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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. On what activity is Neville an expert?

2. Why is Dillon uneasy about the parachute event?

3. What happened at the beginning of the event that made Neville think it started badly?

4. On what jump of Koffler's did Neville board the plane?

5. Why does Howard go to the Officer's Sales Store?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Neville going to Lakehurst and what happens when he first arrives? What does he tell the pilot of the plane?

2. Sum up the conversation between Pickering and Frank Knox, who Fowler brings to Pickering's motel room.

3. In what service is Joe Howard, what award did he win, and what is his next assignment?

4. What do Knox and Pickering talk about after Pickering answers Knox's initial inquiry?

5. What does Charley do when he puts together and aircraft, and what is the end result?

6. Where has Galloway been sent after flying the plane without permission and what do the Marines plan to do about him?

7. What does Macklin threaten about Koffler and how does Dillon handle it? What happens to the Marine Corps' reputation over the Lakehurst incident?

8. What happens with Howard and Barbara when they go for dinner?

9. What is Steve Koffler doing in Lakehurst, how does he feel about it, and why is he doing it?

10. Where does Knox want Pickering to meet him and what happens when Pickering refuses? What does Knox ask Pickering about his statement in Washington?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Even though Koffler decided he didn't want to be in parachute school and did not volunteer for a dangerous mission, he ended up parachuting behind enemy lines to take a radio to Reeves. This is courage, doing something in spite of fear.

1. What is courage? It is defined in the dictionary as: mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. How is courage demonstrated? Given what you have seen of Koffler, why would one call him courageous? Use examples from the book to support your answer.

2. Discuss two situations, one during war and one during peace, in which a great deal of courage would be needed to endure the situations.

3. Discuss the two sides to the following: Courage can be learned. One is either born with courage or not.

Essay Topic 2

Although wealthy and not young enough for the draft, Fleming Pickering devotes his time and money to the war effort. He, and many other characters in this book, was very patriotic. Discuss one of the following:

1. What does patriotism mean to me? Use examples from Counterattack to support your answer.

2. Class discussion. What is patriotism? What are the advantages of a country whose citizens feel highly patriotic? What are the disadvantages? What happens when patriots become zealots? Should patriotism be expected of its citizens by any country? Why or why not?

3. How do the characters in Counterattack demonstrate their patriotism? Use examples from Counterattack to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

At the conclusion of a novel, most readers either consciously or unconsciously engage in processing the book and usually come to a conclusion as to whether they like the book or not. Discuss one of the following:

1. Would you consider Counterattack a "good" book? Why or why not? Use examples to illustrate your stance.

2. What do you think are the elements of an outstanding novel? Analyze one of your favorite novels to see if those elements are present.

3. What are some reasons you might consider a novel a failure? Analyze a novel you think is a failure and see if those elements are in that novel.

(see the answer keys)

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