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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. How long can chemicals remain in the soil to which they are applied?

2. _____________ hurts the soil on a virtually permanent basis, according to Carson.

3. What did the earthworms dine on that infected them with DDT?

4. Wildlife biologists and forestry experts __________ the mass killings of so much life.

5. DDT seems to be able to be stored in the __________ tissues of the body.

Short Essay Questions

1. What do the mitochondria of cells do within the body?

2. What was the immediate and devastating result of the spraying of the land for Dutch Elm Disease?

3. What is seawater not able to be used for on the Earth?

4. What were some of the lies the government told about the fire any population?

5. What does Carson say the major public health problems used to be caused by?

6. How does Carson think weeds are defined by most people in today's world?

7. What kinds of trees are in the forests described in this chapter?

8. What is happening to insects, even though there have been mass applications of chemicals to get rid of them?

9. What happens to the liver when it processes chemicals in the body?

10. What is the 'window' that is referred to in the title of this chapter of the book?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The world that Carson describes in the beginning of "Silent Spring" is one that provokes several reactions from readers.

Part 1: Describe the first world that Carson envisions in the first chapter of the book.

Part 2: How does the world change as the description continues on?

Part 3: Why does Carson use this description in the beginning of the book?

Essay Topic 2

Carson offers solutions to the troubles of 'weeds' and insects as well, not just a litany of troubles that are being caused by man's need for control.

Part 1: What are some ways Carson says one could naturally control the spread of 'weeds'?

Part 2: What are some of the ways Carson suggests to control insects that are unwanted in a particular area?

Part 3: Doesn't any form of control harm the environment? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Life is something that has existed for millions of years, but the introduction of humans has altered the way life has changed.

Part 1: What does Carson have to say about the way humans have affected the world around them?

Part 2: What does Carson say about how the environment generally interacts with itself?

Part 3: What does Carson mean by the idea that "life does not have the luxury of time?"

(see the answer keys)

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