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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. How do the Canopeans view the 20th century?

2. What do some Canopeans believe should be done with Shikasta?

3. What do the Canopean emissaries sometimes do?

4. What concept are the Giants unable to understand?

5. What is the fourth individual's nickname?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Johor notice about the Natives upon his return to Shikasta after 30,000 years?

2. How is Shikasta described at the beginning of the novel?

3. How are the shells of Shikasta organized?

4. What happens to the Giants when Shikasta is cut off from the Lock?

5. What is the "Age of Ideology"?

6. What period of Shikastan history is covered by the reports in Chapter 9?

7. What information is given in Chapter 6 about the Shammat transmitter on Shikasta?

8. What is said about religion in Chapter 10?

9. What is said in Chapter 8 regarding World War II?

10. How did individual eight's life end?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

SOWF, or Substance of We-Feeling, is a powerful force in life on Shikasta. What does this substance do? What effect does it have on the Natives, Giants and Canopeans? What happens to them when they are cut off from this substance? Why? Why do some Shikastans have a better ability to receive this substance than others? What can they do to improve their SOWF-receiving abilities? Be sure to cite specific examples from the book to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 2

Johor has to choose a new family before he incarnates. How does he narrow down the potential choices? Which two families are his final choices? What are the potential advantages of each family? Why does he choose the family he ultimately does? Be sure to cite specific examples from the book to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

Johor states that Shikasta's very nature makes it chaotic. Why is Shikasta such a chaotic place? What happens when it is cut off from the Lock? How is the connection with the Lock restored? What happens afterward? Why do Canopeans dislike going to Shikasta? Why is it so different from what they are used to? Be sure to cite specific examples from the book to support your thesis.

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