"The Nine Billion Names of God" Reading Guide Questions

All sections:

We began discussing these questions in class. As we continue to read, make sure you answer these questions on loose-leaf paper. The questions and responses will go in the "Classwork" section of your binder. Complete any questions we did not cover in class for homework due 9/16/09.

1. Read the title of the story. Make some predictions about this text. Ask three questions you think the text may answer.

2. How does the Tibetan monk intend to use the Mark V Computer? Make a prediction about the purpose of the project.

3. Why did the monks invent their own alphabet? How do you think it is different from the alphabet you use every day?

4. Do you agree with Dr. Wagner when he asserts the monks are "compiling their lists of meaningless words"?

5. Who are the two engineers hired to go to Tibet? How do they feel about their assignment? How do you know?

6. Why did the monks want the computer? Look back to question #2. Was your prediction correct?

7. Do you think the engineers are justified in their attitude towards the monks and their project? Why or why not?

8. Look back to question #1. Which of your questions did the story answer?

Vocabulary Homework (due 9/15/09)

All sections:

As you read "The Nine Billion Names of God," use context clues to define the following words:

1. Inquisitive
2. Lamasery
3. Devised
4. Permutation
5. Aeries
6. Parapet
7. Vertiginous
8. Swoop
9. Morosely
10. Gibberish
11. Inexorably
12. Obscure
13. Manna
14. Blasphemy
15. Sabotage
16. Incessant
17. Savoring
18. Ebullience

Once you have written down your definition, use a dictionary to check your work. Write the dictionary definition on your sheet. How many did you get? Write a short paragraph explaining what strategies you used when defining the words. What worked? What did not?