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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. The author mentions that when he met Rabalais, he wore what in his pocket?
(a) Checkered bandana.
(b) Silver pocket watch.
(c) Red bandana.
(d) Gold pocket watch.

2. In 1928, Congress enacts the Flood Control Act to start what?
(a) Mississippi River and Tributaries Project.
(b) Rivers, Tributaries, and Levees Effort.
(c) Atchafalaya River and Levees Project.
(d) Old and New Rivers Effort.

3. What does Major General Thomas Sands do each year on the Mississippi in late summer or early fall?
(a) Takes a Low Water Inspection Trip.
(b) Hosts the Water Recreation Festival.
(c) Conducts Homeland Security military exercises.
(d) Trains new U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recruits.

4. This book is a:
(a) Historical nonfiction novel.
(b) Traditional history textbook.
(c) Traditional science textbook.
(d) Science fiction novel.

5. In the early days of New Orleans, residents build their homes on what?
(a) Sand piles.
(b) Concrete risers.
(c) Natural levees.
(d) Metal bridges.

Short Answer Questions

1. During high spring waters, what danger forms unseen beneath turbulent waters at the outflow to the Atchafalaya?

2. What is a weir?

3. The livelihood of approximately how many people is affected by the Old River Control?

4. On General Sand's floating conference boat, Oliver Houck is the only board member who is active in what?

5. After the U.S. Army Corps takes control of the Atchafalaya, Old Cajun bayou life is:

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain who thinks the Old River Control project is an arrogant enterprise, and why they think this.

2. What are some of the predominant problems in the regions populated near the Atchafalaya and Mississippi rivers?

3. Throughout the 1700s and 1800s, what did people in southern Louisiana do to protect their communities and land against floods?

4. Explain what the author says about Old Cajun bayou life in the Atchafalaya region after the Corps took control.

5. The Old River Control project began operating in 1963. What happens ten years later?

6. What are some of the main points the author tries to make through this work of historical nonfiction?

7. What is Major General Sands' concluding thoughts regarding the Old River Control Structure?

8. What is James B. Eads' contribution to the Mississippi River?

9. Congress enacts the Flood Control Act in 1928 to launch the Mississippi River and Tributaries Project. What is done through this project?

10. Describe Major General Thomas Sands' annual Low Water Inspection Trip along the Mississippi River.

(see the answer keys)

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