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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 word does Dr. Sacks use to describe the way the main character feels?

2. Sacks is a:

3. What surgery is the main character admitted into the hospital to have?

4. How is the main character treated?

5. Why doesn't the introduction of a video system work?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Mrs. S condition? What is its cause? What are some of her symptoms?

2. What is Mr. P's affliction? How does it affect his life?

3. How does Dr. Sacks approach the main character?

4. How does Sacks see the theme of 'what science leaves out' play into the chapter? What does he thinks this leaves out?

5. To what extent can William escape his affliction? Which activities allow him to escape it?

6. What is the change in the main character's demeanor in the chapter and why?

7. What is the cause of Christina's condition? Do scientists think it is a plausible cause?

8. To what degree does Sachs see himself as a novelist? And to what degree does he see himself as a scientist?

9. What is the main character's response to her treatment? How does she react?

10. How do people react to the main character on the street? What does she do to avoid their reaction?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a paper concerning how unusual mental conditions can lead to works of creativity. Mr. MacGregor's tilt led him to help Dr. Sacks create a pair of glasses with a pendulum that could help him and those like him navigate their world. Jose is able to paint beautiful art. Select a case from outside of the book. Using a famous person is fine. Make sure to illustrate the connection between a mental disorder and a creative accomplishment.

Essay Topic 2

Outline what you believe to be one main theme of Sacks' book. For instance, how does he treat his patients? You must use three examples from the book to illustrate your point. The paper must be five pages, double-spaced.

Essay Topic 3

Please describe some recent research on idiot savants like John and Michael. What are some standard abilities of idiot savants? Do we have any better idea of what could cause their condition than we did when this book was written?

(see the answer keys)

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