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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 Don not experience in his near death episode that many people do?

2. What do the nurses tell him about the patients Don keeps hearing moan and scream?

3. Physically, how did Don describe the people around him?

4. What does Don finally realize he's been doing with people?

5. What types of singing does Don hear in heaven?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is one thing that happens that gives Don hope?

2. How is Don feeling in the hospital and who tries to help him?

3. Who was driving the vehicle that hit Don, what was it carrying and why was that driver driving the vehicle?

4. What does Don see when he first arrives in heaven?

5. What do the paramedics do about Don when they first arrive at the scene of the accident?

6. Where does Don go after his first surgeries?

7. What do the EMTs do when they arrive at the accident site and then when they've seen all the victims?

8. How does Don feel about being in heaven?

9. What does Don not experience and what does he experience when he dies?

10. What does Don hear as he draws closer to the gate?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Wrapping it up. Choose one of the following and write a cohesive essay using specific examples and details to illustrate your stance:

1. Trace a major theme in the book using examples from numerous points in the book. Tell why you think it is a major theme and any symbols that illustrate the theme.

2. Compare and contrast who Don is at the beginning of the book versus the Don at the end of the book. Use details and examples to illustrate your points.

3. What do you think might have been the author's reason (i.e., the author's agenda) for writing this book? Give detailed examples to support your response.

Essay Topic 2

What God's purpose is for Don is difficult to discern as he lies in a depressive fog confined to a hospital bed. As much as Don wants to believe that God has brought him back to earth for a reason, he struggles to find understanding.

1. Do you think Don's reaction to the accident would be considered normal? Explain your reasoning.

2. After experiencing heaven, does it seem strange that Don would be depressed and wanting understanding? Why or why not?

3. Do you believe Don has been returned to life for a reason? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Most people would have prayed for Don's soul to find a happy home in heaven, not that a dead man would have no internal injuries. In the face of such insurmountable odds, Dick's prayers seem futile and ridiculous.

1. What kind of person do you think Dick is given his actions at the accident site?

2. Do you think if you were in Dick's position you would have done what he did? Why or why not?

3. Do you agree with the last sentence above? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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