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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. How long does Peter say the next trip of the Scorpion will probably take?

2. Why does Mr. Davidson think people are not migrating south ahead of the radiation?

3. What does Peter do as the sub returns to Melbourne?

4. What does Moira do in Melbourne?

5. How long as it been since Peter had an assignment?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the problem with Moira's ability to understand what has happened in the world?

2. In what way does Dwight hold out some hope for the situation?

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

4. How does the relationship between Dwight and Moira develop?

5. How has the boisterous revelry of the townspeople changed over the past year?

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

7. How does the USS Swordfish illustrate the movement of the radiation?

8. How has the war simplified life in Australia to a large extent?

9. What is of special interest about the radio signals coming from around Seattle?

10. Why have methods of transportation changed in Australia?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay about going home to die. Clearly Dwight would like to do the same thing as seaman Swain. Explain what prevents him. Define the characteristic of Dwight's that prevents him from ordering the USS Scorpion to return to the northeastern United States.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay about pure love. It is clear that Moira is in love with Dwight. Leading up to her introduction to him, she is described as having lived a promiscuous life. What is it in the relationship between her and Dwight that prevents her from attempting to seduce him.

Essay Topic 3

Write a critique of Nevil Shute's ON THE BEACH. Evaluate Shute as a story teller and how well he holds the attention of the reader. Also evaluate the importance of the subject matter and whether it contributes a good message to the world. Mention the parts you think are strongest and weakest in the book. Conclude with a recommendation as to who would most benefit from reading the novel.

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This section contains 673 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample