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. On what date does the platoon return to the bridge?

2. What word is best used to describe the Army people encountered by Downs at the mess hall?

3. Downs begins to question the military's _____ in regards to fighting the enemy.

4. What unfortunate incident happens to Downs when he must face an enemy.

5. Who has control of the area?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain what the author means by the genocidal aspect of the war. How does Downs justify this behavior?

2. The American soldiers stumble upon a Vietcong camp. Describe what happens next.

3. Discuss at least one way in which the American soldiers can attack the Vietcong without being located.

4. Explain the trip to the area around the Tam Ky province. What is the general atmosphere of the area.

5. What happens to the wounded men? What can the soldiers do to save them?

6. Discuss Downs' opinion of the base camp and area surrounding Pleiku.

7. How is the platoon separated? Who are the leaders? What happens shortly after the separation? What is Downs' reaction to the conflict?

8. Discuss Downs' state of mind at this stage of the war. What objections does Downs have about the way the mission is being operated?

9. Where is the Tam Ky province? How is it similar to the old base camp outside Duc Pho?

10. Who arrives to assist the soldiers? What happens during the operation?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Downs was among a long line of other soldiers wounded in the line of duty. Examine and discuss various types of wounds that are mentioned in the book. How were the majority of the wounds inflicted? What is the standard treatment of a non-serious wound? What is the standard treatment for a potentially fatal wound? Who attends to the soldiers when they are wounded? How common is it for doctors to be present and to take care of the wounds? When doctors are not around, who performs the work?

Essay Topic 2

In addition to physical damage and recovery, many soldiers face temporary or permanent psychological damage. Discuss this fact as it applies to the book. Who may have suffered from psychological damage? How did Downs deal with his psychological issues first when he returned stateside and attempted to become a civilian to each incident when he was injured? How did Downs handle it when he was discharged from the military?

Essay Topic 3

Write a short story or essay from the point of view of Downs as he reminisces about his championship shooting awards and accolades earned throughout his military career. How did Downs' views change over the years?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 927 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample