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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. What is in the hypodermic syringe that Summer assaults Dirk with?

2. Where does Dirk land the helicopter after evacuating the Martha Ann?

3. What does Dirk do for Al's injured hand?

4. What replacement weapon does Dirk grab after having expended his single shot weapon?

5. What does "noncom" mean as it is used in the beginning of Chapter 10?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are ADM Hunter and Dirk Pitt's differing opinions on Adrian?

2. How is the scent of the eucalyptus oil explained? How does it support the theory of the seamount?

3. What changes ADM Hunter's mind about obeying the destroy orders from the joint Chiefs in Washington D.C.?

4. How do Dirk and LCDR Boland differ over how to wage battle against the men from the sea as they face impending attack on the Martha Ann?

5. How does LCDR Crowhaven's attitude change from his frame of mind on the plane, once he is within sight of the submarine and Dirk lets him know that this is where he [Dirk] gets off?

6. Besides Dirk's lost love, what does Summer represent to the Navy and why would it have been important to rescue her?

7. There are three operations, with different codenames going on simultaneously in Chapter 16. What are their different codenames and objectives?

8. Who or what is Selma Snoop?

9. Why does Dirk flood the Starbuck's torpedo compartment?

10. In both Chapters 9 and 10, Dirk endeavors to get his way by assuring the Naval men that he "will take full responsibility." Why does this seem to be the easiest way for Dirk to gain their compliance?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Quote from CDR Burdette Denver: "Piracy on the high seas went out with the manufacture of cutlasses." Is this actually a true statement? Is piracy a possible or probable explanation for the Pacific Vortex? Provide evidence both from the book and from independent research to support your claims.

Essay Topic 2

ADM Hunter's view of and reactions to Dirk will drive certain parts of the plot, especially towards the end of the book. How does ADM Hunter's view of Dirk change throughout the book? Cite specific examples of change moments. Where or to what do these changes lead?

Essay Topic 3

Part of the significance of the Starbuck to the Navy in Pacific Vortex! is her nuclear engineering and capability. Describe what nuclear power means to a submarine. What advantages does it give to a Naval submarine? How does this factor in to the various plot elements (concerns about operating the sub, condition of the sub, allowing her to sit, allowing her to be found by others, attempting to destroy her, etc.)?

(see the answer keys)

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