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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. Where does Nita say they need to go?

2. What does Nailer see across the lake one day?

3. What does Nita not understand about Tool?

4. How does Nailer respond to his father?

5. What does Nailer beg of Richard?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the argument between Nita and Tool.

2. What does Captain Candless do after hearing Nailer's story?

3. What happens when Blue Eyes suddenly wakes and how is Nailer saved?

4. What is Nailer's and Pima's first view of Orleans?

5. How does the Dauntless fall into a trap and what seems to be the best way to get out of it?

6. Where does Nita say they need to go and why will that be difficult?

7. What causes the three of them dismay as they arrive at the docks?

8. How do Richard's and Nailer's perceptions of the situation differ?

9. Why does Nailer risk going into Blue Eye's shack and what does he do there?

10. What happens between Nailer and his father in the engine room?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In most hero stories, there is a scene known as "Atonement with the Father" in which the hero reconciles his past with his future. In order for Nailer to move on in his life, he had to confront the man who had tortured and pursued him throughout the novel.

1. Do you think Nailer could be called a hero? Why or why not? Use examples from your own life and Ship Breaker to support your reasoning.

2. How do you think killing his father will affect Nailer for the rest of his life? Use examples from your own life and Ship Breaker to support your reasoning.

3. What do you think Sadna meant when she said killing always costs? Use examples from your own life and Ship Breaker to support your reasoning.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. In your opinion, what are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss Ship Breaker based upon your criteria for a successful novel and judge if Ship Breaker is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider Ship Breaker a successful novel? What about young teens?

Essay Topic 3

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Paolo Bacigalupi.

2. What in Bacigalupi's background may have helped him in writing Ship Breaker? What may have influenced the way he depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

(see the answer keys)

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