View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Hub Control monitor Jimmy's altitude?

2. Why is the color of the Cylindrical Sea different?

3. What is more disconcerting to Norton while in New York as compared to the plains of Rama?

4. In Chapter 26, what potential danger concerns Jimmy as he begins his adventure?

5. How many members are there in the United Planets?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why are Hermians compared to Spartans?

2. Why does Norton order the Revolution to return to shore as quickly as possible after seeing the giant starfish?

3. Why is it the case that some planets in the solar system are not represented in the United Planets?

4. Why is Chapter 27 entitled, "Electric Wind"?

5. Why did the Commander delay explaining the method they were going to use to Jimmy?

6. Why is Chapter 17 entitled "Spring'?

7. Explain the supposed similarities between a termite colony and Rama.

8. Describe the first creature that is encountered on Rama.

9. According to Chapter 23, why is Ravi McAndrews considered one of the last people on the Endeavour to normally engage in a technical discussion?

10. Who is the only member of the crew that seems comfortable with the sights now illuminated on Rama?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There is much emphasis on ecology, recycling, degradation of the environment, and the creation of pollutants on Rama because it is a closed system. At the time the book was written the recycling movement was in its infancy in the United States and Europe. How might this book reflect the point of view of the author and his contemporaries about recycling and ecology? What are the positive and negative aspects of ecology and recycling as symbolized by the environment on Rama?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Space stations exist in reality currently, and in the novel the characters are familiar with space stations as well. Rama is considered by some as somewhat like a space station, but also different. Compare and contrast Rama's characteristics with real space stations that exist today and space stations as they exist in the book at the time of discovery of Rama. What characteristics do they share and in what ways are they different?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,044 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample