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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 the last name of the one male reporter to die of pneumonia?

2. Who is the town's first choice for dictator?

3. What church is the Rev. David Beale in charge of that is one of the places housing flood refugees?

4. Which of the following rumors was not mentioned after the flood?

5. What does Rev. Chapman see rolling past him at 4 p.m. in Chapter 5?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Victor Heiser described when the wave reaches his family's property?

2. What happens to a man and two women seen riding a barn roof in Chapter 6?

3. What is the nature of Pitcairn's second message to Pittsburgh?

4. What is the nature of the stories spread by the city lieutenant in regards to the Hungarian immigrants?

5. What does William Tice witness near the end of Chapter 5?

6. Describe the donations made to Johnstown from other cities.

7. What are some of the efforts made by the townsfolk in regards to helping the flood survivors in Chapter 7?

8. What do the journalists from Pittsburgh do when they arrive in Bolivar?

9. How does the author describe the sightseers at the flood site?

10. How are the first arrivals of supply carts described?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the role of technology during the flood. What are some of the technological advances that could have helped the people of Johnstown to survive the flood? Did they make proper use of these measures?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the author's portrayal of social class in Johnstown. What role did the wealthy play in the town? What about the poor?

Essay Topic 3

Examine the townsfolk of Johnstown's initial response to the flood. What does this say about their mentality regarding the flood? What reasons did they have for reacting this way?

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