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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 Kivrin note in her first entry in her Doomsday Book?

2. Who are Agnes and Rosemund?

3. Why are the church bells tolled?

4. What do those who are caring for Kivrin think that her illness is related to?

5. What explanation does Colin give for being in the quarantine area?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe James Dunworthy.

2. What does a medic question Dunworthy about concerning the virus and what is his response?

3. Describe Badri.

4. What does Badri keep saying and where does Dunworthy take him?

5. Who does Dunworthy try to communicate with again and what does he realize through talking with the man?

6. What explanation for who she is does Kivrin plan to give and what does she end up saying?

7. Describe some of the preparations Kivrin makes for the trip back in time.

8. Where is Gawyn going and why does Kivrin want to go also but can not?

9. What does Kivrin's interpreter do and does she expect to need it?

10. What are Dunworthy and the others told when they are released from the hospital?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 Doomsday Book, 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. 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?

Essay Topic 2

There are some interesting parallels between the action in 2054 and that going on with Kivrin in 1348. Two most obvious that come to mind are they are both suffering an epidemic and bell ringers figure prominently in both times. Discuss the following:

1. Trace, compare and analyze throughout Doomsday Book the similarities between what is happening in 2054 and 1348.

2. Why do you think Willis sets up this mirror-like plot?

3. Do you think it is an effective literary strategy? Why or why not?

4. What similar themes are evident in each time frame?

Essay Topic 3

Oftentimes, a book is more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and oftentimes the other way. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character-driven or action-driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character-driven versus action-driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not?

5. What type of plot do you think the Doomsday Book is? Explain your response.

(see the answer keys)

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