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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 fact that Prendergast had one chamber in his empty gun show about him?

2. What does American want its cities to be after the fair?

3. Holmes believes he is taking on the characteristics of __________.

4. Where does the British navy boat sink?

5. Where does Geyer think Howard died?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Burnham not listen to advice from Olmsted?

2. Why does Burnham have to raise attendance?

3. What is Holmes's plan in the Independence Day chapter?

4. What tragedy occurs in the Rising Wave chapter?

5. What do the police find in Holmes' hotel?

6. What happens to the Ferris Wheel during the windstorm?

7. What happens to George Ferris?

8. What does McKim write in his letter in the Departures chapter?

9. Describe the first test runs with the Ferris Wheel.

10. What do Minnie and Anna see at the fair?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Look at the structure of the novel.

1) How does Larson use character and dialogue to drive the narrative?

2) Discuss elements of the narrative structure: exposition, conflict, complication, climax, resolution and conclusion. Do all the elements make for a logical and linear story? How does the story's structure express the novel's themes?

3) Away from the main characters, examine the way Larson uses the other characters in the story. When does he introduce and take them away from the story? What effect does it have on the story?

Essay Topic 2

What potential problems does Burnham face? What is the worst problem and how can he solve it? Is Burnham the right man for the job and, if so, why is he the right man?

Essay Topic 3

Examine Burnham's role in making the Exposition a success.

1) Should Burnham should be regarded as a hero for how he persevered with the Exposition?

2) What role did the other workers play in the success? What do the students think would have happened if Burnham had given up?

3) How important is a leader to such an effort?

(see the answer keys)

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