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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 does Corporal Kennedy say the line of green objects on the ground are that can be seen as the squad drives across the Iraqi border in Chapter 4?

2. Jonesy tells the narrator in Chapter 3, “Most of my training was about” doing what “when you heard gunfire”?

3. What does Corporal Charlie Jones give as his hometown in Chapter 1?

4. The first casualties that the narrator learns of in Chapter 4 are described as having been “hit around someplace called” what?

5. What is the First Squad painting at the Iraqi military school in the beginning of Chapter 6?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is the role of the Civil Affairs unit described in Chapter 3?

2. What does Private Perry receive at mail call in Chapter 7?

3. What characters does Private Perry befriend in Chapter 1? By what nickname is he called?

4. Who comprises the Second Squad in Chapter 2? Who is on the Third Squad?

5. What is the main concern of Private Perry and the soldiers as they prepare to enter Iraq in Chapter 3?

6. What does Captain Coles have the soldiers state when he calls roll in Chapter 1?

7. How does Private Perry describe the setting and mission they embark on in Chapter 6?

8. Who is the narrator of the main narrative in the novel? Where has this character arrived in the beginning of Chapter 1?

9. What hopes and fears does Private Perry relate to the reader in the opening of Chapter 3?

10. What leads to the death of the Iraqi boy in Chapter 4? How does Private Perry respond?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the character of Private Robin Perry as the narrator and protagonist of the novel. How would you describe Private Perry’s narrative and language style? Do you find this character to be likable upon your initial impressions? How do you relate to the character?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the obstacles presented by the sandstorm in Chapter 4. How long does the sandstorm last? How does this setback influence the morale of the troops? How long are they trapped?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and discuss Saddam Hussein and the history of Iraq’s military operations prior to the Iraq War. What political, cultural, and religious factions can be seen in Iraq at this time? What is Iraq’s history of warfare with neighboring countries like?

(see the answer keys)

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