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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the main characteristic of the poems, written by the poet mentioned in Chapter 17?

2. According to Orwell, what ideal is at stake in international sports competitions?

3. What does Orwell cite as a reason for the quality of contemporary murder literature?

4. According to Orwell, spring is more noticeable for people in what areas?

5. What do Orwell's readers think Orwell should be focusing on?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Tolstoy criticizes Shakespeare in a variety of ways. Do you agree with any of Tolstoy's criticisms? If so, which ones? What do you think of Orwell's rebuttals for each point made by Tolstoy? Do you believe Tolstoy's claims about how Shakespeare got his reputation, or do you believe that his reputation was earned? How would you respond to the points Tolstoy makes about "King Lear"? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your position.

Essay Topic 2

Orwell claims that the English language is in a state of decline. Do you agree? If so, do you agree that the issues that he mentions are the main cause for this decline? Or are there other, more pressing issues that are causing it? If you disagree, what evidence can you provide to prove that the language is not "in a bad way," as Orwell claims? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your position.

Essay Topic 3

Orwell suggests planting a tree as a form of repentance for sins. Do you agree? What do you think would happen if people began following Orwell's advice? Do you think it is possible to change a bloody legacy with Orwell's form of repentance? Why do you think the historical figures that Orwell names chose to attempt to do so? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your position.

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