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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 initial reaction of the human race to Rama?

2. For the Commander, Straight Valley reminds him of what part of his past?

3. Why is a cloud of vapor sent toward Rama?

4. What is Sita?

5. Which way do "clocks and corkscrews" turn on Rama?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. SPACEGUARD computers are used for what purpose?

4. Describe the theories put forth to the Rama Committee about the age of Rama.

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

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

9. What precautions are taken to ensure the exploration party will be safe on Rama?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The entire world of Rama is ostensibly created by beings that the explorers never meet, but based on the world they explored, the crew of the Endeavour, the officials, and the rest of the humanity make guesses and assumptions about what Ramans are or would be like. Describe your idea of what Ramans are like--their physical appearance, culture, and way of thinking. Back up your ideas with facts from the book.

Essay Topic 2

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 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.

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This section contains 965 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample