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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 is the code number used to identify Downs?

2. The platoon finds ___ Vietcong have been blown up along the roadside.

3. The unit is divided into how many parts?

4. People attempting to cross the bridge are stopped by a _____.

5. Which of the following is to be guarded by the company?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Downs' rank? Where does Downs go on his first assignment?

2. Describe the scene that takes place on the bridge. Who is involved?

3. Discuss the scene in which the platoon goes out into the rice paddies. Who do the soldiers see? What mishap occurs?

4. What is exposed by a random shot fired by Downs? What is the next step taken in the mission? What is discovered?

5. What is the biggest problem with this plan?

6. Discuss Downs' situation at the base camp. Where is it located? What is the name of the platoon?

7. Describe the area around the base camp and how it is different than Downs expected.

8. Explain the arrival and presence of Fouel. What is the opinion of the Americans on the Cho-Hui?

9. When is the platoon moved from the area? Where are they taken to set up a new base camp?

10. Describe the people confronted in one of the villages. What happens to them?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the statistics mentioned in the book. Explore the accuracy of the details. What other details should have been included? Which details may have been more pertinent? What else should have been said about the end of the war? How did the end of the war affect the hundreds of thousands of military personnel and their families? Were there any other wars in recent history that equaled the one in Vietnam?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss in details Downs' experience in the Veterans Administration. How did Downs become involved with the VA? What type of work did Downs do? How long was Downs affiliated with the VA? What prompted Downs to take the promotion? What was the new job? What did it entail? How was the job directly related to Downs' own experience? Why did Downs travel back to Vietnam during this time? How did the trip affect Downs?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the life of an American soldier with soldiers from at least two other countries, in addition to North and South Vietnam. Include the involvement of the ARVN in comparison to the regular Army troops. Which do you think made the biggest efforts? Which country was most instrumental in ending the war?

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