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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. The most successful auto designs last for how many years?

2. __________________ decides to make a big name for himself in racing, but he does not know much about how it actually works.

3. Mark is with others often but also can feel very much alone. Why?

4. When does doing the normal work become more difficult?

5. What car do they use to try out in a new racing venue?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Roger Penske upset the Ferrari man?

2. How has the race in which Mark has now taken an interest become a good experience for Mark and the team?

3. What does Mark have to say about a good car he is running? Why might he say this?

4. Describe an example of compromise found in this chapter.

5. What conflict over value and loyalties takes place in this chapter? How important does loyalty seem to be, based on this example?

6. What does Mark Donohue think about racing in 1963?

7. What does the writer of the introduction have to say about the author?

8. Describe Formula racing.

9. What happens when Mark is driving a car and the restrictions are removed? How important is the difference in speed? Why?

10. How does Mark Donohue die? What are your thoughts on his death?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In 1963, Donohue has only been racing for three years.

Part 1) Describe his experiences at this point as a driver. How do these experiences affect him? Why does he consider being just a "normal engineer?"

Part 2) What causes Donohue to stick with racing? What does this conviction and desire reveal about him?

Part 3) Based on this information regarding racing in the early 1960s, how much has racing, as well as automobile engineering in general, changed over time?

Essay Topic 2

Mark has a difficult time with a car he races at Indy.

Part 1) What does Mark imply regarding these difficulties? How does this reiterate the importance of both the car and driver when racing well? What does this period of time reveal about Mark?

Part 2) How does Mark handle these difficulties? How does this lead to more difficulties? Why? What does this reveal about race car drivers?

Part 3) What are your own weaknesses? How do you deal with these weaknesses? Have others been able to help you? If so, how? If not, why not? How do your own weaknesses compare to Mark's?

Essay Topic 3

Mark dies in a crash.

Part 1) How does Mark end up racing one last time? How does this lead to his death? Might he have known that this was a risk he was taking? Why or why not?

Part 2) What does his death reveal about the sport of racing? How does it affect your view of this popular sport? What could be done to make this sport safer for those involved?

Part 3) Many forms of entertainment are dangerous for the performers/athletes. Are these activities worth the risks? Why or why not? Should it be legal to participate in these activities? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,088 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample