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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. Where do they think there are no people living?

2. Under what terms does Peter agree to stay on as Dwight's liaison officer?

3. How does Peter explain the need for her to know about the pills?

4. What special fuel does John need for his Ferrari?

5. What does Sunderstrom find that he cannot take back to the submarine?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Lt. Sunderstrom do before shutting down the communications center at the Naval Base at Elliott Bay.

2. Explain what prevents Dwight from going fishing for trout before September 1st.

3. Explain the surprise Moira has for Dwight when they meet for lunch.

4. On the long voyage of the Scorpion, what are they able to learn about San Francisco?

5. What does John Osbourne tell Peter when he asks about how much more time they have?

6. How does John say the sickness goes near the end?

7. Why is Dwight upset over a painting at the National Gallery?

8. Why does John say his uncle, Sir Froude, still appears to be healthy?

9. How does being in the submarine compare to racing the Ferrari to John?

10. What is it that Moira agrees to do for Mary if Peter does not return in time?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay on stoicism in the face of death. Use John Osbourne as your example of a person who knows what to expect and accepts the inevitable. State your opinion about the dignity with which Osbourne faces death.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay about ON THE BEACH as a valuable resource for arguing against nuclear proliferation. In your essay include who should read the book as required reading. These people should be drawn from government and military sources, religious sources, and concerned individuals.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 641 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample