View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Believing natural disasters were sent by God is an example of what?

2. Why would Dillard say some trees are like body builders?

3. How large might a root system for winter rye grass plant grow?

4. When moving towards a muskrat, how does one keep from scaring it?

5. At the end of the book, Dillard walks with two words in her mind. What are they?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In this first section of chapter ten, which is titled "Fecundity," Dillard ponders the difference between the excess of plants versus that of animals. Throughout the book she has discussed various ways in which some creatures procreate. She also writes about human reaction to the proliferation of plants versus animals, especially insects. Discuss at least three of the animals Dillard has mentioned and their reproductive methods. Why do you think humans would find overwhelming plant reproduction less repugnant than animal reproduction?

Essay Topic 2

In the final chapter of the book, the reader can see that in attempting to understand the natural world, the author is attempting to understand its creator. How does Dillard blend her observations of the natural world with what becomes of her beliefs in a creator? Use some of her writing to illustrate your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

"Seeing," is the title of chapter two because the author realizes that in order to first discover and then understand, she must be able to see. What does Dillard mean by "seeing?" Is that different than "looking?" If you looked at an object would you call "seeing" it one thing and "looking" at it another? Why? What would the difference be?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 391 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample