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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 animal do the children see for the first time in Year Nineteen?

2. While scavenging for food in his hometown, what item of food does Ish find to be inedible because of mice and weevils?

3. While living alone, what book does Ish begin reading that makes him uneasy?

4. When Ish decides to take a cross-country trip, what is the reason he decides to go?

5. Why does Ish think the books in the library are important?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Ish so concerned about finding people who can "fix" civilization?

2. When Ish goes to the library, he chooses two books to take home with him. Why do you think he chose these particular titles?

3. Why does Ish start walking with a limp?

4. Who is the "leader" of the group? Why?

5. Ish uses razors, and then throws them away, using a new one every day. Is this behavior a good idea or a bad idea? What doesthis say about Ish?

6. Is Ish a good leader for the Tribe? Why or why not?

7. Why do Ish's feelings about the execution seem to be very different than the feelings of the others?

8. Has Ish changed over the years? Why?

9. Why does Em start crying when she tells Ish about her pregnancy?

10. What difference does Em make in Ish's life? What would have happened to Ish if Em had not been there?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

After the first few chapters of the book, Ish begins collecting companions. Each one interacts with, and affects, Ish in a number of different ways. What effect do the people in Ish's life have on him and his plans? What do the interactions between these people say about Ish, and how did their influences affect the outcome of the story?

Essay Topic 2

Ish, as the main character, is constantly thinking about the benefits and deficiencies of the old civilization. As the story progresses, he notices how many things have changed, but not according to his plan. However, there are times he has to admit that the changes are positive. Based on Ish's thoughts and the author's italicized commentaries, do you think that the author views civilization as good, bad, or with both elements? What is your reasoning?

Essay Topic 3

Based on class discussions and your own research, what factors in society might have influenced George R. Stewart to write Earth Abides? What are some basic points that the author is trying to get across? What could have prompted the author to feel the need to address a particular issue, and what are his conclusions on the issue?

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