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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When LeGuin mentions several inventions that have yet to be created, what is NOT an object she mentions?
(a) Floating light sources.
(b) A cure for the common cold.
(c) Fuel-less power.
(d) A network of surveillance cameras.

2. LeGuin does NOT use what adjective to describe the adults of Omelas?
(a) Intelligent.
(b) Passionate.
(c) Compassionate.
(d) Mature.

3. The birds mentioned in the first line of the story are taking what action?
(a) Singing.
(b) Roosting.
(c) Chirping.
(d) Soaring.

4. Le Guin states that what human expression has become "archaic" (3) in the modern age?
(a) A smirk.
(b) A smile.
(c) A grimace.
(d) A frown.

5. The sky on the day described in Paragraph 1 is said to be what color?
(a) Periwinkle.
(b) Deep blue.
(c) Light blue.
(d) Dark blue.

Short Answer Questions

1. LeGuin insists that she does not want Omelas to resemble a what?

2. What verb is used to describe the moving of the processions throughout Omelas?

3. LeGuin states that the most important aspect of the hypothetical drug chosen for Omelas is that it must not be what?

4. What aspect of law enforcement does LeGuin say Omelas lacks?

5. What element of Omelas does LeGuin describe as "magnificent" (3)?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe an instance when the narrator directly engages with the reader of the story.

2. After the narrator states that Omelas sounds "like a city in a fairy tale," (3) what action does she suggest the reader take?

3. What elements of technology does the narrator mention existing within her picture of Omelas?

4. What is the second question asked within Paragraph 2 and how does it contrast with the story so far?

5. What types of elements are not found within Omelas, according to the narrator?

6. The narrator at one point worries that what elements of her portrait of Omelas will make it seem too "goody-goody" (3) for the reader?

7. How do the processions that include Omelas's livelier residents differ from other processions?

8. What is LeGuin's purpose in describing the horses' minimal gear?

9. What event is taking place at the start of the story "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas"?

10. LeGuin sees what kind of danger in modern society's method of perceiving evil?

(see the answer keys)

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