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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 first coins in history were created around what year?

2. Harari uses a discussion of the coin termed "the millares" (173) to illustrate what principle?

3. Empires are noted as "one of the main reasons for the drastic reduction in" (190) what?

4. What does Harari NOT list among the "premodern traditions of knowledge" he discusses?

5. The sum total of banknotes and coins existing in the world, according to Harari, is what?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Yuval Noah Harari define culture and what does he assert about its mutability?

2. What evidence does Harari provide for his assertion that "the practices of empire-builders were entangled with those of scientists"? (296)

3. What distinction does Harari make between biological poverty and social poverty?

4. What is the author's view of the existence of an authentic, pure, and untouched culture?

5. For what purpose does Harari include the painting called Franklin's Experiment within the chapter entitled The Discovery of Ignorance?

6. What are the two broad features of history that Harari uses to determine why culture developed as it did?

7. What connections does Harari draw among capitalism, modern science, and the emergence of European imperialism?

8. What does Harari see as the significance of the First Millennium BC?

9. What is Harari's message regarding people's tendency to discriminate against outsiders?

10. What is Harari's view of how the Cook expedition marked a turning point within European history?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does the author use sensory details in order to paint a vivid portrait of the historical and sociological events depicted within Yuval Noah Harari's book Sapiens? Discuss at least two passages that include extensive use of sensory details and pull quotes from these passages to support your claim.

Essay Topic 2

Read the interview with the author included in the back of Yuval Noah Harari's book Sapiens. Write an essay explaining the connection between one of the author’s answers and a major theme presented within the text.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the use of Biblical allusions within Yuval Noah Harari's book Sapiens.

(see the answer keys)

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