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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. A book by what author is Caputo trying to read while waiting at the outpost on top of a hill?

2. What is the refrain the sergeant teaches the men during war training?

3. What familiar smells and sounds does Caputo comment on back at base camp?

4. What is Big Ivan?

5. Why do they get ready to move out to the war zone several times?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do they find when they rush a base camp near the LZ?

2. What is the first month like after the battalion reaches Vietnam?

3. How does Caputo mention perception and locale when talking about troop size?

4. What is the news that makes Caputo sorry he is not there instead of being in Okinawa?

5. When does Caputo have his first realization of someone trying to kill him?

6. How does the platoon receive Caputo's first lecture?

7. Describe the platoon sergeant, William Campbell.

8. What mistake happens when they fire a three-point-five at the sniper who got Sullivan?

9. Describe the Annamese Cordillera.

10. Why do the men continually have to be reminded to keep five paces between them and the next man?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Caputo discusses the deterioration of morals as the war goes on. Write your opinion about how extremely adverse situations may affect human morality. Give examples from the book of behavior in Vietnam that would not even be considered in main street USA.

Essay Topic 2

Using the colonel who had bodies dug up to show a visiting general and the colonel who wanted his horseshoe pitch done during preparations for a VC offensive, discuss in a paper how some people rise to the top without having the necessary qualifications. Discuss in the paper whether you think this is a phenomenon limited to the military.

Essay Topic 3

Self-preservation is a big consideration for anyone. In the case of Vietnam, there was no way to look at a person and know if he or she was South Vietnamese or VietCong. Write your opinion about the moral dilemma of having to make such a determination and whether it is right to err on the side of personal safety.

(see the answer keys)

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