrats from the Department of Homeland Security?

4. What do Dirk Pitt, Sr., and Al Giordino do in response to Raul Biazon's request in Chapter 12?

5. How does Kang plan to use the Odyssey in Chapter 37?

6. Describe the death of the first two meteorologists in Chapter 1.

7. What does Kang plan to do with the Baekje?

8. Why do Sarah and the other scientists survive the same toxin that killed the two meteorologists in Chapter 1?

9. Describe briefly the history of the use of Zyklon B.

10. What happens to Keith Catana in Chapter 11?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are two obvious "male buddy" relationships found in Black Wind. One is the relationship between Dirk Sr. and Al; the other is between Dirk Jr. and Jack. Compare and contrast these two relationships. How are they similar? How are they different? Which is more convincing and realistic? Why does Cussler emphasize these kinds of relationships?

Essay Topic 2

Black Wind is populated with larger-than-life characters, performing larger-than-life deeds. The theme of audaciousness is prevalent in both the protagonists and the antagonists. Select five plot points from the actions of each group, protagonists and antagonists, that personify the theme of "audaciousness." For each plot point, explain why that particular incident in the novel would justify being called "audacious."

Essay Topic 3

In Black Wind, the good guys are uncomplicated, straightforward, untainted heroes; the bad guys are irredeemably bad. Choose three characters from each category, either heroes or villains. For each character, write an analysis. Include any nuances in each character you discover. For instance, note any elements of Dirk Jr.'s character that show him to be conflicted in any way; for Kang, note and discuss any positive traits. Also note whether Cussler has written two dimensional characters or characters with some depth. Evaluate whether or not his choices in characterization could have made for a better or worse novel.

(see the answer keys)

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