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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 did Danes seal the leak?

2. Where are Joan and other mission specialists sent to learn how to bail out over the ocean?

3. What does Joan's father do for a living?

4. How long does Steve spend on the phone with his wife on December 28, when the astronauts are quarantined at Cape Canaveral?

5. What type of vehicle does Antonio drive?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why are Joan and the other astronaut candidates required to listen to the Apollo 1 disaster?

2. Why does Joan play the piano after a long week of classes in the fall of 1980?

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

4. What program is about to be launched when Joan is selected as a candidate to become an astronaut in 1979?

5. Why does Vanessa close her eyes as she prepares to enter the cabin?

6. What does Joan love about astronomy and the universe?

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

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

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

10. What does Joan like to draw and what is her favorite part of her drawing?

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

Cliffhangers are a literary device that leaves readers wondering what will happen next. How does Reid use cliffhangers in Atmosphere? How do the cliffhangers create suspense?

Essay Topic 3

Joan has always felt like a misfit. She has felt as though she does not belong. Why has Joan felt like a misfit, and how does joining NASA help Joan make peace with who she is and what she can do?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 909 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample