View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What types of patrols are sent out by Downs?

2. How many hits are made by Downs?

3. The animal had been accidentally setting off ____ which could have been very dangerous to the soldiers.

4. Which word best describes the area in which Downs is stationed?

5. Which emotion best describes the attitude of the patrol despite their recent successes?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the biggest problem with this plan?

2. When is the platoon moved from the area? Where are they taken to set up a new base camp?

3. Describe the scene when Lt. Frederick Downs arrives at the airfield for the first time.

4. What difficulty do the soldiers have when it comes to landing the helicopter? What is the solution to the problem?

5. Who gives Downs details about his destination? What does the man say?

6. Explain Downs' first friendly encounter with the Vietnamese villagers.

7. Where does Downs and his platoon spend the first two months in Vietnam?

8. Describe the people confronted in one of the villages. What happens to them?

9. Discuss Downs' first mission and the sights he witnesses.

10. Discuss Downs' situation at the base camp. Where is it located? What is the name of the platoon?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine the extensive type of treatment that Downs had to receive as a result of the gunshot wound and eventual amputation. What kind of preliminary treatment did Downs receive? What is the biggest danger to a soldier immediately following an encounter with a land mine? What is the worst part of the recovery? What actions can be taken to help amputees? How did Downs fare after his treatments?

Essay Topic 2

Write a short story or essay from the point of view of Downs as he reminisces about his championship shooting awards and accolades earned throughout his military career. How did Downs' views change over the years?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the relationship between Mann and Downs. Did the men know each other prior to Vietnam? If so, how? When did the men meet? What was the first impression garnered by each? Were the first impressions correct? What was the first mission the men worked together? What did it entail? What was the outcome? As time went on did the personal and professional relationship improve or disintegrate? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 763 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample