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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. Why is Erica not let into New Hope at the beginning of Chapter 7?

2. Which of the following is a precaution Erica takes in Chapter 13 to ensure there is no romantic connotation to her work with Harold?

3. Which of the following is not a historic example of Rationalist thought?

4. What institution does Herold begin working for in Chapter 15?

5. How long is the memo the insurgents produce in Chapter 16?

Short Essay Questions

1. What impresses Erica about Raymond during their lunches in Chapter 16?

2. Why is Amy facing so may problems in Chapter 7?

3. What traumatic event occurs to Erica during a tennis match in Chapter 8?

4. What is limerence?

5. How does the business collapse in Chapter 14?

6. In Chapter 9, what does Brooks say is often true ambitious individuals?

7. How does Brooks explain the difference between wealthy and poor children's play time in Chapter 7?

8. What different trajectories do Harold and Erica's lives take in Chapter 15?

9. What did the marshmallow test predict about child development?

10. How is the mind inefficient, according to David Brooks?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In an essay, discuss the role of imagination and play in the development of children. How does Harold's imagination function both as a gift and as a liability? What fears does it engender in his parents? What delineations does Brooks draw between play in affluent children and p[lay in working class children? How does each type of play reflect a cultural stratus, and how does it indicate future development?

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay about the prenatal and early childhood relationship between Julia and Harold. How is Julia's life different before and after she becomes pregnant? What is Harold's goal from the moment he develops sentience? How does he break down Julia's personality, and how does he rebuild her? Discuss how this process leads to a reinvented Julia who makes caring for Harold her primary concern?

Essay Topic 3

In their travails and life-journeys, Harold and Erica face challenges brought on by incompetence in others. Write an essay about two characters who represent significant failings in the way systems function? How does this person manage and interact with others? How do the protagonists deal with this individual?

Part 1) Harrison

Part 2) Taggert

(see the answer keys)

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