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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. In Chapter 9, what does the author say is the IRS' biggest strength?

2. What type of psychic is Claude?

3. Who is meant to review the interviews in Chapter 14?

4. In Chapter 5, how do other people react to the man?

5. How does the author represent questions during the interviews in Chapter 14?

Short Essay Questions

1. What types of information does the author provide via interview in Chapter 14?

2. What is the purpose of Chapter 11?

3. How could the interview in Chapter 21 be described?

4. In Chapter 19, what seems to be the favored solution to what is wrong with America?

5. In Chapter 13, what problem does the main character suffer from?

6. In Chapter 13, why does the main character pay attention to the way he sits?

7. What is Stecyk's job in Chapter 14?

8. How is Claude's psychic ability described in Chapter 15?

9. What makes Chapter 20 confusing in the construction of this novel?

10. In Chapter 9, what does the author say about the first few pages of any book?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Consider the use of nick names and code words in the IRS. What do these terms suggest about the agency? What do they reveal about the IRS employees? How do they influence the setting of the IRS REC?

Essay Topic 2

Examine the use of dialogue vs the use of description. Look at how each is used in the novel and what makes these uses effective or ineffective.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the use of symbolism in "The Pale King". Consider the significant jobs in the IRS REC, the IRS van, the pre-employment house and other important objects.

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