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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. The book states that the presence of flowers is a reliable predictor of future _____ and therefore was important to humans in the past.

2. According to the book, the tulip is said to have the consciousness of _______, evoking clarity and order.

3. Since Appleseed raised his trees from seed, most of the fruit was not suitable for _______.

4. Johnny Appleseed was famous or infamous for wearing a _______ around wherever he went.

5. The book compares tulips in fields to ______ or lipsticks, merely flashes of bright color on the horizon.

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the colors and the shapes of flowers designed to do, according to some scientists?

2. What is connection between the plants in the book and their impact on the human society and vice-versa?

3. What happens as a result of having perfect symmetry in a flower, according to Pollan's writing in the book?

4. What are some of the effects of the chemicals within plants which begin the argument that plants might be designed to change humans?

5. What happens as a result of the different environments in which a flower might be able to grow?

6. Why does Johnny Appleseed not stay in Brilliant when the people ask him to do so?

7. What is the main reason why the apple is presented in a book about the idea of desire? How does the apple relate to desire?

8. Why does Chapman not want to have anything to do with the grafting of apple trees in order to breed certain strains?

9. What is the aim of Pollan's book in terms of how it talks about the relationship between Man and Nature?

10. Why did Pollan plant tulip bulbs when he was a child, according to his own reflections?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The apple is somewhat mythic, showing up in the Bible as well as in a number of other stories and media sources.

Part 1: Why is the apple such a desirable fruit in the stories?

Part 2: Do you think another fruit might have been suitable in the story of Adam and Eve? Which fruit?

Part 3: How do you think the apple's appeal might have changed had it not been used in stories and myths?

Essay Topic 2

This book, "The Botany of Desire," is generally listed as a Nature and Gardening book, though this does not seem to be its only application.

Part 1: Why do you think this book is labeled as being a Nature and Gardening book?

Part 2: Do you agree with the idea that this should be labeled as a Nature and Gardening book? What other labels might apply?

Part 3: How do you think the book's message is perceived by those who are merely reading for the Nature and Gardening aspect?

Essay Topic 3

While the potato is easy to grow, it became a plant of vital importance as Ireland rebounded from the Potato Famine.

Part 1: Why do you think the potato famine was so devastating to Ireland?

Part 2: Do you think it's wise for any country to rely strictly on one crop for its food supply?

Part 3: How do you think Ireland could have avoided the devastation they encountered during the famine?

(see the answer keys)

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