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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. What kind of dog did the people in the third house Beanpole went to for food?

2. Why was the vagrant Will spoke with wearing a fake cap?

3. With what do the boys use to build a raft?

4. How did Will kill the answer to question #10?

5. What is strange about the man who is on the island?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Beanpole think might have happened because the barge was gone?

2. What was Will forced to do in his journey to White Mountain?

3. Why does Moritz become concerned when they stop at a small village?

4. How does Henry feel about missing out on the games?

5. Who elects to stay below deck first and where do they stay?

6. Why are the three friends chosen to compete?

7. How do the boys end up in the river?

8. How did Will and his friends learn about White Mountain?

9. How does Will treat Fritz and how does Fritz respond? How does Will feel about Fritz's response?

10. What does Beanpole suggest might be a good way to get downriver?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze one major theme of THE CITY OF GOLD AND LEAD. Consider the following: How does one character's actions portray the theme you are analyzing? How does the setting contribute to that theme? Is the theme one that you would call a "universal theme?" If so, what other book or novel that you have read also includes this theme. If not, why don't you think it is a "universal" theme?

2. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of THE CITY OF GOLD AND LEAD. How does one character's actions portray the themes you are analyzing? How does the setting contribute to those themes? Is each theme one that you would call a "universal theme?" If so, what other book or novel that you have read also includes this theme. If not, why don't you think it is a "universal" theme?

3. What benefit is there in discussing and analyzing the themes of a work of fiction? Do you think most authors consciously develop themes in their works? Why or why not? Can there be accidental themes? What do you think is one possible "accidental" theme in THE CITY OF GOLD AND LEAD? Which theme in THE CITY OF GOLD AND LEAD speaks to you the most in your life? Why?

Essay Topic 2

In the world of academe, science fiction is often considered an inferior form of the novel compared to "classic" literature. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think science fiction might be considered second-rate compared to the classics?

2. Do you think science fiction has the same elements as the classics? Why or why not?

3. What are the purposes do you think for people reading "the classics"? What are the purposed for people reading science fiction? Is one purpose better than another? Explain your response.

4. Would you read science fiction even outside an educational setting? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

The boys steal Hans' boat and Will learns a lesson in human compassion as he sees the desperation in Hans' face when Hans realizes he cannot stop them from leaving with his only means to reach the nearby village. Will is touched and will remember that moment for the rest of his life, suggesting some character growth from this event. Discuss one of the following questions:

1. What is compassion? How is compassion shown? Why might Will learn compassion from watching Hans? Use examples from the book to support your answer.

2. What is the difference between compassion and pity? Discuss the implications of feeling pity versus feeling compassion. Use examples from the book to support your answer.

3. How did feeling compassion for Hans help Will grow? Compassion is generally associated with mature individuals. Do you think Will's growth made him more mature? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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