View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the first of the Three Laws of Robotics?

2. How long has Donovan been on paid vacation in the beginning of “Catch That Rabbit”?

3. Who does Susan Calvin refer to as a "mind-reading robot” in the end of “Catch That Rabbit”?

4. In the beginning of “Runaround,” Donovan informs Powell that Speedy has been gone for how many hours?

5. How old is Gloria in Chapter One, “Robbie”?

Short Essay Questions

1. What principle purpose does the Introduction of I, Robot serve?

2. What is discovered about the earlier generation robots in “Runaround”?

3. How does Mrs. Weston explain Robbie’s absence when he is sent away in “Robbie”?

4. What is the central objective of Gloria in “Robbie”? How does this relate to the story’s themes?

5. What is the conflict established in the beginning of “Catch That Rabbit”?

6. What news does Donovan relate to Powell in the beginning of “Runaround”?

7. Why does Mrs. Weston interrupt Mr. Weston’s private time in his office in the beginning of “Robbie”?

8. Where are Donovan and Powell in the beginning of “Reason”? How much time has elapsed since “Runaround”?

9. What do Donovan and Powell discover about the robots’ behavior when they are not knowingly being observed in “Catch That Rabbit”?

10. How does Cutie describe his conclusions of existence to Donovan and Powell as they discover the coming storm in “Reason”?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the governmental system described in “Evidence.” Into what divisions is the Earth split up? How is each division governed? What current system does this most resemble? How does this system compare with our own governments today? Do you think Asimov was making a political statement with this story?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss the plot structure of “Runaround.” How does this story compare with “Robbie” in relation to its subject, themes, and characters? How do the Three Laws of Robotics apply in each story? What similarities do the robots share?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and analyze the role of U.S. Robots and Mechanical Men Corporation in the novel. How is this company involved in the story of “Robbie”? What is related about the goals of the company by Dr. Susan Calvin? How does Calvin feel about U.S. Robotics upon retiring?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 863 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample