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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. How long is the normal "day" for a normal asteroid versus one for Rama?

2. What is the expected effect of an matter-antimatter reaction?

3. What does the Commander think about the amount of responsibility he must shoulder on this mission?

4. In Chapter 16, what is the Commander ignoring because it seems insignificant?

5. Why is a cloud of vapor sent toward Rama?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Commander Norton concerned about how Boris Rodrigo may react after disembarking to explore Rama?

2. What did Dr. Stenton discover about Rama after he processed the results from viewing the asteroid with a big orbiting telescope?

3. When do objects like 31/439 obtain a name?

4. What is discovered about Rama once it is photographed by the cameras released by Sita?

5. After the initial news media fuss, why did all the world forget about Rama, except for the astronomers?

6. Describe the devastation that occurred on September 11, 2077.

7. What was the most mysterious characteristic of the object known as 31/439?

8. According to Chapter 5, what does the exploration party think of the design of Rama? How does this affect their EVA mission?

9. What was the initial response to the catastrophic destruction of 2077?

10. What precautions are taken to ensure the exploration party will be safe on Rama?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are two extreme positions about Rama in the book--the position of the Hermians and the position of the explorers. Describe these two positions. Compare and contrast these two positions using characters' behavior and events to prove your point.

Essay Topic 2

Space stations exist in reality currently, and in the novel the characters are familiar with space stations as well. Rama is considered by some as somewhat like a space station, but also different. Compare and contrast Rama's characteristics with real space stations that exist today and space stations as they exist in the book at the time of discovery of Rama. What characteristics do they share and in what ways are they different?

Essay Topic 3

Scientists often have an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and may take reckless risks in order to make a scientific discovery or breakthrough. Quite a few members of the crew of the Endeavour and the Rama Committee are scientists. Pick two characters who are scientists and compare and contrast their attitude toward taking risks in the name of science.

(see the answer keys)

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