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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. According to the book, cannabis is now America's leading _______ with sinsemilla selling for upwards of $500 an ounce.

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

3. The book states that although marijuana cultivation is driven to some extent by money, the underlying principle is that of ______.

4. What kind of storm took place in December of 1999, causing the gardens of Versailles to be ruined?

5. In order to reduce time and energy spent on growing male sinsemilla plants which are useless, growers started ______.

Short Essay Questions

1. Why are cats so drawn to catnip, according to the research that Pollan does after seeing how his cat response to using this herb?

2. What are some of the possible genetically modified food advances people might see in the future, according to Pollan?

3. What was going on at the time of Pollan's visit to Amsterdam for research for this book?

4. What did Heath have to say about Pollan's question about pest resistance to the chemicals the potatoes are designed to produce?

5. As the various lands in Europe began to rely on the potato, what were the positive benefits of this situation?

6. What parts of the marijuana plant are supposed to be smoked?

7. What happens to the animal in the wild who decides to eat hallucinogens and thus takes in the toxins of these plants?

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

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

10. What does Pollan believe the experience of the sublime has to do with the experience of nature?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

While the Potato Famine was devastating, one could say it helped to shape modern day American society.

Part 1: Why do you think the Potato Famine changed the U.S. society and population?

Part 2: What might have happened if the Potato Famine had never occurred?

Part 3: Do you think the Potato Famine was necessary in order for the United States to become a success?

Essay Topic 2

The idea of tulipomania is one which seems to be silly and yet completely true at the same time.

Part 1: Why do you think so many people gravitated to the tulip?

Part 2: What are your impressions of the tulip? Do you find it beautiful?

Part 3: How do you think a flower can become a part of a craze in the world? Does this seem like a necessary situation?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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