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

2. The writing on Dugie's belt buckle reads:
(a) To serve nature and protect man.
(b) To conquer nature and advance humanity.
(c) To tame the wild Atchafalaya.
(d) To help control the Mississippi.

3. What is the author's role in this book?
(a) Passive observer.
(b) Trained scientist.
(c) Investigative reporter.
(d) Influential politician.

4. The author states that how much of New Orleans lies fifteen feet below sea level?
(a) One quarter.
(b) Half.
(c) All of it.
(d) Ten percent.

5. In New Orleans' earliest days, French settlers begin to live there despite the fact that the area:
(a) Belongs to Spain.
(b) Has practically no solid ground.
(c) Is full of poisonous snakes.
(d) Is plagued by giant storms on a weekly basis.

Short Answer Questions

1. In the 1800s, swamps in Louisiana are drained and used as what?

2. Congress mandates that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers survey the Mississippi and tributaries in order to assure and improve what?

3. In 1973, what happens to the Old River Control structure despite engineers drilling it and filling it with cement?

4. What is a weir?

5. What does the author say happens in the area of the Atchafalaya River in the spring of 1973?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the Old River Control project developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers?

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

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

4. Name some of the companies and industries that are attracted to the regions in and around Baton Rouge and New Orleans as these communities develop.

5. In the 1700s, why did people settle in New Orleans and surrounding areas despite the region clearly being a floodplain?

6. Describe what McPhee writes about Morgan City, Louisiana.

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

8. In 1927, what happened to the region of the Mississippi River during the great flood?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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