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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. About how many maps did Feather collect?

2. Where was Harry hired as a valet once?

3. In Poland during World War II, what percent of the books in the country were destroyed?

4. At the time the book was written, about how many firefighter arsonists were arrested every year?

5. When did Harry Peak die?

Short Essay Questions

1. What book did Orlean burn and how did she describe the process?

2. Who was C.J. Moon?

3. What had to be done after the fire was put out?

4. What was the Career Onlie High School (COHS)?

5. What jobs did Harry have in Los Angeles?

6. What did Harry Peak's parents do for a lviing, and what type of family did they have?

7. Who was Harry Omer Peak?

8. What were the first two libraries like in Los Angeles?

9. What had to be done with the books that were wet?

10. Why did Arin Kasparian start working at the library, and how did it change his goals for a career?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Much of the library fire arson investigation was based on assumptions. When was the first scientifically-based report released on how to examine fires? Why were arson cases mostly based on assumptions before that time? How did assumption lead to wrongful convictions and how might assumption have led to Harry’s arrest?

Essay Topic 2

Orlean referred to arson as a perfect crime. Why was it so difficult to solve a case of arson? Why might it be considered a perfect crime?

Essay Topic 3

Orlean’s mother introduced her early to libraries. What was Orlean’s experience with libraries throughout her life? Why did her definition of a library change while she was researching for the book?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,069 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample