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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 many members are there in the United Planets?

2. Where is Jimmy trying to land the Dragonfly in order to assure his survival?

3. What is constructed from six empty storage drums held together by a light metal framework?

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

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Jerry Kirchoff make facetious comments to Norton and Rousseau in Chapters 36 and 37?

2. Why is Chapter 17 entitled "Spring'?

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

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

5. What are some of the ways the Commander considered to travel to the South Pole?

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

7. Why are Hermians compared to Spartans?

8. Why does the exobiologist, Dr. Perera, feel mortified at the beginning of Chapter 19?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

There are two extreme positions about Rama in the book--the position of the Hermians and the position of the explorers. Describe these two positions. Compare and contrast these two positions using characters' behavior and events to prove your point.

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.

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