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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. Which "city" on Rama is assumed to be more like an enormous factory or chemical processing plant?

2. How big is the mass of Rama?

3. According to Chapter 9, Rama's orbit is heading directly to where?

4. According to Chapter 1, what happens after the initial shock wore off in 2077?

5. What is Sita?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why will the equipment at Camp Alpha be left behind at the end of the exploration of Rama?

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

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

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

5. What was the initial response to the catastrophic destruction of 2077?

6. What are some of the problems involving having simps on board?

7. After the initial news media fuss, why did all the world forget about Rama, except for the astronomers?

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

9. What things surprised Commander Norton about Rama while he was waiting to exit the Endeavour to explore Rama?

10. What precautions are taken to ensure the safety of the exploration crew? Why is it unnecessary to supply breathing gear on Rama?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are many courageous and heroic figures in the book. Sometimes heroism is accidental, sometimes it is situational, and sometimes a person is naturally heroic. Name three heroes and explain the events that proved their heroism, their personality traits, and their motivation to be heroic.

Essay Topic 2

There are two extreme positions about Rama in the book--the position of the Hermians and the position of the explorers. Describe these two positions. Compare and contrast these two positions using characters' behavior and events to prove your point.

Essay Topic 3

Scientists often have an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and may take reckless risks in order to make a scientific discovery or breakthrough. Quite a few members of the crew of the Endeavour and the Rama Committee are scientists. Pick two characters who are scientists and compare and contrast their attitude toward taking risks in the name of science.

(see the answer keys)

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