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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 do the astronauts consider aborting?

2. What do Eileen and Tim find in Tujunga?

3. What do Tim and Eileen try to buy?

4. What does Sharps say are the odds of the comet hitting earth?

5. How do Tim and Eileen manage to get away from the city?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does it say about Tim and Eileen that they agree to take four of the children and about Larry who refuses to harm Tim and Eileen?

2. What makes Gordie decide not to commit suicide?

3. What advice does Tim give the ranger?

4. Do you think Harry is a little crazy for continuing his pursuit to deliver the mail?

5. Who finds Harvey and what do they do?

6. What is Harry doing when the comet strikes and what is his response?

7. Describe a couple of Harry's "appointed rounds" and an evaluation of this man.

8. Briefly describe Tim and Eileen's journey by car to the observatory.

9. Why does Harvey wonder about where Marie might be?

10. Identify who you think are the protagonist(s), antagonist(s) and two or three secondary characters and why.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Senator Jellison has an assistant quietly go about gathering survival supplies, though his formal statement is that there's no reason to panic. Discuss the following:

Do you think it is moral for officials who have greater knowledge than the average citizen about a possible future disaster to keep that information from the public? Discuss in context of this story and any personal knowledge you have from "real" life.

How can the government warn citizens to prepare for a disaster of this magnitude without causing total panic and a dangerous situation just from the panic?

Do you trust your government when it comes to receiving warnings about possible natural and/or man-made disasters that may affect you? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 2

While they are discussing the plan for survival if the comet is to hit, there's some dissent over the issue. Jellison makes the point that the best course is to pool resources, so the entire community can survive. While Ray says that it sounds like communism, George says that it makes sense to join together. Discuss the following:

Do you agree with George that it makes sense to pool resources? Why or why not.

If you had laid in huge amounts of survival supplies and were asked to share in a community setting, would you be willing? What could a group offer you that you do not have yourself if you planned ahead?

What is the number one problem with trying to survive in small numbers, say at the family level?

Essay Topic 3

Harvey and his friend, Gordie, both have financial problems. Discuss the following:

Compare and contrast the methods both men use to deal with their financial problems.

What personality traits about each man make them solve their problems in different ways? Give examples.

Do you think Gordie being given a second chance will change him? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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