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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 danger plays from the tip of Big Horn?

2. Why does Sergeant Barns throw out the Resolution's anchor?

3. According to Chapter 24, what is smuggled on board the Endeavour?

4. According to Chapter 37, Mercury sends a missile to Rama, which stops fifty kilometers from Rama to do what?

5. Who wants to examine the spider-like creature?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain the differences Jimmy Pak observed in the southern and northern ends of Rama.

2. Why is "Dragonfly" a good name for Jimmy Pak's sky-bike?

3. Explain the supposed similarities between a termite colony and Rama.

4. Commander Norton speculates about the origin of the lights on Rama. What are some of his theories?

5. Why is Chapter 17 entitled "Spring'?

6. Describe the flower that Jimmy Pak finds on Rama.

7. What was different about the atmosphere after the ice thawed and the lights came on?

8. Why is it necessary for the sailors on the Resolution to keep their heads above water if the boat capsizes?

9. Why is Chapter 27 entitled, "Electric Wind"?

10. How is it possible that the spider-like creature sneaks up on Norton, Rodrigo, Calvert, and Ernst while they are watching the evening news telecast?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When exploring a new land, familiar names of locations are comforting to the explorers. This book is filled with locations on extraterrestrial planets and on Rama that are named for locations we are familiar with on Earth. How does the use of these locations influence the reader? Compare and contrast three of these locations and explain how the usage of these locations contributes to the reader's understanding.

Essay Topic 2

Captain James Cook, an ancient sea captain from Earth, appears at the beginning, middle, and end of the book. Commander Norton relies on his knowledge of Captain Cook to help him make decisions. Pick two decisions that Norton made with the help of his knowledge of Captain Cook, and explain the basis for these decisions and how they relate to what Norton knows about Captain Cook.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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