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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 Commander Norton doing when his executive officer notifis him of a Triple-A priority message awaiting him?

2. How many smaller spikes surround the immense central spike?

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

4. When explorers return after 48 hours, what surprise awaits on Rama?

5. What is thrown down the face of the cliff after midnight by Pieter Rousseau?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Chapter 17 entitled "Spring'?

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

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

4. According to Chapter 23, why is Ravi McAndrews considered one of the last people on the Endeavour to normally engage in a technical discussion?

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

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

7. 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?

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

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

10. Describe the first creature that is encountered on Rama.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

There are several references in the novel to "ancient" history from the twentieth century and before. Name five different references to ancient history and explain their contribution to the meaning of the story. Why is the author choosing to write about these particular historical events, facts, characters, or customs?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the expectations that the Rama Committee has for the origins, age, and findings for Rama versus the reality. How are they the same? How are they different?

(see the answer keys)

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