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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 did executives from the networks heavily censor the show's scripts?

2. What did executives think about Serling's new script?

3. The position enabled Serling to gain a reputation as what?

4. Over the next nine months Serling wrote _______ scripts, each falling into one of three basic categories: fantasy, science fiction, and horror.

5. Now that the series was on its way, Serling was given the task of doing what?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe "Walking Distance."

2. What is known about Rod Serling's family?

3. What does Serling do over the next nine months?

4. Describe Rod's personality.

5. Why was Serling able to break into television?

6. Why was the production of "Playhouse 90" difficult?

7. How was "Playhouse 90" a negative experience?

8. Describe Rod's experience in the Army.

9. Describe "The Lonely."

10. What is the initial idea for "The Time Element?" Why is it rejected?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The plot of "The Time Element" had to be changed.

Part 1) What was the original plot? How was it changed? Why was it changed?

Part 2) How did this change reflect the attitudes of the network?

Part 3) Would anyone have been offended by the first plot? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

"Where Is Everybody?" was originally a very different story.

Part 1) What was the original plot? Why was it changed? How was it changed?

Part 2) Do you believe it should have been changed? Why or why not?

Part 3) Would the original script be aired today? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Serling acted as "The Twilight Zone" narrator.

Part 1) How did he acquire this job? Why was he given this job?

Part 2) What did he think about this job? Why? How does this compare to his personality?

Part 3) What did others think of him as the narrator? Why did they feel this way?

Part 4) How has Serling's narration become significant for this television series? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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