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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. How many points were used to create a scale model of the fragment?

2. Which of the following is not referred to as a musical instrument?

3. What was also found in this area?

4. What is it called when someone makes a copy of an existing treasure?

5. The necropolis officials were responsible for which of the following items?

Short Essay Questions

1. What was the purpose of the small relief? What date was put onto the item? What was the purpose of the date?

2. The scientists were particularly fascinated by the fragments of plasticus petrificus. Explain the piece and how it is represented as a souvenir.

3. Explain how the scientists viewed the mosaic tile. How was it decorated? Where was it typically found?

4. What was the purpose of the room filled with games?

5. What object was excavated just outside the area of the rusted sculptures? What did the excavators believe the signs were used for?

6. The Sacred Seal is one of the most coveted items found in the Motel. Explain what souvenir was created from a replica of the Sacred Seal.

7. What is the description given to the Sacred Seal? Where was it placed?

8. What kind of sculptures were placed in this area? To who or what were the sculptures dedicated?

9. According to the text what surrounded the complex outside? What would the area be described as in today's terms?

10. How does the text describe the fragments of Plasticus Petrificus? How might it be reproduced?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

The author makes a solid point regarding pollution and the state of the ozone layer. As a result of decades of polluting the air and not caring about the ozone, it was only a matter of time before Pollutantus Gravitas would fall to the earth and smother out the Yank civilization. Compare and contrast the condition of pollution and the ozone layer from 1985 and today. What are the most significant changes? Were there any parts of the story that could be even remotely correct? Explain. How has pollution changed over the years? In your opinion, does pollution have anything to do with global warming?

Essay Topic 3

Macaulay was very creative in coming up with alternate uses and meanings for all of the objects found in the Motel of the Mysteries. How do you think Macaulay managed to make up the items and still manage to be funny? What other objects might have been included in the text? Would you be able to come up with a similar scenario? Explain. What did the objects in the motel symbolize? Do you think the author had any specific idea in mind, such as relating specific items to religious affiliations? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 854 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample