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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. The Commander of the USS Pharris receives orders about how to deal with ships he encounters. What are those orders?

2. While the Russians prepare for their offensive, four generals are court-martialed and shot. What are they accused of?

3. Why is this mission to take out the bridges so important in the war against the Soviets?

4. The execution of four Russian generals has a profound impact on the rest of the Russian military. How do other military officers respond?

5. What does Edwards warn command about the relocation to a safer place?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are some reasons that the destruction of the oil refinery in Nizhnevartovsk so significant to the Russians?

2. Why does the captain of the Julius Fucik ground the ship after the attack on the Icelandic air base?

3. What is "Red Storm?"

4. How are the Russians' missiles damaged?

5. What are the effects of the execution of four generals in the Russian army?

6. Is Edwards suited to the stress of his situation?

7. Why does the Politburo decide to go to war for oil?

8. Why does one of Chernyavin's men blow up the van they traveled in?

9. Who is Robert Toland?

10. What are some clues Robert Toland finds that hint that Russia is preparing for an offensive?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Red Storm Rising was published in the midst of the Cold War. It includes many elements of Cold War politics, technological advances, and plays on many emotions and fears commonly held by people during the Cold War era. For a novel that is so time-specific, is Red Storm Rising still culturally significant today?

Essay Topic 2

The concept of pride and honor is important to many different characters in Red Storm Rising. Choose three individuals who value the concepts of honor and pride. Consider how those concepts influence the characters' actions. Compare and contrast the three individuals' concepts of pride and honor. Does each individual have the same concept of honor? How does each individuals' commitment to behaving with honor influence their actions in the book?

Essay Topic 3

When the term "Red Storm" is introduced, it is described as a "plan for a mechanized attack into West Germany and the Low Countries." The offensive is supposed to last no more than a few weeks and is to rely heavily on the element of surprise. Does the initial plan for Red Storm seem reasonable? Develop an argument either supporting Red Storm as it is originally introduced, or against it. If you argue for Red Storm, explain why that plan is the best possible plan. If you argue against it, provide an alternate plan for attack.

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