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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 does Ann discover when she goes to start the tractor?

2. What does Loomis do at Ann's cave?

3. What puzzles Ann about Loomis' request that she read him poetry?

4. Why hasn't Ann written in her journal for quite some time?

5. What does Ann decide to haul with the tractor?

Short Essay Questions

1. What puzzles Ann when she is reading poetry to Mr. Loomis?

2. What happens in the middle of the night that convinces Ann to move out of the house?

3. How is Mr. Loomis using Faro?

4. Why does Ann decide to ask Mr. Loomis questions and what happens as a result?

5. What happens to Mr. Loomis at the opening to Chapter 10?

6. What does Ann discover about the tractor, and what does she do?

7. Where does Ann go in Chapter 12 and what does she find and do?

8. How has Mr. Loomis' illness progressed in Chapter 11, and what does he talk about while delirious?

9. What does Ann ask Mr. Loomis to use and what is his response?

10. What happens when Ann goes back to the farm to speak to Mr. Loomis and what does Ann realize?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many readers of a book such as Z for Zachariah place themselves in the position of someone like Ann, wondering about what their response would be in a similar situation. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as Z for Zachariah help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Z for Zachariah ? Why or why not?

3. Choose one specific incident to discuss and compare Ann's response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 2

Ann makes the decision to observe the man who has decided to bathe in Burden Creek, which Ann knows is dead and probably poisoned either with radioactivity or some other by-product of the war. Discuss the following:

1. Does Ann make a wise decision to still not show herself when the man is entering the water?

2. Is Ann's decision not to run down and stop the man a lack of compassion? Kindness?

3. Would you have made the same decision that Ann makes? Why or why not?

4. Do you think Loomis is justified in being angry with Ann when he learns that she watched him enter the dangerous water and did nothing? Is he angry? Discuss the psychological/emotional dynamics of the situation.

5. Was Ann responsible for warning Loomis even if it reveals her presence? Do you have a responsibility to warn someone if you observe them doing something that could injure or kill them? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

In chapter 11, Ann pieces together the story of Mr. Loomis and Edward and realizes that Mr. Loomis likely murdered Edward. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think you would have done when caring for Loomis and learning he had likely murdered someone?

2. Does Ann seem to take the situation seriously? Does her response seem to reflect a greater maturity than the typical 15 year old or about the same as the average 15 year old?

3. Would you have confronted Mr. Loomis as soon as he was able to interact? Would you have confronted him at all? Ann waits until she is leaving the valley--do you think that is the best course of action?

(see the answer keys)

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