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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What sober reflection to the men on the Scorpion have about Cairns, Moresby or Darwin?
(a) they will return to collect the dead
(b) they will be the last humans to ever see them
(c) only dogs and wild animals will live there
(d) the cities will fall into the sea

2. What is headed for the Southern hemisphere?
(a) planes carrying nuclear bombs
(b) the entire U.S. naval fleet
(c) radiation fallout
(d) guided missiles from the North

3. Who do Peter and Mary invite to their house to keep Dwight entertained?
(a) Jennifer Holmes
(b) Mary Paul
(c) Caroline Moresby
(d) Moira Davidson

4. Why does Osbourne say that perhaps people did not deserve the world?
(a) we deserve something better
(b) the animals have more sense
(c) we have been too silly
(d) the world has too much to offer

5. What does Peter do as the sub returns to Melbourne?
(a) calls Moira to let her know Dwight is back
(b) goes to by presents for Mary and Jennifer
(c) invites Dwight back to his home
(d) resigns his commission

Short Answer Questions

1. What has happened at the outset of the novel?

2. How did the war escalate?

3. How long does the USS Swordfish report being submerged that might be a record?

4. What kind of car does Peter have?

5. How does Peter get to town and to the local farmer for milk?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain where is it deemed possible that life might actually be able to continue on Earth?

2. Describe Moira's attitude toward life.

3. What is Moira's objection to Dwight's suggestion that she go to school?

4. Why have people grown accustomed to the radiation coming their way and just go about their regular business?

5. Why have methods of transportation changed in Australia?

6. Explain why Peter, a navy lieutenant-commander, has not worked for the past seven months.

7. What is notable about Mary's plans for her garden?

8. How do some people hold the hope that one day humans will again populate the Earth?

9. How does Shute explain the proliferation of atomic weapons?

10. What is the reason Sir Froude is drinking wine against his doctor's orders?

(see the answer keys)

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