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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 refers to any one of a number of viruses that infect bacteria?

2. The author asserts in the Epilogue, “Between the lines of this book lies an unspoken plea for the resurrection of” what?

3. What is the title of Chapter 7?

4. What refers to the treatment of cancer with an antineoplastic drug or with a combination of such drugs into a standardized treatment regimen?

5. What word from Chapter 8 refers to a mark of disgrace or infamy; a stain or reproach, as on one's reputation?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the author caution the reader against in Chapter 12? Why?

2. What does the author state in regard to the stigma of AIDS and HIV in Chapter 8?

3. How does the author describe the development of HIV and AIDS knowledge in the medical community in Chapter 8?

4. What does the author assert regarding assisted suicide for the elderly in Chapter 7?

5. What is the central message in Chapter 12? How is hope related to this message?

6. What case study does the author cite in discussing AIDS and HIV in the beginning of Chapter 8?

7. What does Dr. Nuland suggest regarding the works of William Osler and Lewis Thomas in Chapter 7?

8. Why is understanding the finite quality of life important, according to Dr. Sherwin B. Nuland?

9. How are viruses spread? What does the author use as an example in Chapter 9?

10. Why does the author use chimney sweeps as an example in Chapter 10?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the author’s case study of the woman with breast cancer presented in the Introduction. What are the fears that are illustrated in this example regarding death? What caused the woman the greatest concern about her mother’s passing? How did Dr. Nuland address these fears?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss Lillian Hellman’s play, The Little Foxes, and specifically the character of Horace Giddens. How is Giddens’ character described in the play? Why is he discussed in How We Die? What three expected causes of death does the author describe for Horace Giddens?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the six primary avenues leading to death as defined in the Introduction of the book. Which of these avenues affects the elderly principally? Which are more common among the young? Were there any avenues on this list that surprised you? Why or why not?

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