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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 the 1800s, why do levee districts and boards form in Louisiana?

2. For how many years after the Old River Control begins does the operation appear to be successful?

3. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers develops a plan to do what?

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

5. When floodwaters cover twenty-six thousand square miles in 1927, how is New Orleans saved?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Who is Henry Shreve, and what does he do?

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

4. Explain how the Mississippi River forms Louisiana over many centuries.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

John McPhee shows how man works hard to control nature in an attempt to protect communities and economic centers.

1. Using one of the three main stories covered in "The Control of Nature," show how man is in conflict with nature.

2. Do people's efforts to redirect or tame natural forces solve problems or make them worse? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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