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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Down the River.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What had those living in the Plaquemenes done to protect their homes after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita?
(a) Torn them down and moved elsewhere.
(b) Lifted them up onto pilings.
(c) Sunk them deep into the mud.
(d) Converted their homes into house boats.

2. What is NOT something that Kolbert says human domination over nature has caused?
(a) More species diversity and safer drinking water.
(b) Dammed and diverted rivers.
(c) Earthquakes.
(d) Large amounts of nitrogen and carbon dioxide.

3. In the beginning of Chapter 2, why does Kolbert fly in a small airplane?
(a) To fly from Chicago to New Orleans.
(b) To get from Baton Rouge to New Orleans.
(c) To see the Chicago River from the sky.
(d) To get a bird’s eye view of the Plaquemines.

4. Why was electric shock chosen to deter the fish?
(a) It was the fastest way to lower the number of fish.
(b) It was the only suggestion given for keeping the fish out.
(c) It was the most environmentally-friendly option.
(d) It was the least expensive and seemed the most ethical.

5. What event does Kolbert attend that is to bring awareness and interest in eating carp?
(a) CarpFest.
(b) Carp - All You Can Eat!
(c) Carpapaloosa.
(d) ChefCarp.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Down the River Chapter 1, what examples of metaphors does Elizabeth Kolbert give involving rivers?

2. When the canal in Chicago reversed the flow of the river, into where did it eventually lead?

3. What does Kevin Irons, the assistant chief of fisheries at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, feel is the best way to control the carp population?

4. What is the name of the new era in which Kolbert says we live?

5. Why do people in Asia not want to buy Asian carp from the U.S.?

(see the answer key)

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