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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 company has approached U.S. Robot with a proposition in “Escape!”?

2. Who causes Herbie to self-destruct in “Liar!”?

3. The Interviewer says that it has been how many years since the hyperactomic motor was invented in “Little Lost Robot”?

4. As Byerley begins to speak at a public rally in “Evidence,” an unkempt looking man charges the stage and demands that Byerley do what?

5. Who is the head of mechanics and manufacturing at U.S. Robots in “Liar!”?

Short Essay Questions

1. What has been related to Byerley regarding the problems in the Eastern Region in “The Evitable Conflict”?

2. How does the story “Liar!” mark a turning point in I, Robot?

3. What is asked by the Sub-Coordinator of the European Region in “The Evitable Conflict”?

4. What problem is presented in the beginning of “Little Lost Robot”?

5. What is related of the Northern Region in “The Evitable Conflict”?

6. What is the basis of Dr. Calvin’s fear of the robots and their capabilities in “Little Lost Robot”?

7. What types of books does Dr. Calvin bring to Herbie in “Liar!” Which does he prefer?

8. What information does Francis Quinn present to Dr. Lanning in the beginning of “Evidence”?

9. Where are Dr. Calvin and Dr. Bogert in the beginning of “Little Lost Robot”? Who greets them?

10. What thought does Herbie read of Dr. Calvin’s in “Liar!”?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze and discuss the character of Cutie and the theme of faith in “Reason.” How does Cutie differ from the previous robots seen in I, Robot? Why does Cutie refuse to believe Powell’s explanation for his existence? How is faith questioned in the narrative?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and analyze the setting of “Robbie.” Is this setting a realistic one? How does Isaac Asimov’s vision of the future relate to the reality of 1996 in America? Where does Gloria’s family live in the story?

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