View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the title of the speech Malcolm is giving regarding extinction and complexity theory?

2. After overhearing the telephone conversation in the San Jose airport, who does Levine immediately call?

3. Who does InGen hire to publicly deny the rumors that surrounded InGen and the Costa Rican island?

4. Who does Levine eavesdrop on while waiting for his plan in the San Jose airport?

5. When Arby sees a strange looking memo at Levine's apartment, what does Arby realize he is looking at?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe at least three types of systems that complexity theory has studied.

2. When the theory of evolution was first presented, there was very little debate. Why?

3. What two events occur in the 1970s that cause scientists to focus their attention on extinction?

4. Why does Guitierrez lament the changing ethics of scientists?

5. Describe the type of behavior that is common to all complex systems.

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

7. Why does Levine hire Kelly and Arby to run errands for him?

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

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

10. Why is Kelly thrilled to learn that Thorne will call Sarah Harding if he can't reach Levine on the sat phone?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the course of the novel, Levine works with two very different men in order to prepare for his expedition - and then once on the island itself. Compare and contrast the relationship Levine has with Thorne to the relationship Hammond has with Malcolm. Then, compare and contrast the two men. How do these two relationships influence not only Levine, but the events that take place on the island?

Essay Topic 2

George Baselton wears different masks in the story. Both a respected Stanford professor and the mastermind behind the Isla Sorna escapade, Baselton is a study in contradictions. Identify, then compare and contrast the different sides of Baselton. How would Baselton's master plan to steal the dinosaur eggs from Isla Sorna have been affected if he had not been seen as an above-board researcher? Why is it necessary for Baselton to wear different masks?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast Ian Malcolm and Richard Levine.

a. How are the two characters similar? How are they different?

b. Compare the role of that complexity theory plays in each of their lives. How is each character affected by this theory - both positively and negatively?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 831 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample