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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. The narrator states in Chapter 4 that “the silo with hits great screens showing the outside world was usually” in what state during cleanings?

2. Nelson is described in Chapter 4 as holding what position?

3. The narrator describes the second anniversary of Allison’s departure as Holston’s year of what, in Chapter 6?

4. What word from Chapter 5 refers to a mathematical determination of the number of something?

5. What part of Holston’s mind is described in Chapter 4 as being not “made for this, to be calmly ushered to a death it was perfectly aware of”?

Short Essay Questions

1. What response does Holston have when Nelson asks him at the end of Chapter 4, “You okay? Anything too tight?”

2. What does Holston do after performing the cleaning duty in Chapter 6?

3. What is the setting and time frame of Chapter 5? What is Holston doing in the opening of the chapter?

4. What “forbidden words” does Allison say in Chapter 5? How does Holston respond?

5. Why is Holston’s entering the holding cell a dangerous action in Chapter 5? Why does he commit this action?

6. How is Allison’s death described in Chapter 4?

7. What does Allison initially say to Holston when she begins to talk in the holding cell in Chapter 5?

8. What conclusions Holston make upon taking in the surroundings of the outer world in Chapter 6?

9. How would you describe Holston’s emotional state in the end of Chapter 6?

10. How are Holston’s memories of the second anniversary of Allison’s departure described in Chapter 6?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of loss in Wool. How does this theme relate to Holston? How does “loss” affect all of the inhabitants of the silo? What symbols in the novel relate to this theme?

Essay Topic 2

Describe the character of Nelson in the narrative. What does the author reveal about Nelson’s history in Chapter 4? How well do Holston and Nelson know one another? How would you characterize their relationship?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the narrative shifts of time frame throughout the novel. Why does the author implement the use of flashback as opposed to relating these events through exposition? What effect does this have on the reader?

(see the answer keys)

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