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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. What had been established by the mid-1990s concerning Quantum technology?

2. What was Arnaut de Cervole's former occupation?

3. What does Tsosie order the nurse to do concerning the new patient?

4. What does Arnaut de Cervole decimate on a rampage with other renegade knights?

5. Why does the police officer inspect the Baker's vehicle?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who helps Sir Oliver defend La Roque and what is said about him?

2. How does one get onto the board of ITC?

3. What is different about Marek's language abilities from most scholars?

4. What is the quintain, and what is its purpose?

5. What does Dan notice about the old man's body when Dan lifts him into the car?

6. What does Marek say about the strategic importance of the Dordogne?

7. How does Chris behave at dinner with the others in Sarlat?

8. Why do the workers have to wear filter masks at the digging site?

9. What does Kramer pressure the Professor to do?

10. How do Chris and Stern inadvertently find a tower foundation, and how does Chris react?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about he author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

a. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Michael Crichton.

b. What in Crichton's background may have helped her in writing Timeline? What may have influenced the way he depicts various characters and scenes?

c. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

d. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

e. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Crichton's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Crichton's probable agenda concerning that idea.

f. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface? Why or why not?

g. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author? Explain your answer with examples.

Essay Topic 2

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

a. Fully explain why you think Timeline is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

b. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

c. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

d. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the following to discuss:

a. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in Timeline. Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Crichton chooses the symbols he does?

b. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Crichton chooses the metaphors he does?

c. Discuss Crichton's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, clifthangers, deux ex machina, etc...), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Crichton use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

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