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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. When do the ASCANS go to the National Space Technology Labs in Mississippi?

2. How long after the launch of the first space shuttle, do the rocket boosters fall away?

3. How long does Joan tell Vanessa that they can get the shuttle and crew home?

4. How much time does Vanessa have to get back in her suit and manually close the latches on the right forward bulkhead?

5. How old was Vanessa when her father died?

Short Essay Questions

1. In June 1981, why does Joan have to call Barbara and tell her she cannot pick Frances up from school on Monday?

2. What does Vanessa find when she enters the cabin?

3. What regret does Vanessa have when she realizes Steve is dead?

4. Why does Vanessa think she cannot have a dog?

5. What are some of the roles astronauts fill when they are not on a space mission?

6. What does Vanessa ask Joan to help her with, and why does asking for help embarrass her?

7. What assignments are ASCANs given as NASA prepares for the first shuttle mission?

8. What does Joan feel for Griff?

9. What is Joan's job on December 29, 1984?

10. What problems have to be resolved in order to get the shuttle back to earth?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Imagery is a literary device authors use to describe characters and the world they inhabit. Imagery involves using the five senses to describe characters, places, and things. How does Reid use imagery to help readers imagine the world and characters she has created?

Essay Topic 2

A character arc is the inner journey of a character in a book. What is Joan’s character arc, and what situations influence her growth and transformation?

Essay Topic 3

A non-linear narrative moves back and forth in time. How does Reid use a non-linear narrative to focus on what is important in Atmosphere? How does the non-linear narrative help readers better understand characters, especially Joan and Vanessa?

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This section contains 956 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample