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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. What did Stecker recommend to Harris for Howard?

2. How does Koffler feel about parachuting?

3. What does Galloway say about Neville's plans for the three planes?

4. What does Pickering tell Knox he will do for the navy?

5. What do the Marines plan to do with Charley Galloway?

Short Essay Questions

1. From where did the attack on Pearl Harbor come, when did it occur and what was the result of the attack?

2. Why is Joe Howard on the USS Tangier and what happens on the way to her destination?

3. Why is Jack Dillon in Hollywood?

4. What was Charley determined to do during his first few years in service?

5. What did Stecker recommend for Joe Howard, why and in what position will Howard work for Stecker?

6. What does Charley do when he puts together and aircraft, and what is the end result?

7. What do Knox and Pickering talk about after Pickering answers Knox's initial inquiry?

8. Where does Howard report for his physical, what happens immediately and why?

9. What is Steve Koffler doing in Lakehurst, how does he feel about it, and why is he doing it?

10. Why is PFC Koffler AWOL? What will he begin at Lakehurst and with whom?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Although wealthy and not young enough for the draft, Fleming Pickering devotes his time and money to the war effort. He, and many other characters in this book, was very patriotic. Discuss one of the following:

1. What does patriotism mean to me? Use examples from Counterattack to support your answer.

2. Class discussion. What is patriotism? What are the advantages of a country whose citizens feel highly patriotic? What are the disadvantages? What happens when patriots become zealots? Should patriotism be expected of its citizens by any country? Why or why not?

3. How do the characters in Counterattack demonstrate their patriotism? Use examples from Counterattack to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Most of the entire series of novels concerning the Corps takes place during the second world war; therefore, understanding the political and social situation during that time helps to a greater understanding and appreciation of this book and others in the series. Discuss one of the following:

1. Research and write an expository essay about how the second world war begins and ends.

2. Research and write an expository essay about the battles that take place on land between America and the Japanese in World War II.

3. Compare/contrast the importance of the British infantry during the second world war to the importance of the American infantry during WWI.

4. Write an expository essay on how World War II affects the social culture of one of the following countries: Britain, France, America, or Germany.

Essay Topic 3

Griffin has tried as much as possible to use historical events and facts around which to weave his work of fiction. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think Counterattack qualifies as an historical fiction? Why or why not?

2. If much of the events in the book are historical, what surprises you about the way the events play out?

3. Do you think the culture of that era is more or less advanced than you imagined? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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