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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. In Chapter 31, Rochefort tells McFarlane they have placed what percentage of extra jacks under the meteorite?

2. What impending situation is mentioned in both Chapters 39 and 40?

3. In Chapter 28, what item does Vallenar ask the man he is interviewing to give to him?

4. What is the name of the channel where the Rolvaag lowers its anchor during the recovery of the meteorite?

5. In Chapter 38, McFarlane recognizes the twin fangs of Hanuxa as what geological formations?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who arrives on the Rolvaag via helicopter in Chapter 20? What is the purpose of this visit?

2. What does Dr. Brambell say caused Masangkay's death? How does this impact the expedition at this point?

3. What story of the Ice Limit does Britton tell the people at her table during the first dinner on board the Rolvaag? What famous writer wrote a story about this incident? How is this incident related to Captain Britton? What is important about this story?

4. What is being auction at a Christie's auction house in Chapter 3? What is unusual about the buyer?

5. Why does Glinn insist that McFarlane accompany him to the island where they will be interviewed by customs? Why does Glinn want himself and McFarlane to present fake passports when they arrive in Chile?

6. What does McFarlane use to create a demonstration of what happens to the ground when a meteorite falls from the sky? Why does McFarlane put on this demonstration? What is the reaction of his audience?

7. What does a native man find on Isla Desolacion when paddles there in Chapter 2? What does he do about it?

8. What does Masangkay anticipate will be the rewards for discovering a unique meteorite on the Isla Desolacion? Who does he wish to pay back?

9. What proof in Chapter 30 do McFarlane and Amira get from Glinn that supports their theory that the meteorite is interstellar rather than having come from our solar system?

10. Why does Glinn gather his team and suggest they end the expedition in Chapter 35? Do they?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Who is Comandante Vallenar? Where do Glinn, McFarlane, and Britton meet him? What problem does Vallenar have with Glinn and his crew? For what reason? Why does Vallenar think Glinn and his crew are interested in Isla Desolacion? Is this true? Is Vallenar ordered by the Chilean government to watch over Glinn and his crew? How does Vallenar react to opposition to his decision to watch over Glinn and his crew? Who does Vallenar send to the Isla Desolacion? How does this impact Vallenar's later decisions?

Essay Topic 2

Who is Britton? What was the nature of the scandal that discredited her as a ships captain? Was Britton guilty of the crime she was accused of? Was Britton unfairly treated for some reason? Explain. Why does Glinn chose Britton as the captain of the Rolvaag? Why does Britton take the job? For what reason is Britton's career important to her at this point in her life? What fear does Britton continuously express while on board the Rolvaag? What drink does Britton ban from the Rolvaag? How does the crew react to this? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following style elements in detail, discussing how they impact the overall plot of the novel. Cite examples from the novel to support your conclusions:

1) Theme

2) Metaphor

3) Language

4) Character.

(see the answer keys)

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