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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 is the warning given by the Head Man at school?

2. Who is Wild Bill?

3. What does Andy see outside the window that he points out to Laurie?

4. How many landings of the Tripods were there in the initial contact?

5. When does Pa say they'll leave the country?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why doesn't Laurie's family see much of his Aunt and Uncle?

2. How does the author say the Tripods came to inhabit the Earth?

3. What are some of the ways the boys try to explain away the sounds and sight of the Tripod?

4. What is Aunt Caroline's reaction when Pa tells her about Angela's hypnosis by the Trippy Show?

5. What is the reaction of the boys when the military arrives?

6. Describe the encounter between the tank and the Tripod.

7. What does the author say about a science fiction writer's ability to predict the future?

8. What does the author say about Will in the book "The City of Gold and Lead?"

9. Why does Ilse offer Laurie cookies and why does he refuse?

10. Briefly describe the telephone conversation between Martha and Caroline after Ian's visit.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare the characters of Laurie and Andy. How are they similar? Different? Don't forget to mention appearances and any other details offered up in the story.

Essay Topic 2

In the Preface, the author says the biggest challenge to writing science fiction is the inability to predict the future. Do you believe this is true? Support your answer with examples from other literary works.

Essay Topic 3

What is the Trippy Show? When does Laurie first become suspicious of the purpose of this show? How are his fears confirmed?

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