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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. How does one astronomer refer to asteroids?
(a) Arrows of outrageously bad fortune.
(b) Fireworks of the heavens.
(c) Pests of gigantic proportion.
(d) Vermin of the skies.

2. When the Commander enters Rama, what does he see in the light of the flare?
(a) A small space station-like structure.
(b) The landscape of an entire world.
(c) A circular sea.
(d) A miniature sun, moon and stars painted on the ceiling.

3. In Chapter 5, what streams from the newly-opened pillbox "like dazzling diamonds as the brilliant sunlight caught them"?
(a) Water vapor droplets.
(b) Oxygen molecules.
(c) Anti-matter particles.
(d) Dust particles.

4. For the object 31/149, what do the numbers represent?
(a) The angular parameters of an object's elliptical orbit.
(b) The year and order of its discovery.
(c) The year and order of its discovery.
(d) The brightness of an object based on the magnitude scale.

5. How does Commander Norton feel about landing on Rama?
(a) Filled with trepedation.
(b) A mixture of elation and anxiety.
(c) A healthy dose of caution.
(d) A sense of danger and surprise.

Short Answer Questions

1. What event do the inhabitants of Earth see as inevitable?

2. What is the name of the author whose book inspired Dr. Stenton to become an astronomer?

3. What is the origin of the name of object 31/149?

4. Who is the first Character introduced in Chapter 2?

5. Who are the first three explorers on Rama?

Short Essay Questions

1. The Rama Committed is concerned about an ominous possibility that they consider to be likely. What is it?

2. Why did Commander Norton feel a kinship with a long-dead Egyptologist?

3. Name two things that concerned Commander Norton about landing on Rama.

4. What were the characteristics of the object known as 31/439 that set it apart from other asteroids?

5. Describe what Commander Norton saw and felt when he entered Rama while tethered to a safety line.

6. Is Professor Davidson interested in finding out more about Rama?

7. What is discovered about Rama once it is photographed by the cameras released by Sita?

8. According to Chapter 5, what does the exploration party think of the design of Rama? How does this affect their EVA mission?

9. Why is Commander Norton concerned about how Boris Rodrigo may react after disembarking to explore Rama?

10. What did Dr. Stenton discover about Rama after he processed the results from viewing the asteroid with a big orbiting telescope?

(see the answer keys)

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