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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. How many parts belong to the Path that "deeply committed Buddhists are supposed to tread" (48)?

2. The author explains that the book Buddhism is True is an attempt to do all but which of the following things?

3. The word vipassana is generally translated to what English word?

4. The author states that "More and more, groups of people define their identity in terms of" (17) what?

5. When scientists conducted an experiment asking people to choose one of four identical pairs of pantyhose, which one did they most often choose?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the author's view of the phenomenon of human feelings?

2. For what purpose does the author begin the entire narrative with a question?

3. How does the author use the example of the scar experiment?

4. How does the author get across his point about the need for the brain to provide rationale in the form of modules, even in illogical situations?

5. What is the nature of the author's characterization of a meditation retreat?

6. What is the author's analysis of the human fear of public speaking?

7. How does the author go about trying to depict the bliss he feels as a result of meditation?

8. What are the differences between concentration meditation and mindfulness meditation?

9. Discuss the author's decision to begin the book with an allusion to the film The Matrix.

10. Discuss the author's use of the anecdote regarding his tense jaw.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What ultimate message is Robert Wright's book Buddhism is True sending about the nature and value of compassion?

Essay Topic 2

What ultimate message is Robert Wright's book Buddhism is True sending about the nature and value of continually examining one’s own thought patterns and behaviors?

Essay Topic 3

Examine how Robert Wright's book Buddhism is True invites the readers to learn particular lessons from Buddhist traditions and to apply those lessons to their own lives. How does he accomplish this goal and how does this goal relate to the overarching themes of the text?

(see the answer keys)

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