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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. Who does Secretary General Douglas talk to about Michael's disappearance?

2. What disgusts Duke about Michael?

3. How does Michael appear?

4. What does Duke brag about as far as Michael goes?

5. Where does Jill hide a tape recorder in Michael's room?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Captain Tromp take Michael to the medical center?

2. What is grokking and how did Michael learn it?

3. What does Gillian give Michael and what does he insist she do?

4. What does Jill tell Jubal about Ben and what does he do?

5. What does Ben ask Jill to do at the hospital and how does she do it?

6. What does the book say about human behavior and reproduction?

7. What happens when Madame Alexandra Vesant tries to cast Michael's chart and what does she say?

8. What is Michael curious about after watching the Fosterites on television and what does Jubal find out?

9. What does Ben plan to do about Michael?

10. What happens to Ben after he leaves the hospital?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The argument between Duke and Jubal gives Heinlein a platform from which to explore the attitudes of the American culture.

1. How do you think other cultures view American culture? Support your view with examples.

2. Have you ever been exposed to another culture? If so, what did you think about it? Use examples from your experience to illustrate your thoughts. If you've never been exposed to another culture would you like to go to another country? Why or why not?

3. Pretend you have met aliens from another world and they are following you around for a day. Explain your day to them as to someone who has never been on this world.

Essay Topic 2

The fact that Michael is an ultra-rich young man in a vulnerable position is intriguing and frightening. He can easily be taken for all his wealth by even an incompetent crook. The ramifications of being the owner of Mars may bring on political dangers. It may be easier to assassinate than negotiate.

1. How do you think people would be able to harm Michael in his circumstances? If you met Michael knowing about his wealth, would it affect your opinion of him? Why or why not?

2. Imagine you are Michael. What would you do with your position and money?

3. Do you think it's fair that Michael should own all of the assets of every member of the Envoy crew? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Truth can be related to belief in this way, where the act of belief makes something true for most practical purposes. Mrs. Douglas believes in Madame Vesant, therefore what she says is truth to Mrs. Douglas.

1. How do you think beliefs and truth relate to each other? Use examples from the book and/or your own life to support your opinion.

2. Do you think if someone believes something strong enough it will become true? Why or why not? Use examples from the book and/or your life to support your opinion.

3. If someone believes something to be true do you think facts can change his/her belief? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 993 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample