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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 do Fritz and Will think the best place to leave the city might be?

2. Why do Fritz and Will walk to the far side of the city?

3. What shape is the car in which Will goes to his master's house?

4. Why is Beanpole frustrated with his matches?

5. What kind of illness does Will's master have?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do Will and Fritz do when they see each other for the first time since entering the city?

2. What does Will's instructor show him?

3. How does Will get to his master's house, what does it look like and where might his master being in the social hierarchy?

4. What is the place like where the female slaves go?

5. What does Will's master tell him about how they conquered Earth?

6. How does Will get out of the city and who is waiting for him? What does that person do?

7. What happens when Will's master uses more as bubbles than usual? Why is Will worried?

8. When do Will and Beanpole arrive at the Games, who do they see there and what do they do when they arrive?

9. How does Will's master relax and what kind of information seems to fascinate him?

10. What does Fritz tell Will he saw that indicated where the Tripods might live?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in THE CITY OF GOLD AND LEAD.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of THE CITY OF GOLD AND LEAD. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of THE CITY OF GOLD AND LEAD. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze one major theme of THE CITY OF GOLD AND LEAD. Consider the following: How does one character's actions portray the theme you are analyzing? How does the setting contribute to that theme? Is the theme one that you would call a "universal theme?" If so, what other book or novel that you have read also includes this theme. If not, why don't you think it is a "universal" theme?

2. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of THE CITY OF GOLD AND LEAD. How does one character's actions portray the themes you are analyzing? How does the setting contribute to those themes? Is each theme one that you would call a "universal theme?" If so, what other book or novel that you have read also includes this theme. If not, why don't you think it is a "universal" theme?

3. What benefit is there in discussing and analyzing the themes of a work of fiction? Do you think most authors consciously develop themes in their works? Why or why not? Can there be accidental themes? What do you think is one possible "accidental" theme in THE CITY OF GOLD AND LEAD? Which theme in THE CITY OF GOLD AND LEAD speaks to you the most in your life? Why?

Essay Topic 3

The boys steal Hans' boat and Will learns a lesson in human compassion as he sees the desperation in Hans' face when Hans realizes he cannot stop them from leaving with his only means to reach the nearby village. Will is touched and will remember that moment for the rest of his life, suggesting some character growth from this event. Discuss one of the following questions:

1. What is compassion? How is compassion shown? Why might Will learn compassion from watching Hans? Use examples from the book to support your answer.

2. What is the difference between compassion and pity? Discuss the implications of feeling pity versus feeling compassion. Use examples from the book to support your answer.

3. How did feeling compassion for Hans help Will grow? Compassion is generally associated with mature individuals. Do you think Will's growth made him more mature? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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