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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 does the first images of Rama prove?

2. What does the Commander think about the amount of responsibility he must shoulder on this mission?

3. How long does the Commander wait before exploring Rama?

4. In Chapter 16, what is the Commander ignoring because it seems insignificant?

5. What words does the author use to portray the vast majority of asteroids?

Short Essay Questions

1. SPACEGUARD computers are used for what purpose?

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

3. What do the members of the Rama Committee think of Commander Norton?

4. What things surprised Commander Norton about Rama while he was waiting to exit the Endeavour to explore Rama?

5. Describe the devastation that occurred on September 11, 2077.

6. Why will the equipment at Camp Alpha be left behind at the end of the exploration of Rama?

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

8. What did Dr. Stenton discover about Rama after he processed the results from viewing the asteroid with a big orbiting telescope?

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

10. Describe the theories put forth to the Rama Committee about the age of Rama.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Women appear to be a minority on the Endeavour. Only two women play substantive roles in the novel. Who are these two women and what are their accomplishments and/or shortcomings? Are they fully-formed characters or two-dimensional? Are they stereotypical or play against type? Compare and contrast them to two of the main characters who are male. Based on your analysis, what is the author saying about gender roles? Consider gender roles in the late twentieth century when the book was written as well as the author's apparent predictions for the future.

Essay Topic 2

There are two extreme positions about Rama in the book--the position of the Hermians and the position of the explorers. Describe these two positions. Compare and contrast these two positions using characters' behavior and events to prove your point.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the expectations that the Rama Committee has for the origins, age, and findings for Rama versus the reality. How are they the same? How are they different?

(see the answer keys)

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