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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 does Fastolfe bring up about Baley?

2. Who has been Baley's partner in two previous investigations?

3. Why does Gladia say she moved to Aurora?

4. What does Baley suspect Fastolfe may have ordered Daneel to do?

5. What is Baley's connection to Gladia?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Elijah Baley introduced in the novel?

2. Define what Baley thinks will be difficult for him back on Earth.

3. How, apparently, was the humaniform robot, R. Jander Panell, killed?

4. What are Earth cities like at the time of the novel?

5. How has Baley become famous throughout the Spacer universe?

6. Define the line of questioning for which Baley gets no information from the robots who are guarding him.

7. How does what appears to be an important piece of information escape Baley before he falls into a troubled sleep at Fastolfe's house?

8. Aside from assisting Baley, why is Daneel sent on this mission to bring the detective to Aurora?

9. How is Baley treated on the Auroran spaceship?

10. Explain why Fastolfe hurls a large spicer at Baley.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay of at least two typed, double-spaced pages on the subject, Why Science Fiction is a Popular Genre. Include in your essay (1) the volume of science fiction books available in libraries and bookstores, (2) the success of TV shows and films in the science fiction genre, and (3) the escapism involved in reading science fiction.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay of at least two typed, double-spaced pages on the subject, Science Fact and Fiction. Include in your essay examples of science fiction that have become reality today (e.g., Verne's Journey to the Moon). Mention the vast distances in space and the theoretical nature of such things as hyper-space. Conclude with your opinion whether many things in science fiction will become realities.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay of at least two typed, double-spaced pages on the subject, The Problems of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. In your essay discuss the probable limitations of robotic intelligence, the inability of putting human emotions in robots, and the unnecessary need to make robots appear human.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 640 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample