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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 type of models has Leebig been working on?

2. What does Gladia say about Jothan Leebig?

3. According to Leebig, how could one get a robot to discipline a child?

4. With what does Anselmo Quemot have difficulty when Baley is there?

5. What does Baley question concerning Daneel?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Leebig refuse to marry and how does this affect his relationship with the Delmarres?

2. What does Klorissa tell Elijah about the fetus lab and what does Elijah suggest to Klorissa?

3. Who is the first person Baley interviews and how does the person respond to Baley being there in person?

4. What does Leebig say about the Delmarres?

5. What does Anselmo suddenly do as Baley is speaking with him?

6. Describe Jothan Leebig.

7. What does Leebig say about the first law of robotics?

8. Why does Leebig get upset during the conversation with Baley?

9. Describe R. Daneel Steel.

10. What is Anselmo 's relationship to Dr. Delmarre?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Lije questions why robots need to appear in the form of human likeness, why not another machine? He also wonders why the authorities are wanting those on Solaria to think R. Daneel is a human being. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think the human form is the most generalized form in all of nature? Why or why not?

2. Do you think the human form is more economical and efficient for robots? Why or why not.

3. Even if the human form is more economical and efficient, why do you think R. Daneel is anatomically correct, even to his genitalia? Does that amount of exactitude serve a purpose? What would that be?

Essay Topic 2

Oftentimes, a book is more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and oftentimes the other way. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character driven? Action driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character driven versus action driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not.

5. What type of plot do you think the The Naked Sun is? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 3

There are a number of interesting questions raised by The Naked Sun--questions that most likely Asimov wanted the readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the author's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Asimov's probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

(see the answer keys)

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