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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 encyclopedia does the narrator mention in the novel’s Introduction?

2. What is Gloria’s last name in Chapter One, “Robbie”?

3. The narrator states in “Runaround” that it is one of Gregory Powell’s favorite platitudes that nothing is to be gained from what?

4. What surrounds the mining pool, causing danger to Speedy, in “Runaround”?

5. In what year was the Second Mercury Expedition sent out, according to Susan Calvin?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is the theme of faith explored in “Reason”?

2. How would you describe the use of language in “Catch That Rabbit”?

3. What is taking place in the beginning of “Robbie”? How are the principle characters described?

4. What do Donovan and Powell observe when they first see Speedy in “Runaround”?

5. What theme is introduced in “Runaround”?

6. What do Donovan and Powell discover about the robots’ behavior when they are not knowingly being observed in “Catch That Rabbit”?

7. What is foreshadowed in the plot of “Runaround”?

8. Where are Donovan and Powell in the beginning of “Reason”? How much time has elapsed since “Runaround”?

9. What is the central objective of Gloria in “Robbie”? How does this relate to the story’s themes?

10. What does Donovan discover when he goes to check the Converter in “Reason”?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and analyze the setting of “Reason.” On what planet are Donovan and Powell stationed? What is the purpose of their mission there? What robot accompanies them on their mission?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss the plot structure of “Runaround.” How does this story compare with “Robbie” in relation to its subject, themes, and characters? How do the Three Laws of Robotics apply in each story? What similarities do the robots share?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the Three Laws of Robotics as an organizing principle and unifying theme for Asimov's works. What are the three laws, and what short story (included in I, Robot) first introduced them? How do the laws apply in the stories of the collection? What do they symbolize in our contemporary world?

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