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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 type of force does the Commander account for upon landing the Endeavour?

2. How many wives does Commander Norton have?

3. How big is the mass of Rama?

4. When did the inhabitants of Europe see a dazzling fireball appear in the eastern sky?

5. Who does the Commander depend on to land the Endeavour?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. According to Chapter 4, what unusual action was taken so that Rama could intercept Rama?

3. What precautions are taken to ensure the exploration party will be safe on Rama?

4. What is discovered about Rama once it is photographed by the cameras released by Sita?

5. Describe what Commander Norton saw and felt when he entered Rama while tethered to a safety line.

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

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

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

9. Why is Commander Norton concerned about how Boris Rodrigo may react after disembarking to explore Rama?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

There are several references in the novel to "ancient" history from the twentieth century and before. Name five different references to ancient history and explain their contribution to the meaning of the story. Why is the author choosing to write about these particular historical events, facts, characters, or customs?

Essay Topic 3

Exercise and fitness is an important theme in the book. Command decisions were made based on how fit or unfit the Endeavour personnel were at any given moment. Part One: Pick two characters and explain how their fitness level influenced decisions and events in the book. Part Two: Explain whether or not we are more fit or less fit than the characters in the book.

(see the answer keys)

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