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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. As Paul and the others wait outside the border of the Authority enclave, who approaches them?

2. Who creates the first bobble outside of the Authority?

3. How do Paul and Wili learn about the location of the Authority's embobbling machine?

4. Allison says that before the bobbles, mankind was close to achieving what major technological goal?

5. Where is the Authority enclave located?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Wili decide to trust Mike?

2. How does Wili manipulate Della and Mike while they are at the demonstration of the power generator?

3. What new device do Paul and Wili create together?

4. How does Avery lose control over the situation early in the battle with the Tinkers?

5. Why does Kaladze say Wili should trust Mike?

6. What is Renaissance?

7. Why does Wili lose contact with Jill during the final approach to the embobbling position?

8. What fears do Mike and Allison express when the group returns to Paul's home?

9. Why does Mike contact Della, and what information is exchanged?

10. Why does Wili embobble the tenement building during the hottest part of the day?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Authority is a world-spanning organization that maintains control over most of the globe through aggressive use of the bobbles, which it has exclusive access to. Although it ostensibly exists to maintain peace throughout the world, it also causes a considerable amount of human suffering and carries out various immoral acts.

1) Discuss what the Authority is, and how it came to power. Explain its organization, goals, and resources.

2) Describe the ways the Authority harms humanity through its restrictions on technology and its aggressive maintenance of the peace.

3) Explain how the Authority is able to maintain public support for its rule, despite its despotic activities and harsh restrictions.

Essay Topic 2

The final chapters of the book center around the final conflict between the Tinkers and the Authority. After Paul and the others are discovered, a large battle ensues, raging in the area around the Authority enclave for multiple days.

1) Briefly explain the events leading up to the final conflict between the Tinkers and the Authority and the reasons both sides have for engaging in the conflict.

2) Discuss the major advantages both sides bring to the battle, including factors such as intelligence, planning, numbers, and technology.

3) Describe the course of the battle, including its major events and resolution.

Essay Topic 3

Della is a skilled operative and military leader for the Authority and initially appears willing to do anything to carry out her mission to capture Paul Hoehler. However, her sentiments change and more details about her personality are revealed; she eventually betrays the Authority in stop project Renaissance.

1) Describe Della's position within the Authority and make an assessment of her capabilities and loyalties.

2) Explain how Della uses Mike, and speculate as to whether or not Mike's morals affect her.

3) Discuss Della's progression as a character, particularly her distaste for killing, and her decision to betray the Authority. What are her reasons for this drastic action?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 875 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample