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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. For what does Ann really long?

2. What does Ann decide she should do?

3. Why does Ann begin recording the events of her day?

4. Why does Ann decide to hide from a visitor?

5. What does Ann observe as she sits in her cave at night?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is the valley special?

2. Why does Ann bring Loomis into her home?

3. How does Ann get the tractor running and what planting decision does she make?

4. What does Ann worry about when she discovers that Faro has returned?

5. How does the man discover his terrible error about the Creek and what does he do?

6. What does Ann hear Loomis saying in his dreams and what does Ann think about what she hears?

7. Who is the stranger and what was his job before the war?

8. What does the man in the suit do when he finally arrives at Ann's house?

9. Explain why Ann's parents left her home when they left to discover the effects of the war?

10. What happens that convinces Ann that the man knows nothing about farm life and what is her response?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Ann makes the decision to observe the man who has decided to bathe in Burden Creek, which Ann knows is dead and probably poisoned either with radioactivity or some other by-product of the war. Discuss the following:

1. Does Ann make a wise decision to still not show herself when the man is entering the water?

2. Is Ann's decision not to run down and stop the man a lack of compassion? Kindness?

3. Would you have made the same decision that Ann makes? Why or why not?

4. Do you think Loomis is justified in being angry with Ann when he learns that she watched him enter the dangerous water and did nothing? Is he angry? Discuss the psychological/emotional dynamics of the situation.

5. Was Ann responsible for warning Loomis even if it reveals her presence? Do you have a responsibility to warn someone if you observe them doing something that could injure or kill them? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Ann and Loomis when they first meet. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? How do they compare as to the way they are raised before being chosen? Do you think they are both good people? Why or why not. Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Ann from the beginning of the book to the end. How has she stayed the same? How has she changed? Have the changes been positive? What do you think Ann needs to change about herself to survive her journey?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in Z for Zacharia help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Some secondary "characters" to consider are Faro, Radiation, The Valley, and The War.

Essay Topic 3

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels end on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not? Do you think Z for Zachariah ends on a happy note? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of Z for Zachariah and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why Z for Zachariah is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

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