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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. How long does it take the disturbance in Chapter 17 to subside?

2. What is the seating order of the delegates from the United Planets?

3. In Chapter 17, what makes the sound that wakes the whole camp?

4. What happens to Jimmy's sky-bike?

5. If the Hermian bomb is detonated, what creates the biggest problem for the survival of the Endeavour?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Who is the only member of the crew that seems comfortable with the sights now illuminated on Rama?

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

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

5. 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?

6. Why is it the case that some planets in the solar system are not represented in the United Planets?

7. Why did Jimmy Pak approach the crab-like creature?

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

9. Why is Chapter 17 entitled "Spring'?

10. Why does Norton order the Revolution to return to shore as quickly as possible after seeing the giant starfish?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 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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