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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 does Lin accept Mr. Motley's proposal?

2. Which of the following is NOT an adjective used to describe Mayor Rudgutter?

3. What does Rudgutter give to Weaver as a bribe?

4. What is the name of the town where Isaac lives?

5. How does the slake moth kill Dr. Barbile?

Short Essay Questions

1. What has changed about Isaac's construct during the time it was away?

2. What type of scientist would Isaac say he is?

3. Why does David find himself in Room 17 of Spit Hearth?

4. What project was Dr. Barbile working on before it was cancelled by the government?

5. What strange trade does Mayor Rudgutter make with the Weaver in exchange for his services?

6. Upon freeing itself from the laboratory, where does the slake moth head, and how do the townspeople react?

7. What is a Cactacae?

8. Who does the mayor reach out to for help when he hears of the slake moth's attacks?

9. What does Derkhan Blueday find out about Benjamin Flex through the help of an outside source?

10. Why does Isaac suddenly set all his winged laboratory creatures free?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At first glance, the slake moths seem unstoppably powerful. First, describe the physicality and hunting style of the slake moths. Then, choose two deaths at the hands of the slake moths and describe them in detail. In your opinion, are slake moths more menacing than any other animal in the wild kingdom? Why or why not? Should the slake moths be villainized, or called "evil", because they are following their instincts? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

In the opening of the novel, China Mieville immediately sets the parameters for the world of New Crobuzon and the rules of life there. First, describe in detail the setting of New Crobuzan and the rules of society life there. Then explain how this introduction prepared you as a reader to engage with the conflicts of the novel. Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

The Vodyanoi are famous in New Crobuzan for making a particular type of artwork. First, describe the type of artwork made by the Vodyanoi, and then explain why only the Vadyanoi are physically equipped to make this type of artwork. Then, describe the piece of artwork that Isaac buys from the Vodyanoi at the opening of the novel. How does this piece of artwork affect his scientific journey for the rest of the novel? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

(see the answer keys)

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