Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

PROLOGUE-CHAPTER 3

Reading Check

1. Where is the Facility?

2. What books is Candace primarily responsible for at Spectra?

3. For Bob, what connects the group?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. How does the beginning serve as parody of post-apocalyptic survival and disaster fiction and media?

2. How might the Gemstone Bible relate to deeper themes?

3. What does Candace’s persona as NY Ghost reveal about her inner conflict?

Paired Resource

“Excerpt from World War Z”

• This excerpt from Max Brook’s popular zombie novel offers opportunities to observe Ling Ma’s use of and departure from genre tropes. (Content Warning: Disturbing imagery; gore)
• Shared themes include Identity and Consumption.
• Compare the style, structure, and subject matter in both story beginnings. How is Ling Ma reinventing the zombie story with Severance and how do the variations in her story allow for a different kind of social commentary? 

CHAPTERS 4-7

Reading Check

1. What topic discussed between Jonathan and Candace does Paige Gower’s death recall?

2. What do Bob’s modes of operation, use of language, and divisions of labor resemble?

3.