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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 suggests that deep down, many gardeners see themselves as ________ transforming compost, water, and light into beauty.

2. The _________ in the potato is what causes it to produce its own pest killing chemicals, keeping other chemicals from being necessary.

3. ______ present in species such as the wild parsnip cause the animals that eat it to burn in the sun.

4. The new potato called "NewLeaf" has been genetically engineered in order to produce its own ______________.

5. Peruvian legend has it that _____ are associated with the discovery of quinine through eating the bark of the cinchona tree.

Short Essay Questions

1. How does one begin to grow potatoes, according to Pollan in the book?

2. What is the status of marijuana use and growing in Amsterdam, according to Pollan in his book?

3. What are some of the intoxicants and ingredients for intoxicants which Pollan admits to growing in his garden now?

4. What has been the recurrent theme about plants which are forbidden by others? What are they supposed to provide?

5. What are the various ingredients which might be used in witches' spells?

6. What is the rationale that Pollan gives for growing pot as he decides to do when it is not as much of a legal issue?

7. What does genetic engineering promise to do for the crops which are growing with these modifications?

8. After a few days of drenching rain, what did the NewLeaf potato plants look like in Pollan's garden?

9. Compare and contrast the tastes of plants which are supposed to be eaten with those which are not supposed to be eaten.

10. What might have happened if the police chief had seen the marijuana plant in Pollan's backyard?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At one point, Pollan points out that the tulip offers no nutritional value, while the fruit and the seeds provide sustenance.

Part 1: Why do you think Pollan included such a contradiction in this book?

Part 2: Do you think that Pollan's contradiction causes his book to be less valuable to a reader?

Part 3: Do you think it's possible to create a book without contradicting one's self?

Essay Topic 2

Pollan tries to assign gender qualities to flowers, as some are seen as feminine and others as masculine.

Part 1: Why do you think it is important to assign gender qualities to flowers?

Part 2: What is the purpose of assigning certain flowers to certain gender labels?

Part 3: Do you agree with the assignment of genders to flowers? What do you think this does to the discussion of flowers?

Essay Topic 3

Pollan's main idea is that plants have shaped human evolution just as much as humans have shaped plant evolution.

Part 1: In what ways do you think plants have helped to shape human evolution?

Part 2: In what ways do you think humans have helped to shape plant evolution?

Part 3: Do you think humans or plants are responsible for more change for the other species? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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