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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. In what year did Isaac Cline join the meteorology training program of the US Army Signal Corps?

2. On September 4, 1900 what knocked out the city of Galveston's power and threw all the government buildings into darkness?

3. Isaac Cline's new house was located how many blocks north of the Gulf?

4. Captain Simmons ordered his crew to head for the channel at the east end of _____________.

5. Whose controlling nature had resulted in a schism between Cuban and US meteorologists?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the author introduce Isaac Cline in Introduction: The Beach? What led to Cline's training at the US Signal Corps?

2. Who was assigned as bureau forecast official in Cuba? How was this meteorologist described by the author?

3. Where did the storm that hit Galveston begin forming? What were atmospheric pressure conditions like in the US at this time?

4. What geographical and social elements set up the city of Galveston for major casualties in the event of a hurricane in 1900?

5. According to the author, for what reason do some tropical disturbances cross the Atlantic, but others do not?

6. What concerned Isaac about the weather on the night of September 7, 1900?

7. What were the predictions by the US Weather Bureau for the storm when it hit Florida?

8. How were the Midwest and Gulf of Mexico affected by the heat wave described in Part I: The Law of Storms?

9. Where was Isaac Cline sent to work in 1891? How was his work there perceived by his superiors? How did Isaac perceive his work?

10. How does the author describe the summer of 1900 in terms of weather in Introduction: The Beach? How is the setting of Galveston described during this time period?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and discuss the conflicts between the US Weather Bureau and the local Cuban forecasters. How was Willis Moore to blame for the animosity between the two? How many lives were potentially lost as a result of egoism? How does the author express this thematically in the narrative?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze and discuss the members of Isaac Cline's family. What was Isaac's relationship like with his brother? How many children did Isaac have? How was his home described in the narrative? What elements of conflict existed within the Cline family?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and analyze the political climate of 1900 and the setting of Galveston at this time. What brochures or advertisements can be found which illustrate the "boom town" quality of Galveston? What "selling points" were used to draw both inhabitants and tourists to the city? How do these advertisements relate to those seen today for resort areas?

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