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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. Why would the disorder described in the chapter be a bad thing?

2. What happens when the main character attempts to remove one of his body parts?

3. How does the 'what science leaves out' theme play out in this chapter?

4. What is the name of the main character mentioned in the postscript?

5. Most neuroscientists thought that most neurological disorders were caused by damage to what part of the brain?

Short Essay Questions

1. To what degree does Sachs see himself as a novelist? And to what degree does he see himself as a scientist?

2. How does Sacks react to Mrs. B's view about her own condition?

3. Explain the impact of hearing Reagan's speech on the main character. What does he/she notice that others do not? What does she miss?

4. What is the cause of the main character's affliction? When is it first treated? When does it return?

5. What is Mr. P's affliction? How does it affect his life?

6. What is the main character's disorder? How does it compare to Witty Ticcy Ray's? How does she handle it on the street?

7. What central feature of all humans is Sacks worried that Jimmie lacks? Why is Sacks so worried? And what alleviates his worry?

8. Who are the two main character's in this chapter? What is their affliction called and what does it generally consist in?

9. What is Mr. MacGregor's disorder? How does he discover it?

10. Who is the main character in this chapter? What is his affliction? What does he maintain despite his affliction?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain Witty Ticcy Ray's condition and his ultimate choice to take his medication during the week and go off of them on the weekends. Is this a wise decision or not? Spell out your answer in detail. Make sure to give arguments for your position.

Essay Topic 2

Research the neurological phenomenon that leads the man in Chapter Four to believe that his leg was not his own. What causes this neurological defect? And why can't the man recognize the leg is his own even when Dr. Sacks assures him of it? What should be done for the man? Should his leg be removed?

Essay Topic 3

Write a paper concerning how unusual mental conditions can lead to works of creativity. Mr. MacGregor's tilt led him to help Dr. Sacks create a pair of glasses with a pendulum that could help him and those like him navigate their world. Jose is able to paint beautiful art. Select a case from outside of the book. Using a famous person is fine. Make sure to illustrate the connection between a mental disorder and a creative accomplishment.

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