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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. Why is there no manual override on the Odyssey so that the rocket launch might be stopped?

2. After Kang dies, what happens to his assistant, Kwan?

3. How long does the launch countdown for a rocket fired from a Sea Launch platform last?

4. Who is the leader of the Navy SEAL team that attempts to locate Kang's ship?

5. Who is Dirk Pitt, Sr.'s wife?

Short Essay Questions

1. What plan do NUMA and homeland security officials put into action in Chapter 43?

2. What happens to Kwan and Kang's empire?

3. What is the role of the USS Benfold in Chapter 63?

4. Describe Ling's function on board the Koguryo.

5. What do Dirk Pitt, Sr., and Al do after they land at LAX in Chapter 48?

6. What initially happens after Dirk and Dahlgren board the Odyssey?

7. What happens after Pitt Sr. and Al spot several ships in their surveillance system on board the blimp?

8. How does Pitt Sr. escape the sinking Odyssey platform?

9. What information do Dirk and Summer share with the authorities in Chapter 41?

10. What is Tongju's plan to take over the Odyssey?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few ... or the one," Mr. Spock said. Throughout Black Wind, the heroes are put in situations where personal sacrifice is a possible course of action. Identify several incidents in the book where one or more of the characters took Mr. Spock's admonition to heart. Describe those incidents, the crisis that precipitated the incident, and the characters' response to it. Discuss whether or not sacrifice was actually called for or whether an alternative response would have been just as effective.

Essay Topic 2

Death comes frequently and casually to many of the characters in Black Wind. One might argue that Cussler takes death lightly. There are incidents of death occurring one on one (one person at the hands of another). Other deaths take place randomly. Still other deaths involve the killing of masses of people, often at the wishes of one person. Evaluate the reality of death in this book. Compare and contrast the different forms of death. Which seem more destructive? Which seem more "evil?" Which have the most impact on the reader? Explain your answers in some depth.

Essay Topic 3

Black Wind is populated with larger-than-life characters, performing larger-than-life deeds. The theme of audaciousness is prevalent in both the protagonists and the antagonists. Select five plot points from the actions of each group, protagonists and antagonists, that personify the theme of "audaciousness." For each plot point, explain why that particular incident in the novel would justify being called "audacious."

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This section contains 800 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample