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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. In feet, how long is the towboat Mississippi?

2. Of the Old River Control Project, LeRoy Dugas, also known as Dugie, is what initially?

3. During the fifty years between New Orleans' floods of 1735 and 1785, what does the author say brings a false sense of security against flooding?

4. The author states that how much of New Orleans lies fifteen feet below sea level?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the goal of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with regards to the Atchafalya and Mississippi rivers?

2. Why does the author state that ever since the Corps took control of the Atchafalaya, the river's name means "collision" to him?

3. 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.

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

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

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

7. Describe some of the challenges New Orleans faces because of its geographical location.

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Using one of the three main stories covered in the book, write about and expand upon the following concepts, supporting your ideas with plenty of examples:

1. The arrogance of people trying to control nature.

2. The compassion and concern of people trying to protect communities against forces of nature.

3. The humility of those who try to protect communities while realizing that nature is stronger.

Essay Topic 2

In "Los Angeles Against The Mountains," the Genofile family decides to rebuild on their steep mountain property even after an enormous debris flow barrels through their house, endangering their lives.

1. Describe the pros and cons of rebuilding at this same location. Do you feel Bob Genofile made the right decision to rebuild here? Why or why not?

2. Do you think the monetary award the family received from the county is fair compensation? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

1. Why do people begin to settle in the Atchafalaya-Mississippi region? How do these communities go from being small settlements to large cities that support many important industries?

2. What brings newcomers to the Los Angeles County region where the coastal plains meet the mountains? How do the communities in this region grow and transform over time?

3. Keeping in mind the costs and resources involved, do you feel that protecting the communities in southern Louisiana and in southern California is worthwhile? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,061 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample