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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. As Chapter 14 opens, how old is Carmen and Bob's baby?

2. In Chapter 13, what injury is suffered by Mick?

3. In Chapter 8, what is Grant's theory as to why Jock would not listen to Rod?

4. How old is the other baby in the settlement at the beginning of Chapter 14?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. In Chapter 9 how does Grant use the wedding of Bob and Carmen to his advantage?

4. Under Grant's leadership, how frequently are town meetings held?

5. What demands does Rod make of Grant in Chapter 10, before agreeing to serve as his city manager?

6. Early in Chapter 8, how is Jack injured?

7. What happens to Grant during the dopey joes' aggressive period?

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

9. Why do some students in the settlement start to feel disenchanted with Grant's leadership?

10. What creature attacks Roy, surprising him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Describe the family dynamics of the Walker family, as depicted early in the novel. Why do Rod's parents conceal from him the fact that Rod's father is terminally ill and the fact that both of Rod's parents plan to be frozen for twenty years in the hope that a cure will be found? How do the family dynamics change by the final chapter, as a result of Rod's new life experiences and the passage of time?

Essay Topic 3

Why do Deacon Matson and Helen believe that students are better off not carrying guns during their final exam on an unknown planet? How is their philosophy proved correct or incorrect as the novel progresses? How does this relate to Heinlein's attitude toward violence?

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