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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. Why is learning new languages easier if you already know more than one?

2. How was Daniel's verbal practice of pi recitation frustrating for him?

3. How did Daniel's family react to Brainman when it was shown in Britain?

4. What types of words does Daniel find most difficult?

5. What conversational tactic has Daniel used over the years that does not work well within his relationship with Neil?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Daniel returns to his family's new home after a year in Lithuania, why must he readjust to living there?

2. What is Daniel's relationship with words?

3. How did Daniel prepare himself for the airplane flight to California?

4. Why was Daniel unhappy and somewhat anxious when the producers first revealed to him their choice of language he would learn?

5. Why did Daniel spend his first weekend in Kaunas inside his new apartment?

6. Why did the scientists in California ask if Daniel could visit with them longer?

7. Why is Icelandic considered to be such a difficult language to learn?

8. Why did Daniel think about creating his own private language when he was young?

9. What had Daniel learned during his year in Kaunas?

10. Why did Daniel's travels and meetings during the making of Brainman and his appearances on television give him such a feeling of elation?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Daniel is diagnosed with epilepsy as a young child. How has this affected him throughout his life? Did it have any effect on his family? Do you believe his grandfather's diagnosis was a contributing factor to his diagnosis? Do you think the epilepsy helped cause his savant abilities or vice versa?

Essay Topic 2

Daniel's parents enroll him in nursery school where he keeps to himself and is fascinated with textures and watching the floor as he walks. Current knowledge about autism and Asperger's syndrome recommends that those children be around others for social stimulation as much as possible. Do you think going to nursery school was the best thing for Daniel? Did it help him in any way? Did it do any damage? Did anything change for him at home as a result?

Essay Topic 3

Daniel achieves a great challenge by learning Icelandic in only four days. Why is this considered so difficult? How is this learning experience different from other language-learning experiences?

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