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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 is the one clue we have that the lawyer who approached Mrs. Husk was representing the government?

2. Viviano does not understand

3. The unexpected guests in Edward's new home include

4. On his stomach, Abbey witnesses

5. Abbey feels if you have reached the point of needing moisture from the barrel cactus

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Abbey suggest should be done about the erosion of national parks?

2. What is an example of the primitive attitudes of Native Americans, as expressed by Abbey?

3. How seriously is Abbey taking this government job?

4. What is Viviano Jacquez's problem?

5. Abbey describes areas where one can find artifacts from Native Americans in the form of arrowheads and spearheads, made from obsidian. There is a law that prohibits removing stones from the national park. Do you think these artifacts can still be found in the "shady alcoves under canyon walls" in the Arches?

6. Why was Turnbow Cabin built?

7. Discuss Abbey's relationship with the natural world as he watches the stars.

8. Is Abbey's story of Husk and Graham a fact-checked, absolutely correct retelling?

9. Explain why Abbey prefers not to use a flashlight in the dark.

10. Explain Abbey's vague contempt for human beings that emerges in this chapter.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a researched essay on the current state of the Arches. Has it been mined, drilled, dammed and cemented over, as Abbey dreaded and anticipated? Research, describe and evaluate the changes, and determine whether you feel they have improved the park. Explain your position.

Essay Topic 2

Is Edward Abbey depressed? His inability to stop or shift the tides of progress comes through in his writing. Is he hopeful, or has he given up on the human race altogether? Explain your impressions, and provide examples.

Essay Topic 3

Choose ten plants or bushes that Abbey describes in this book, and do more intensive study on the flora of the desert by researching these particular plant species. Why does each thrive in the desert, what are their built-in defense systems, what seasons do they bloom or go to seed, how does each reproduce, and what intrinsic values do they possess in terms of beauty, sustenance for other living things, medicinal properties, shade, etc. Try to locate visual images of the plants to add to your essay.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 911 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample