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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. Who is with Richard?

2. How does Richard seem when he arrives and notices Nailer is awake?

3. What do the travelers realize when they check their pockets?

4. Who kills Blue Eyes?

5. What does Nailer notice that frightens him?

Short Essay Questions

1. What surprises Nailer when they arrive at the mansion and who does Nailer find inside?

2. How does the Dauntless fall into a trap and what seems to be the best way to get out of it?

3. What is Nailer's and Pima's first view of Orleans?

4. Describe the initial boarding of the Pole Star by the Dauntless crew.

5. Describe the argument between Nita and Tool.

6. Describe the chase scene and the possible consequences.

7. What bothers Nailer the most about his situation with Pima and Nita?

8. What happens when Blue Eyes suddenly wakes and how is Nailer saved?

9. What decision does Nailer make about his father?

10. What ship name does Tool finally recognize and why does Captain Candless decide to chase a different ship?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. In your opinion, what are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss Ship Breaker based upon your criteria for a successful novel and judge if Ship Breaker is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider Ship Breaker a successful novel? What about young teens?

Essay Topic 2

Oftentimes, a book has more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and oftentimes the other way. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character driven? Action driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character driven versus action driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not?

5. What type of plot do you think Ship Breaker is? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 3

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as Ship Breaker help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Ship Breaker? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in Ship Breaker to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

(see the answer keys)

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