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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 question does Jellison ask of the group?

2. Who leaves to go save the power plant?

3. Whose home will Harvey's group be passing?

4. Who is driving while Eileen sleeps?

5. Who is at the entrance to the Jellison Ranch?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Harvey convince Al that he is a valuable addition to the needs of the people in this area?

2. What does Jackie say is ironic about the situation of the blacks since the comet strike?

3. What does Maureen struggle with when she is out inventorying supplies in the area?

4. How does the Reverend Armitage contribute to the unsavory things Alim and Hooker's group are already doing?

5. How does Harvey help Maureen resolve her inner conflict?

6. What convinces Jellison to admit Harvey and his group to the ranch and what is the implication?

7. What does Al tell Harvey about Maureen?

8. What are Harvey and Mark doing at the opening to this section and what is their "take" on their efforts?

9. What does Tim suggest about the power plant and what is the ultimate decision?

10. What are Maureen's thoughts about the prisoners from the Brotherhood and do you agree with her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Soon after the comet hits, Eric goes back to the Burbank Jail where he finds that a jailer has released all the prisoners except Fred. Eric, citing the fact that no one deserved to die locked in a cell, kills the murderer. Discuss the following:

Do you believe Eric did the right thing in killing Fred?

What if it were a prisoner where the certainty of his guilt was not proved; then what should Eric do?

What do you think should happen in the prisons across the United States where those serving time have been found guilty in a court of law? Should they be released from certain death if they remain locked up?

Essay Topic 2

Fred Lauren murders a woman named Coleen because he believes the end of the world is imminent and thus he no longer fears the threat of punishment by giving in to his insane urges. Discuss the following:

How strongly do you think that doomsday predictions influence those who are mentally unstable already? Give examples from the book and your personal knowledge. (Think about Y2K, Jonestown, etc.).

Do you think you would ever believe a doomsday prediction such as a comet hitting the earth? Why or why not?

Do you believe those who preach such messages should be held accountable for their actions if people who hear them do such things as Fred Lauren does? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Gordie and the Boy Scouts rescue some girl scouts from bikers who are abusing the girls. The boys and girls then pair off and create a new community. Discuss the following:

Assuming these boys and girls range in ages from 13-16, do you think it is responsible of Gordie as an adult to allow and/or even encourage the arrangement between the girls and boys?

Are these young people old enough to make the decision to not return with Harvey? Explain.

If you were a girl that was rescued, would you be willing to participate in the pairing off and all that implies? Why or why not?

What do you think the group would do to any boy or girl or refuses to pair off? Explain.

Is it moral for an adult to pair off with a sixteen year old girl, especially considering he has a wife already?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,449 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample