View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. At the end of Chapter 5, how does Grossman describe the power of the edged-weapon threat?

2. In the beginning of Chapter 3, what does the Vietnam vet assume is on the back of the picture in Grossman's story?

3. In Chapter 7, what does Grossman cite as a powerful examine of of link between violence and sex in popular culture?

4. According to Grossman in Chapter 4, an effective strategy in defeating an enemy's ability to make war is in destroying what?

5. What conversion did most military personnel make to their bayonets in combat?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the Vietnam Vet quoted in Chapter 7 choose to leave the army after six tours?

2. As discussed in Chapter 3, what is the emotional advantage of hand grenades?

3. What role does enemy morale play in the choice to kill?

4. What factors contribute to group absolution?

5. In Chapter 7, what comparison does Grossman draw between firing a gun and masturbation?

6. What is surprising about the study cited in Chapter 1 regarding what compels soldiers to shoot?

7. As described in Chapter 2, why are snipers given the cold shoulder in the military?

8. What is punishment justification?

9. In Chapter 4, what philosophical and literary justifications for killing does Grossman cite?

10. What societal and moral tenets cause guilt in an individual who has killed in a war?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the first section of ON KILLING, the author argues that the soldier has more options on a battlefield than simply fight or flight. In an essay, discuss these options and particularly the most common one taken: posture. Firstly, why is fight-or-flight not a legitimate choice in a fight between two humans? What other two options are open to humans in this case? What makes posturing such an attractive option, and how has the development of firearms only improved a soldier's ability to posture?

Essay Topic 2

Much of Grossman's book is dedicated to explaining how the Vietnam War was rifer with psychiatric casualties than any previous war. Write an essay comparing the Vietnam conflict to previous conflicts in several regards. What factors were in play that made it more detrimental to servicemen? What support did they lack, on the whole? In essence, how did these failings manifest themselves, and have they since been addressed?

Part 1) Unit cohesion

Part 2) Mature, experienced leadership

Part 3) Public validation upon return

Essay Topic 3

Early in the book, Grossman admits that he does not think women should work if they have children. Later in the text, he presents arguments that women do more damage in combat than good. Write an essay exploring the author's attitude toward women. What reasons does he cite for women to be left out of combat service? Are these arguments related tot heir abilities in there arena? Are then, in fact, judgments about male soldiers that fight with them? Do these arguments seem to be colored by Grossman's prejudices?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,097 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample