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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. According to the Ambassador from Mercury, what did everyone fail to consider about Rama?

2. What catches Jimmy's eye amongst the trellis of wires and rods?

3. Dr. Ernst cautioned Jimmy Pak to avoid something while on the trip with Dragonfly. What?

4. What scenery does Jimmy encounter as he walks?

5. Hub Control diagnoses the problem at the sixth small spike as resulting from what?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. Why is Chapter 17 entitled "Spring'?

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

8. Why did the Commander delay explaining the method they were going to use to Jimmy?

9. Why are Hermians compared to Spartans?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Captain Norton has two wives living on two worlds. These women never appear in the book but their existence provides an important contribution to the book. Why did the author include letters to the wives in this book and how do these letters and the existence of these women serve the writing of the book?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 992 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample