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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. After his collecting exhibition, how does Alec Carrière return to the States?

2. Where in her class did Bianca graduate from college?

3. How does Dr. Grant react when he first sees the sick patients aboard the ships at Grosse Isle?

4. At the end of the story, where does Nora Kynd hope to move to?

5. How old is Zaga when she marries Joel?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What notes does Laughlin make about disease and quarantine while he is working at Grosse Isle?

3. What does Zaga do with Joel's money after his death?

4. Why does Joel often feel that his attention must be divided, between Zaga and someone else?

5. Why are the Marburg sisters so wild?

6. Who is Adam Rowley?

7. What unexpected request does Dr. George Douglas make of Laughlin?

8. Why is Carrière jealous of Wallace?

9. Who is Jemmy Button?

10. What becomes of Carrière's scientific breakthrough, and how does this end result compare to his hopes?

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

How did the parenting style in "The Marburg Sisters" affect the upbringing of Rose and Bianca? How did their father's involvement with the winery affect the girls' childhood? How did the Marburg sisters stay in touch with their parents even after their deaths? What message do you think Barrett is sending to her readers about parenthood through this story? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

In the story "Rare Bird" there are two differing theories about where and how swallows overwinter. First, present the two differing scientific views about the bird behavior, and then discuss at least two experiments performed to prove these theories true or false. In the end, what conclusion did the scientists come to about the bird behavior? What impact did this conclusion have? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

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This section contains 924 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample