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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. Heimaey is about the same size as:

2. Vestmannaeyjar holds how much of Iceland's total population?

3. How does Sigurdur Steinthorsson monitor volcanic gases during the 1973 eruption?

4. On January 23, 1973, the five thousand residents of Heimaey, the only populated island of Vestmannaeyjar, are threatened by what?

5. The oldest parts of Iceland are how old?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the "City Flow?"

2. What role does Magnus Magnusson play during the 1973 volcanic eruptions in Heimaey?

3. Describe how workers are able to walk upon lava fields as they try to cool down the lava on Heimaey in 1973.

4. How do residents of Heimaey benefit from the cooling but still hot lava after the 1973 eruptions?

5. How old are the oldest parts of Hawaii and Iceland?

6. What is threatened in Heimaey as a result of the unexpected volcanic eruption of 1973?

7. How do the working crews stop the large chunk of mountain from crashing into Heimaey's town and port?

8. Who is Thorbjorn Sigurgeirsson, and what idea does he come up with?

9. Describe how Heimaey residents are evacuated following the eruptions that begin unexpectedly in 1973.

10. Describe work crews' first attempts at cooling off the lava flows of Heimaey in 1973.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast how residents of Hawaii and residents of Iceland handle the challenges that come from living on volcanic lands.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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This section contains 872 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample