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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 Loomis demand about dinner?

2. What flowers does Ann pick and put in Loomis' bedroom?

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

4. What does Ann think about going to get in Ogdentown?

5. Why does Ann go to the farm the morning after Loomis searched for Ann in the store apartment?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Mr. Loomis frighten Ann as she is playing the piano?

3. Why does Ann think she can return to the fields to work and why does Loomis yell at her?

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

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

6. How is Ann at first amused by Mr. Loomis' actions but then becomes concerned?

7. What routine do Ann and Mr. Loomis follow for the next ten days?

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

9. What do Loomis and Ann discuss concerning the fertilizer?

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

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

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?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of Z for Zachariah, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements (They may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not.

(see the answer keys)

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