The Testing

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English learners or struggling writers, strategies that work well include graphic organizers, sentence frames or starters, group work, or oral responses.

Scaffolded Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the bulleted outlines below. Cite details from the text over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. Dr. Barnes repeatedly demonstrates that he believes the ends justify the means.

• To what extent does he prove himself right or wrong? (topic sentence)
• Include analysis of at least three specific sections of the novel and how they support or dispute his philosophy.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, explain a lesson that readers should apply to their lives about ends justifying the means.

2. The environment plays a central role in the novel.

• What does the book say about the environment? (topic sentence)
• Detail at least three specific parts in the novel that develop that idea and clearly explain how each contributes to the overall statement.
• In your concluding sentences, draw a connection between the environmental concerns in the book and in our world.

3. Cia is chosen for The Testing and finally for the University.

• How strong of a leader is Cia? (topic sentence)
• Define what makes a good leader and use evidence from the novel and clear reasoning to illustrate how Cia does or does not demonstrate these traits.
• In your concluding sentences, state what coaching advice you would give Cia about her leadership.

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. Consider what we learn about the Seven Stages War. What statement does the novel make about human nature with regard to destruction and healing? Do humans celebrate destruction over healing? What might readers infer about the people in the novel? In what ways do these inferences connect to our world?

2. Is Cia a better leader than the others? What traits are most important in this novel to aid in leadership and decision-making, and in what ways does Cia demonstrate them? What traits of Cia’s threaten to disqualify her from being a good leader? Represent plot points and character actions over the course of the novel in your response.

3. This novel can be read as a critique of those who believe technology can save the planet from the damage humankind has done to it. Does this novel place hope in these so-called “technofixes,” or does it argue for more preservation and preventative action? Use examples from the revitalization efforts and The Testing grounds to make your argument.