View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Harv decide to produce for his sister, Nell, on the matter compiler?

2. After Nell and Harv escape to the Leased Territories, why can't they meet up with Harv's friends?

3. What does Judge Fang notice about the hat that was recovered from a recent robbery?

4. What advice does Carl Hollywood give to Miranda after she expresses concern about her role in Nell's Primer?

5. When Hackworth visits the office of Dr. X, where does Dr. X forage for mites?

Short Essay Questions

1. In "Judge Fang Pays a Visit to the Celestial Kingdom," why is the conversation between Judge Fang and Dr. X vague and inconcrete?

2. Compare Judge Fang's treatment of the young boy on trial in "A Young Hooligan before the Court of Judge Fang" with his treatment of Bud earlier in the novel.

3. Describe the emotional state of Hackworth in "Hackworth's Morning Ruminations".

4. As explained in "Miranda Takes an Interest in an Anonymous Client," how does Nell's interaction with her Primer differ from that of other children?

5. In "Particulars of Nell's Domestic Situation," what happens when Harv brings home a scrap of woven fabric he found by the sea?

6. In "Hackworth Departs from Shanghai," what special reason does Hackworth have for giving a copy of the Primer to Fiona?

7. In "Nell's Further Experiences with the Primer," how does the Primer reveal its ability to empathize with Nell and adapt to her needs?

8. Describe the birthday party of Princess Charlotte in "A Visit from Royalty," and explain how it further describes one aspect of nanotechnology.

9. In "Bud Is Prosecuted," how does the trial and sentencing of Bud illuminate the Confucian system of justice that Judge Fang follows?

10. In "Miranda's Reactions to the Evening's Events," what selfless act does Dinosaur perform and why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the impact of nanotechnology on the environment in the latter twenty-first century. Include mentions of Source Victoria, the Feed, the security measures protecting Atlantis/Shanghai, recyclers, toner, and the lack of agriculture due to matter compilers.

Essay Topic 2

Who is the protagonist in "The Diamond Age"? Who is the antagonist? Is there more than one protagonist or antagonist? What are the qualities that sets each of them apart and suits them for their roles?

Essay Topic 3

Track the gradually developing mother/daughter relationship between Miranda and Nell as it grows throughout the novel by way of the Primer, culminating in Nell's rescue of Miranda using skills she learned from the Primer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,149 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample