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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 happened at the first house on whose door Beanpole knocked for food?

2. What do the boys realize by lunch time?

3. Why did Will, Henry, and Beanpole travel together?

4. How does the man on the island feel about the Tripods?

5. Why are the boys having a difficult time beaching the raft?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do the boys get away from the man?

2. How did the boys sleep that night and how do they wake up?

3. What does Julius say about the plan for the boys?

4. What does Will see on his first day on deck and how does he feel about it?

5. What does the person the boys see do and what do they ask him?

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

7. How do the boys implement Beanpole's idea?

8. How do Will and Beanpole get food as they walk and what idea does Beanpole have about getting food? How did that work out for them?

9. Why do the boys want to win in their sporting event?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

THE CITY OF GOLD AND LEAD, like many, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on an essentially, happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why? not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of THE CITY OF GOLD AND LEAD and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why THE CITY OF GOLD AND LEAD is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Though this novel is probably more action driven rather than character driven, obviously there are several characters who make the novel what it is. Discuss one of the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Will and Fritz. Include their goals, sense of honor, abilities, and social skills.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Fritz and Beanpole.

3. Thoroughly analyze the character of Will discussing both his strong and weak points and how both affect the outcome of the plot.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast Will's world to that of "real" life. What are the advantages to each world? The disadvantages?

2. In which world would you rather live in if you wanted adventure and danger? Explain your response.

3. Discuss what you believe are the necessary information to have if you are going to create a world that doesn't exist.

4. Create an imaginary world and discuss what you would have the various institutions of the world be like. For example, the government, education, health care, religion, etc.

(see the answer keys)

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