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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. At the beginning of Chapter 12, upon Rod's return from his expedition what change does he notice in Grant?

2. The historian is chosen based on what criteria?

3. In Chapter 13, what catastrophic event is triggered by the strange new behavior of the dopey joes?

4. Why don't Bob and Carmen want to leave with their friends immediately following the elections in Chapter 8?

5. Under Grant's leadership, who is appointed as the historian of the group?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where does Rod think the students should move their colony?

2. Why, according to Caroline, is Carmen unable to relocate to a new place?

3. In Chapter 10, why is Caroline appointed historian for the settlement?

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

5. The first part of Chapter 11 is told from whose point of view?

6. What vote do the students make while Rod is recovering from the dopey joe attack?

7. How do Rod and Caroline clash the first time they try to hunt together?

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

9. What do Grant and Rod build in an attempt to protect their camp from the stampeding animals?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Consider the numerous marriages that take place during "Tunnel in the Sky." What qualities draw these couples together? Why is marriage considered so important in the students' settlement? How does Grant use wedding ceremonies to his advantage, while serving as mayor? Why does Rod never seem to consider finding a wife?

Essay Topic 2

How does Robert A. Heinlein perceive the roles and capabilities of men and women? Cite examples from the novel. In what ways does his perception seem quaint, given the fact that the novel was first published in 1955? Is Heinlein a sexist, by today's standards?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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