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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 2.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What has happened at the outset of the novel?
(a) the people of Melbourne, Australia, hold car races
(b) news media reports a pending nuclear war
(c) nuclear destruction of the Northern hemisphere
(d) the USS Scorpion is lost at sea

2. Why does the USS Swordfish leave Rio for Montevideo?
(a) they think some people are alive in Montevideo
(b) radiation has not reached Montevideo
(c) radiation gets too hot in Rio
(d) they need a change of scenery

3. Who knows about the destination for the upcoming trip of the USS Scorpion according to Dwight?
(a) only Peter, John, and him
(b) everyone except him
(c) only Peter and him who have told Mary and Moira
(d) only John Osbourne who carries sealed orders

4. Where do Lt. Commander Peter Holmes of the Royal Australian Navy, his wife Mary, and baby daughter Jennifer live?
(a) in a flat over a pharmacy
(b) in a hotel in Melbourne
(c) on the Navy Base at Flamouth
(d) in a bungalow not far from Falmouth, Australia

5. What kind of car does Peter have?
(a) a Mini-Cooper
(b) a Ferrari
(c) an MG
(d) a Morris

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does the USS Swordfish not come to Australia?

2. How long as it been since Peter had an assignment?

3. Why does Peter not hold out much hope for a naval assignment?

4. How long did the nuclear war last in the Northern hemisphere?

5. Why is the USS Scorpion able to sail in spite of the fuel shortage?

(see the answer key)

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