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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. Where is Kivrin's wagon located?

2. Who is Kivrin?

3. What helps William agree to run errands for Dunworthy?

4. What does Badri say about the problem on the way to the lab?

5. What group of Americans are shortly expected?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where does Dunworthy go after he's medically cleared, and what does he learn?

2. Where and how is Kivrin when she wakes?

3. Describe Badri.

4. How does Colin explain his presence in the quarantine line?

5. What does Badri keep saying and where does Dunworthy take him?

6. What is Ms. Montoya doing as Kivrin is preparing for her trip, and how is this related to Kivrin?

7. What does Badri believe and how does Dunworthy calm Badri's fears?

8. Why is Kivrin going to be able to go to the drop place, but what happens that she does not get there?

9. Describe some of the preparations Kivrin makes for the trip back in time.

10. Why is Kivrin having trouble understanding the people in the house and how does the situation improve?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In chapter twenty, three men arrive at the manor where Kivrin is staying. In the excerpt from the Doomesday Book, Kivrin notes they are an envoy from the bishop, that they drink readily, and that one had grabbed at Maisry, slipping his hand down the bodice of her gown. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the priest in the Bishop's envoy to Fr. Roche. Who seems genuinely spiritual, compassionate, or living his beliefs?

2. Much has been written about the corruption of the Catholic church over the centuries. Can any large institution, including a religious institution remain totally without corruption? Why or why not?

3. What surprises Kivrin about Fr. Roche? Do her impressions continue throughout the time she is in the past? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Whenever reading a science fiction or fantasy novel, one must become familiar with new terminology that explains concepts or technology that is not a part of the "real" world. In the case of Doomsday Book, much of the setting is familiar to the reader, though there are new ideas and terms to learn. Discuss the following:

1. Find five terms that are a part of the 2054 world of Dunworthy and Kivrin that are either not a part of the language of 2010 or mean something different. Define the words as used in 2054 and compare those five words as to how they are currently used in the American English language.

2. How does the language of 1348 differ from that of 2010? Are there words you did not know from that time? What? How do you learn their meanings?

3. There are ways of learning about a new world or time when reading a science fiction or fantasy novel. Discuss the ways you were able to understand the time of both 2054 and 1348. Did you have to look up any words? What does it mean to learn a word through its context? Do you have to do that in Doomsday Book? What word(s)?

4. Were there any words you never really understand from Doomsday Book? What are they?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of Doomsday Book, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements. Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

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