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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. Vonnegut compares the young people he addresses to what character in Camelot?

2. How does Rita Rait become the winner of a limerick contest?

3. What is World Vision?

4. According to Vonnegut's speech, what power do the MIT graduates have?

5. Vonnegut believes MIT can set an example by adapting what to its undertakings?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Vonnegut believe Alcoholics Anonymous is the U.S.'s most nurturing contribution to planetary culture?

2. What have other cultures done to oppress Germans and those of German descent?

3. Do you think, based on the information given, Rita Rait enjoys winning the limerick contest? Why or why not?

4. What does Vonnegut mean when he tells the MIT graduates that they have the power to turn loose or reign in enormous forces?

5. What are two reasons Vonnegut is skeptical of Christianity?

6. Why do the MIT graduates applaud politely but not take Vonnegut seriously?

7. What does the "Kilimanjaro Device" give as an alternative to Hemingway's shooting himself in the head?

8. Name two things Vonnegut mentions in his letter to the future.

9. Why is the Italian translator, Roberta Rambelli, Vonnegut's favorite?

10. Although the subtitle of SLAUGHTERHOUSE FIVE is "The Children's Crusade," what are the average ages mentioned of those who died in war?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Attorney General's Commission on Pornography is created to protect the public from immoral literature.

Part 1) Does the United States have the right to decide what is moral or immoral? Why or why not?

Part 2) Give examples from the text that reveal the beliefs of this Commission.

Part 3) Do all the members of the Commission "practice what they preach?"

Essay Topic 2

Television has created a generation that needs not fight to be disillusioned about war.

Part 1) Give examples of how television has been able to do this.

Part 2) Name two other ways television has bettered our society. Explain.

Part 3) What other technology has bettered our world? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Vonnegut poses the question "what are people for?"

Part 1) What do you believe Vonnegut thinks people are for?

Part 2) What do you think people are for?

Part 3) Based on these beliefs, are people being successful at serving their purpose on Earth? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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