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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 common item is referred to as the ceremonial headdress?

2. It is eventually determined that the stripes on the earth were used for what specific purpose?

3. In what month did the great catastrophe occur?

4. A series of important writings is attributed to whom?

5. How many matches does Carson light in total?

Short Essay Questions

1. When did the great catastrophe occur? What caused it?

2. Carson referred to these locations in the story but what were they really?

3. Upon seeing this fantastic discovery, Carson had hopes of finding what?

4. What are Carson's names for items #8, 9, & 10?

5. Explain Carson's nightmare experienced shortly after the start of the excavation.

6. What was the result? How long did it take?

7. Where did Carson end up? What was he facing when he landed?

8. What happened to Carson as he stood surveying the site?

9. Explain the Sacred Headband. What is the inscription on it?

10. How long was it between the discovery and the beginning of the excavation? Was it successful?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are several places in the text that make reference to curses. Even scientists who did not believe in curses came to believe after a series of accidents happened at a particular location. One example is the curse placed on the tomb of King Tut. Examine the reality of curses. Do you think curses are real? What could convince scientists to believe in curses? Examine other possible explanations for the events that happened at the excavation sites. Choose at least three sites to examine from a scientific point of view.

Essay Topic 2

Great care must be taken when excavating a site like the one at the Motel of the Mysteries. Explain in detail the tools and processes used by archeologists. How do the archeologists know when to use a specific tool? Is all of the work done by hand? Is it all tedious and painstaking? What is the most desired artifact in the eyes of a typical archeologist? What is the most difficult part of the job? What is the biggest reward?

Essay Topic 3

Howard Carson is painted as a ne'er do well in the beginning of the book. How did Carson make a living? What was the man's level of ambition? Why did Carson decide it was time to change his life? How did he propose to make changes? Were those goals accomplished? Did the effort to change cause Carson to land at the Motel of the Mysteries? How did Carson handle the discovery of the motel? Did Carson see the discovery as his destiny? Explain.

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This section contains 633 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample