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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When Nelson and Holston first make eye contact in Chapter 4, Holston notes that Nelson looks fearful. What does Holston believe Nelson is afraid of?
(a) That he will commit suicide.
(b) That he will call his father.
(c) That he will kill everyone in the silo.
(d) That he will not do the cleaning.

2. Holston recalls watching his wife get dressed for her cleaning through what, in Chapter 4?
(a) The bathroom curtain.
(b) The security cameras.
(c) The airlock’s porthole.
(d) The attic window.

3. When Allison didn’t return after her cleaning, Holston began to consider doing what, according to the narrator in the beginning of Chapter 6?
(a) Calling her father.
(b) Calling his mother.
(c) Remarrying.
(d) Going out after her.

4. What word in Chapter 5 means to engage in plots and intrigues or to scheme?
(a) Onomatopoeia.
(b) Machinate.
(c) Persecute.
(d) Juggernaut.

5. What is Holston described as wearing underneath the outfit Nelson dresses him in, in Chapter 4?
(a) A black carbon undersuit.
(b) A white cotton undersuit.
(c) A red plaid plastic undersuit.
(d) A flannel undersuit.

Short Answer Questions

1. When Allison indicates to Holston to come sit by her in the holding cell in Chapter 5, he considers briefly before entering that he could receive what punishment for such an action?

2. As Holston performs the cleaning in Chapter 6, it dawns on him, “His wife had been right.” In what way was she right?

3. What time period is Chapter 4 said to take place in?

4. Who is the staff employee that corrals Allison’s feet to prevent her from kicking in Chapter 5?

5. What word from Chapter 6 means to destroy something (especially waste material) by burning?

Short Essay Questions

1. How are Holston’s memories of the second anniversary of Allison’s departure described in Chapter 6?

2. How is Holston’s behavior outside of the holding cell described in Chapter 5?

3. How would you describe Holston’s emotional state in the end of Chapter 6?

4. What does Holston recall of Allison’s preparations to depart for her cleaning in Chapter 4?

5. What “forbidden words” does Allison say in Chapter 5? How does Holston respond?

6. What response does Holston have when Nelson asks him at the end of Chapter 4, “You okay? Anything too tight?”

7. Why does Allison tell Holston she will return to the silo in Chapter 5?

8. What is the setting in the opening of Chapter 4? What state is Holston in at the beginning of the chapter?

9. What changes take place in the airlock as the time nears for Holston’s departure in Chapter 6?

10. What surroundings does Holston find himself after exiting the silo in Chapter 6?

(see the answer keys)

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