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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Lessing believed the human race to be in _________.
(a) "A terrible mess."
(b) "An expected state."
(c) "Purgatory."
(d) "An inspirational transformation."

2. What position did Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. hold?
(a) Maintenance worker.
(b) Mayor.
(c) Jurist.
(d) Teacher.

3. Lessing referenced a ten-year war of independence that took place in ___________.
(a) Zimbabwe.
(b) Guam.
(c) Mexico.
(d) Chile.

4. How did the whites feel about the blacks in Rhodesia?
(a) Vindictive.
(b) Prejudiced.
(c) Benevolent.
(d) Protective.

5. What was Lessing's concern regarding the application of science on human behavior?
(a) It was not being applied.
(b) The data was faked.
(c) The data was biased.
(d) It was outdated.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why did a member of the striking mine workers go back to work during the strike?

2. What does Lessing believe that humans know?

3. Who was surprised by what happened to the miner who returned to work during the miner's strike?

4. What surprised Lessing regarding human behavior over time?

5. According to Lessing, war causes humans to ____________.

Short Essay Questions

1. How did the ruling class in Rhodesia get others to go along with their beliefs?

2. What ideas do the quotes prior to "When in the Future They Look Back on Us" demonstrate?

3. Lessing believed that if humans could learn from our history, we could change our future in what respect?

4. Why does Lessing consider the age of Arthastra to be significant?

5. Why was Lessing discouraged by the application of behavioral data uncovered through the "soft sciences"?

6. As Lessing looked ahead, how would people of the future feel, considering our lack of ability to change?

7. What did Lessing mean when she said that groups will often "vilify their opposition"?

8. Why did Lessing suggest that strengthening individuality would lead to a better world in the future?

9. Why did Lessing join a communist group in Rhodesia?

10. What is remarkable about the fact that the blacks were treated as second class citizens in Rhodesia?

(see the answer keys)

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