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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. Where does James learn that Site B is?

2. Where is the helicopter flying in order for Levine to view the carcass?

3. What invention makes complexity theory possible?

4. According to the person who first notified Levine of the carcass, what does the Costa Rican government suspect the aberrant animals are the cause of?

5. According to the story, in what year does Ian Malcolm give a speech in which he states that complex animals die out because of their behavior?

Short Essay Questions

1. Identify and describe the theory supported by the high levels of iridium at the K-T boundary.

2. When Thorne and the children arrive at Levine's apartment, name three items that they find.

3. Why, in Malcolm's opinion, is his extinction theory untestable?

4. As Ed James sits outside Levine's apartment and eavesdrops on the conversation between Thorne, Malcolm, and the children, why is James embarrassed?

5. According to Victorian-era scientists, what are dinosaurs like?

6. Describe Ian Malcolm's feelings regarding the theory that the dinosaurs were wiped out by a meteor strike.

7. Why do the other girls at school taunt Kelly?

8. The head of Biosyn dislikes Dodgson, but likes having him around. Why?

9. As no map of the Costa Rican island exists, how is Levine conducting his reconnaissance on the island?

10. What is the "Edge of Chaos"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast how the character of Ian Malcolm changes as the story progresses. Be sure to include your assessment of Malcolm's character when he first meets Richard Levine when Levine interrupts Malcolm's lecture, when Malcolm learns Levine has gone missing, when he sees the dinosaurs on the island, and when he escapes the island. Use examples from the story to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Through his research, Levine comes to believe that the lost world is located on Isla Sorna. Malcolm agrees.

a. Discuss the process by which Levine and Malcolm come to rest on Isla Sorna as the lost world's hiding place.

b. What features of the island make it a suitable candidate for their expedition? Identify at least five features of the island.

c. What is the importance of the volcano located on the island?

d. Based on the information revealed about Isla Sorna before the group embarks on their trip, would you have believed that Levine located the right island? Why or why not? Be sure to support your reasoning.

Essay Topic 3

In the early parts of the story, there are many attempts by the Costa Rican government to cover up the existence of the aberrant animals. Describe two of the rumors that abounded about the aberrant animals and discuss how full disclosure by the Costa Rican authorities might have impacted the story and saved people's lives on the island. Would full disclosure by the authorities have made a difference at all? Why or why not? Support your answer with examples from the story.

(see the answer keys)

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