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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 does Nailer bring to be with him?

2. How does Richard wound Nailer?

3. What surprises Nailer about the place where he leads the men?

4. How does Nailer respond to his father?

5. What does Tool decide to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Nailer learn immediately upon awakening?

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

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. What do they learn from Tool about Nita's kidnapping?

6. What does Nailer learn about Nita's would-be rescuers?

7. How do Richard's and Nailer's perceptions of the situation differ?

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

9. What does Nailer do after Richard passes out of sight and why does Nita not seem too worried?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Nailer and Richard. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Nita and Pima. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in Ship Breaker help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

Essay Topic 2

The religion of the jungle is deeply explored with almost every character having an opinion about the Luck that has been bestowed on Nailer.

1. Do you think humans will always make up religion in some form whenever they are in a group? Why or why not? Use examples from your own life and Ship Breaker to support your reasoning.

2. Discuss the ways in which Nailer's life was influenced by what he considers to be balance? Use examples from your own life and Ship Breaker to support your reasoning.

3. Discuss the reasons you think so many dangerous organizations came out of what was obviously an apocalyptic event in the world. Use examples from your own life and Ship Breaker to support your reasoning.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of Ship Breaker, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in Ship Breaker. (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not? Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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