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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. When Holston looks back at the silo from the outside in Chapter 6, “All that stood behind him was a small mound of concrete, a tower” no more than how many feet tall?

2. What word from Chapter 6 refers to a plant or substance that is capable of causing death or illness if taking into the body?

3. Holston wonders as he is being dressed by Nelson in Chapter 4 why the others have always complied when in this position. “Holston thought maybe that people went along because” of what reason?

4. The word “gyre” used in Chapter 5 refers to what kind of shape?

5. What word from Chapter 4 refers to the state of disrepair or ruin as a result of age or neglect?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the setting and time frame established in the opening of Chapter 6? What is Holston doing in the beginning of the chapter?

3. What does Allison initially say to Holston when she begins to talk in the holding cell in Chapter 5?

4. Why is Holston’s entering the holding cell a dangerous action in Chapter 5? Why does he commit this action?

5. What is the setting and time frame of Chapter 5? What is Holston doing in the opening of the chapter?

6. What is Nelson’s position in the story? What does he tell Holston in the beginning of Chapter 4?

7. Why does Holston make the decision to keep on his helmet as he departs in Chapter 6?

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

9. What conclusions Holston make upon taking in the surroundings of the outer world in Chapter 6?

10. What does Holston note about the fear he sees in Nelson’s eyes in Chapter 4?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Define the elements of plot structure, including: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and denouement. Where in the narrative does the exposition transition to the rising action? Where does the climax take place? How would you describe the falling action and denouement of the story?

Essay Topic 2

Describe history of revolts discovered by Allison in her research. How frequently did the earlier revolts occur? When did the revolts stop? What are the implications of the end of the revolts?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the exchange between Holston and Mayor Jahns in Chapter 2. Based on this conversation, what can you surmise of the relationship between these characters? How long have they known one another? What is their past like?

(see the answer keys)

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