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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 does Finch tell Dunworthy about the closet tech to Oxford?

2. Why does Kivrin hide a box?

3. Upon what is Ms. Montoya working?

4. What is wrong with Kivrin?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Describe James Dunworthy.

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

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

6. What does Kivrin do to ensure she can find her pick up spot again and what is her first entry in her Doomsday Book?

7. What are Dunworthy and the others told when they are released from the hospital?

8. Describe Badri.

9. What is Kivrin trying to do in chapter 6 but having a hard time with?

10. What does Kivrin's interpreter do and does she expect to need it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Oftentimes, a book is more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and oftentimes the other way. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character-driven or action-driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character-driven versus action-driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not?

5. What type of plot do you think the Doomsday Book is? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Many readers of a book such as Doomsday Book place themselves in the position of someone like Kivrin, wondering about what their response would be in a similar situation. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as the Doomsday Book help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Doomsday Book? Why or why not?

3. Choose one specific incident to discuss and compare Kivrin's response to how you think you would respond.

(see the answer keys)

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