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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. Whose spirit do the girls conjure up in their first seance?

2. Where is Dr. Grant sent in the hopes of gaining funding for Grosse Isle?

3. How long are Zaga and Joel married before he passes away?

4. Which of Zaga's relatives was acquatinted with Charles Darwin?

5. Which island did Jemmy Button come from?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do the Marburg sisters cope with their father's death?

2. Why did Joel want to marry Zaga and how does he treat his new wife?

3. During the time that Adam Rowley is away, what does Laughlin spend his time discussing with Rowely's wife, Susannah?

4. Why are the Marburg sisters so wild?

5. What unusual pet did Carrière keep for a short time while in the Malay Archipelago, and what happened to this unusual pet?

6. In the opening pages of "Soroche" what does the reader learn about Zaga's character?

7. What scientific breakthrough does Carrière make in the biologic world?

8. What happened to Alec Carrière on his way home from Brazil?

9. How does Rose's life change in the wake of her father's death?

10. What school subject do the Marburg sisters excel in, and how does this shape their adulthood?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the story "The Littoral Zone" Jonathan and Ruby meet under unique circumstances. How do the two scientists meet? What is their initial reaction to one another, and how does that reaction change over time? By the end of the story, what is the state of Jonathan and Ruby's relationship? Do you think they are happy with the outcome? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

In the story "The English Pupil" the main character is a retired scientist on the cusp of death. What concerns does Carl Linnaeus have about his legacy after death? What major symbolism can be found in the story to support the theme of personal legacy? How do Linnaeus' relationships - both familial and academic - support the themes created through imagery? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

All throughout his life in the story "Birds with no Feet" scientist Carrière has been faced with many personal setbacks. First, create a timeline chronicling the setbacks that affected Carrière's career. Then, describe Carrière's reaction to these setbacks and how explain how Carrière's reaction compares / contrasts to his idol, Wallace's reactions. Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 949 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample