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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. Who explains to Rob why the students were not picked up at the scheduled end of their final exam?

2. Who does Jack decide to marry?

3. What happens to Grant near the end of Chapter 13?

4. Why does Rod insist, at the end of Chapter 13, that the students should stay put rather than move their settlement?

5. What unusual sight do Rod and his companions see on Cliff's farm, in Chapter 15?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Grant use the incident between Rod and Jock in Chapter 8 to overthrow Rod from his leadership position?

2. What does Deacon Matson finally define as a stobor?

3. Who stands up for Bob and Carmen during their wedding ceremony?

4. Who becomes the first elected mayor of the student settlement in Chapter 8?

5. Why do Rod and Roy embark on an expedition downstream from their settlement?

6. Why are Rod and Roy slow to return from their expedition?

7. What do Rod and Roy discover, as far downstream as they can go?

8. During a square dance in Chapter 14, what do almost all of the students say they would do if rescuers come?

9. When rescuers arrive, who is the only student who refuses to return home?

10. A strange migration of what creatures threatens the students' settlement?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What elements must be present in order for a novel to be classified as science fiction? How do descriptions early in the novel lead the reader into the world of "Tunnel in the Sky," creating the situations and showcasing the technologies necessary for the plot to develop? What is the author's attitude regarding the technologies he imagines in this world?

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast the governmental styles of Rod Walker and Grant Cowper. How are the two ultimately able to work together, despite their differences? What does this say about Heinlein's attitudes toward democracy and dictatorship, cooperation and autonomy?

Essay Topic 3

What do the cliff dwellings discovered by Rod and Roy in Chapter 11 signify? What does the beach of bones discovered by the same two characters signify? How do the two characters react to their discoveries? How do the beach of bones and they cliff dwellings amplify the sense of abandonment felt by the students on the unknown planet?

(see the answer keys)

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