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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 the origin of the name of object 31/149?

2. How long does the Commander wait before exploring Rama?

3. Who goes with the Commander on the first EVA?

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

5. What ships can catch up with Rama before it leaves the solar system?

Short Essay Questions

1. What was the most mysterious characteristic of the object known as 31/439?

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

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

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

5. SPACEGUARD computers are used for what purpose?

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

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

8. When do objects like 31/439 obtain a name?

9. What do believers in the Pandora movement believe in?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There is much emphasis on ecology, recycling, degradation of the environment, and the creation of pollutants on Rama because it is a closed system. At the time the book was written the recycling movement was in its infancy in the United States and Europe. How might this book reflect the point of view of the author and his contemporaries about recycling and ecology? What are the positive and negative aspects of ecology and recycling as symbolized by the environment on Rama?

Essay Topic 2

The seven members of the Rama Committee each have a specific point of view about the situation with Rama. These points of view change as they learn more about Rama and it either supports or does not support their life's work or a cause dear to them. Pick three of the members of the Rama Committee and compare and contrast their points of view. Use examples from the beginning, middle, and end of the book to show how their points of view evolve throughout the book.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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