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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. How does Jill cook her and Ben's meal?

2. Why does Michael need a water bed when he first comes to earth?

3. Where do Larry and Jill put Michael?

4. Where does Jill meet Ben?

5. What does Jill think when Michael expresses his curiosity?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Ben do with a tape of Michael's room and what is on it?

2. What does Ben ask Jill to do at the hospital and how does she do it?

3. What kind of writing does Jubal Hershaw do and how does he do it?

4. How does Jubal feel about Michael's abilities and what does he do?

5. How does Jill get Michael out of the hospital and where do they go?

6. What happens to Ben after he leaves the hospital?

7. What does Captain Tromp do with Michael when he returns to earth?

8. Who does Secretary General Douglas talk to about Michael being missing and why is he reluctant to do that?

9. What does it mean when Jill does as Michael insists?

10. What does Gillian give Michael and what does he insist she do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Martians are not human, nor can they ever be due to their detached sexuality. This could mean that if they ever get around to grokking humans, the Martians may decide that the universe is better off without us, a theme sometimes thought of in our own society.

1. What reasons do you think the Martians might find to kill off the human race? Use examples from the book and your life to support your position.

2. You are a Martian and a member of the council deciding on the fate of humans. Write an essay convincing the other members the human race is worth saving.

3. Do you believe two alien races, who are as different from each other as the "Martians" and humans could ever understand each other? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

The argument between Duke and Jubal gives Heinlein a platform from which to explore the attitudes of the American culture.

1. How do you think other cultures view American culture? Support your view with examples.

2. Have you ever been exposed to another culture? If so, what did you think about it? Use examples from your experience to illustrate your thoughts. If you've never been exposed to another culture would you like to go to another country? Why or why not?

3. Pretend you have met aliens from another world and they are following you around for a day. Explain your day to them as to someone who has never been on this world.

Essay Topic 3

Jubal Hershaw is a savvy and cantankerous old man with a heart of gold. He definitely barks but only bites those who deserve it. When Jill shows up with Michael, Jubal does not hesitate to invite them to stay, mostly because he finds the Man from Mars a very interesting subject in a world that has not interested him for a good many years.

1. What character traits are interesting about Jubal Hershaw? Would you like him if you met him in real life? Why or why not?

2. If you were in trouble who would you go, as Jill did, to Jubal Hershaw? Why would you go to that person? Would the person you would seek out for help resemble Jubal in any way?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,043 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample