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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. What kind of engines drive the Icarus?

2. Who is the "round-faced" engineer on board Kang's ship?

3. What craft from Kang is sent to intercept the Odyssey?

4. What Coast Guard ship goes to inspect the Odyssey?

5. Who reaches the Koguryo before it is able to fire on the Icarus?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do Dirk Jr. and Dahlgren do after the destruction of the Coast Guard ship?

2. Describe Ling's function on board the Koguryo.

3. Describe Dirk Jr.'s feelings as he watches the launch from the Odyssey in Chapter 59.

4. How do Dirk Sr. and Al rescue Dirk Jr. and Jack from the Odyssey?

5. Describe the end of Tongju.

6. Describe how Kang attempts to salvage his plan after the failed rocket launch.

7. What information do Dirk and Summer share with the authorities in Chapter 41?

8. What ultimately happens to the Koguryo and to Lee?

9. What do Tongju and some of his closest soldiers plan to do after the failure of the rocket launch from the Odyssey?

10. What initially happens after Dirk and Dahlgren board the Odyssey?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Looking at Black Wind as a whole, describe what you think the authors were trying to accomplish. Consider whether they were trying to make a statement about the current world situation, whether the book should be viewed as as treatise of good vs. evil, or if the goal was just to tell a rip-roaring adventure yarn. Do not limit yourself to these suggestions - place yourself in the Cusslers' shoes as Clive said, "OK, son, what do you want to do with this book?" Justify your answers in detail.

Essay Topic 2

Dirk Pitt, Jr., is the hub of several relational spokes. Dirk Jr. relates to his father, his sister, his girlfriend, his sidekick, even his enemy. Choose five of Dirk's relationships, and explore them by comparing and contrasting those relationships to each other. Evaluate how Dirk's relationship with each of them shows a different facet of his nature and personality. Explain how persuasive and believable these relationships are.

Essay Topic 3

Black Wind begins, as do many of Cussler's books, with a historical incident. Explain why Cussler employs this technique. Discuss how the historical context provides foundation for the rest of the story. Discuss how effective this device is, going into some detail as to whether this acts as a distraction or as a necessary part of the storytelling.

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This section contains 739 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample