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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. Who takes responsibility for notifying ITC of the death of the old man?

2. What does the Professor believe ITC has done at the site?

3. What does Dan find when he follows the man's tracks off the road?

4. Where is Katherine Erickson studying?

5. What concept does Gordon explain on the plane that has to do with experiments run on single protons?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Chris' specialty in graduate school?

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

3. What small problem does Francois Bellin mention to the Professor?

4. What does Wauneka show the Bakers that was in the old man's pocket, and what does Liz say about the drawing?

5. What alarms the Professor about the ITC's dealings concerning the Dordogne Site?

6. What is Marek like as a medieval historian?

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

8. What does a young boy say about quantum foam?

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

10. What indications are there that ITC's luck with quantum research has failed?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

a. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

b. Analyze and discuss Timeline based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if Timeline is a successful novel.

c. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider Timeline a successful novel? What about young teens?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

a. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

b. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of Timeline, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

c. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in Timeline. (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Michael Crichton, in his signature style, blends scientific fact with fiction in Timeline. The introduction is designed to lay the groundwork for his theme of scientific hubris. Crichton establishes a parallel between the arrogant shortsightedness of late 19th Century scientists and the equally arrogant, shortsighted scientists of the late 20th Century.

a. Discuss three examples of Crichton blending scientific fact with fiction in Timeline.

b. Discuss what is meant by the term scientific hubris in the above paragraph.

c. Compare one incident of scientific shortsightedness in the 19th Century to one in the late 20th Century. This may require research.

(see the answer keys)

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