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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 “KIA” represent in the narrative?

2. What does “MRE” stand for in the narrative?

3. What do “MPs” refer to in the narrative?

4. Jonesy tells the narrator in Chapter 3, “Most of my training was about” doing what “when you heard gunfire”?

5. What does the narrator say Marla Kennedy found in one of the outhouses in Chapter 6?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where is Private Perry’s team put up for the night in the end of Chapter 5? Why does Jonesy come to visit Perry in the night?

2. Who brings a television to Private Perry’s tent in Chapter 7? What do the soldiers watch?

3. What does Private Perry reveal in his letter to Uncle Richie in Chapter 6?

4. To whom does Private Perry write a letter at the end of Chapter 2? What is revealed in the letter?

5. What does Private Perry relate to his Uncle Richie via letter in Chapter 5?

6. What does Private Perry question after reading his mother’s letter in Chapter 7?

7. What characters does Private Perry befriend in Chapter 1? By what nickname is he called?

8. How is the role of the Civil Affairs unit described in Chapter 3?

9. What assignments do the team members receive in Chapter 2?

10. How is the convoy into Iraq described by Private Perry in Chapter 4?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the character of Private Robin Perry as the narrator and protagonist of the novel. How would you describe Private Perry’s narrative and language style? Do you find this character to be likable upon your initial impressions? How do you relate to the character?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the obstacles presented by the sandstorm in Chapter 4. How long does the sandstorm last? How does this setback influence the morale of the troops? How long are they trapped?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze and discuss the character of Corporal Charlie Jones (“Jonesy”) in the novel. Why does Jonesy take Private Perry on as a friend soon after meeting him? Where is Jonesy from? How old is Jonesy? What kind of music does he love?

(see the answer keys)

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