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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. The idea of creating what item was objectionable to Harriet?

2. In what language was the Sunday matinee held?

3. What kind of kit was found and is now offered as a souvenir?

4. What type of wood was used to manufacture the bookends?

5. What item is created from the hotel ceiling tiles?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What were the musical instruments found by Carson? How did they work?

3. What is the real life description of the wall fragment found in the communal Sacred Urn room near the Great Sanctuary. Explain the real purpose of the so-called laborers' marks.

4. What items were found lining the passageway between the tombs?

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

6. What was unique about the Plant That Wouldn't Die?

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

8. Explain the unique design of the coffee service. What is the pot shape? What is the shape of the cups? How many cups are there to the set?

9. One of the items discovered in Tomb #26 was a Bell System. What was the item's purpose? How was it used?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Along with spending many years working on the excavation site, Carson never gave up his fascination with camels. One could say that the dromedary research was Carson's life's work. Write an essay about what could become your life's work. In what professional area would you want to spend the rest of your life? Explain. What would it take for you to get to that place? What would be the pros and cons of the profession?

Essay Topic 2

Water is a common theme when researching ancient cultures. In the case of the Motel of the Mysteries, there are several sections that refer to the use of water, from the Inner Chamber to the pool area by the Great Courtyard. Discuss each item that can be related to water. Explain its real use, the use created for the book, and how each item works. Why is water so important? What can be learned about a culture's use of water? When was the first water vessel discovered? Where?

Essay Topic 3

Many of the artifacts in the Motel are linked by Carson and the workers to some form of religious ceremony. What would cause the workers to make those assumptions? What else could be related to the artifacts in lieu of religion? What religious artifacts do you think were used in society during Carson's time? Are religious artifacts more important as symbols of religion or are they more important as historical items? Also, how could Carson know which gods were associated each sacred item found in the hotel? Would you relate those things to the same gods? Explain.

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