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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. What is CSICOP?

2. Who is Shirley MacLaine?

3. What nation is the best-entertained nation on Earth?

4. According to Benjamin Franklin, what does every age have?

5. How did Albert Einstein describe Linus Pauling?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798.

2. How did Edward Teller react to the theory on nuclear winter?

3. What advantage does the idea of the afterlife give a society?

4. What is the story of Frederick Bailey?

5. Describe the response that Carl Sagan's article in Parade magazine received from readers?

6. How is the baloney detection kit used in this chapter?

7. How are scientists generally portrayed on television?

8. According to Sagan, why do we stereotype?

9. What negative traits sometimes exist in skeptics?

10. What is the distinction between science and 'shamanism' or religious doctrine?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay that compares and contrasts accounts of demonic encounters/possession with that of alien abduction. Be sure to address:

1) The psychological factors inherent in the cases.

2) The role both still play in culture and society.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay that argues for or against the censorship of Carl Sagan's ideas based upon their potential to offend readers. Be sure to address:

1) Any concerns regarding freedom of speech/expression, including their limits.

2) Whether or not Sagan's views offend you.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay that attempts to resolve the conflict between science and religion. Be sure to address:

1) Any groups or conflicts that are either resistant to resolution or impossible to resolve.

2) Any internal conflicts you have regarding science and faith, and how they can be resolved.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 833 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample