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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 does the fortune-teller say to a client in Sagan's favorite cartoon?

2. What is taboo in all societies?

3. What can be found at the source of a cholera epidemic?

4. What is there so such thing as?

5. What sport does Carl Sagan like?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the difference between science and faith healing?

2. What did James Clerk Maxwell achieve?

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

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

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

6. What lessons can be learned from the legal system and applied to matters of politics, economics, religion, and ethics?

7. What negative traits sometimes exist in skeptics?

8. What is the story of Frederick Bailey?

9. What is Carl Sagan's favorite sport? Why?

10. According to Sagan, what is 'perhaps the greatest museum exhibit?' What does it not have?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay describing the so-called face on Mars, and what we can learn from its example. Be sure to address:

1) Any possibility that the face is real.

2) What the controversy surrounding the face demonstrates about human nature.

3) Why humans would want to believe in a real face on Mars.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay that tells the story of a scientist who has shown exceptional courage and bravery in standing by their claims and research.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay that explains why science is important for young students. Be sure to address:

1) Benefits of an early scientific education.

2) Possible negative effects of not having an early exposure to science.

3) Strategies for making science fun for youngsters.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 821 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample