On the Beach Short Essay Assignments

Short Essay Questions

The 60 short essay questions listed in this section require a one to two sentence answer. They ask students to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the text. Students must describe what they've read, rather than just recall it.

Short Essay Question - Chapter 1

1. Describe briefly what the story is about.

2. How does the story begin?

3. Explain why Peter, a navy lieutenant-commander, has not worked for the past seven months.

4. Why have people grown accustomed to the radiation coming their way and just go about their regular business?

5. Tell what is known about the global nuclear war.

6. Why have methods of transportation changed in Australia?

7. How has the war simplified life in Australia to a large extent?