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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does the Commander and his companion use to move around on Rama after landing?
(a) Space suits with power packs.
(b) Jets and guide ropes.
(c) A shuttle.
(d) Propellent.

2. What words does the author use to portray the vast majority of asteroids?
(a) "... were merely oversize boulders that would fit into a small park."
(b) "... were just under forty kilometers in diameter."
(c) "...were almost always under 500 kilos and small enough to fit in a backyard swimming pool."
(d) "...were simply massive rocks the size of a small car."

3. What is the name of the author whose book inspired Dr. Stenton to become an astronomer?
(a) H.G. Wells.
(b) Carl Sagan.
(c) Jules Verne.
(d) Arthur C. Clarke.

4. When did the inhabitants of Europe see a dazzling fireball appear in the eastern sky?
(a) August 6.
(b) February 12.
(c) April 19.
(d) September 11.

5. According to Chapter 6, how far is the distance between Earth and Mars?
(a) One hundred million kilometers.
(b) Five hours by shuttle.
(c) Three hundred million kilometers.
(d) The same distance as the Sun is from the Earth.

Short Answer Questions

1. At first, Rama is believed to be what?

2. Why does the Commander choose to land the Endeavour off-center?

3. What location is home to more than a million people who had their hearing permanently damaged in 2077?

4. How does the Commander describe his impressions of Rama after reaching the plain?

5. What is the object that is first cataloged as 31/439?

Short Essay Questions

1. What was the most mysterious characteristic of the object known as 31/439?

2. The Rama Committed is concerned about an ominous possibility that they consider to be likely. What is it?

3. Is Professor Davidson interested in finding out more about Rama?

4. According to Chapter 5, what does the exploration party think of the design of Rama? How does this affect their EVA mission?

5. What is cocooning or mothballing, as referred to in Chapter 14?

6. What are some of the problems involving having simps on board?

7. What were the characteristics of the object known as 31/439 that set it apart from other asteroids?

8. Why did Commander Norton feel a kinship with a long-dead Egyptologist?

9. When do objects like 31/439 obtain a name?

10. What precautions are taken to ensure the safety of the exploration crew? Why is it unnecessary to supply breathing gear on Rama?

(see the answer keys)

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