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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 Cook able to acquire the information that Yamata is seeking?

2. What are "zaibatsu"?

3. Why does Cook agree to sell information to Nagumo?

4. What is the former profession of the man Yamata contacts about the information regarding the Durling Administration?

5. Which of the following is most important in Yamata's plan to bring down America?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Cook cautious about accepting Nagumo's offer, and why does he agree to do so?

2. What is the state of Yamata's nuclear preparations when Ryan and the U.S. President go to Moscow?

3. What is Jack Ryan's background, and what is his life like when the novel begins?

4. What goes wrong in an industrial process in Japan?

5. What is Ryan's first operation in his new position? How successful is it?

6. Why is Ryan considered for the position of National Security Advisor?

7. Explain Golovko's offer to Ryan.

8. How does Yamata react to the passing of the Trade Reform Act, and how successful is his plan?

9. What information does Yamata want Seiji Nagumo to acquire from Chris Cook?

10. Why does Yamata think the information he gains about the Durling administration is incriminating?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Yamata's initial plan revolves around surprise and deception. He launches a series of surprise attacks against America intended to make it impossible for them to strike back. Ryan's plan involves elements of surprise. Although this method of warfare is as old as war itself, there remain significant moral issues with regards to its use, and the leaders in the novel demonstrate how it can be used effectively and responsibly, or with disregard and in morally deplorable way.

Part 1) Discuss the sneak attacks that Yamata employs to attack America. What are the targets of these attacks? Are civilians targeted in addition to the military?

Part 2) Explain the sneak attack methods used by the U.S. Why are these attacks carried out? What are their targets?

Part 3) Discuss the moral nature of the sneak attacks used by both sides. Are any or all of these actions morally acceptable in warfare?

Provide support for your conclusions with quotes from the novel.

Essay Topic 2

Although they have been long-standing enemies, the Russians cooperate with the U.S. in this novel, working together to disarm their nuclear weapons, and then helping the Americans by uncovering vital intelligence about the Japanese.

Part 1) Summarize the historical tensions between Russia and the U.S.

Part 2) Describe the motivation for the cooperation between Russia and the U.S. on the disarmament project. How successful is this arrangement?

Part 3) Explain how and why the Russians aid the Americans during the conflict with the Japanese. What vital information do the Russians provide? How would the story have unfolded differently if not for Russian intervention?

Use examples and quotes from the book to support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 3

Jack Ryan is the protagonist of the novel. He is forced to respond to a range of critical international situations, and he has the most impact on the events of the novel.

Part 1) Describe Jack Ryan as a character. Explain his background and why he is selected to be the new National Security Advisor.

Part 2) Use evidence from the book to summarize and explain some of Ryan's positive characteristics that help him perform this new role. Overall, how good is he at this job?

Part 3) Explain Ryan's principles. What does he base his morality on, and how does he make difficult decisions? Describe some ways that Ryan's beliefs and principles shape events in the novel.

(see the answer keys)

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