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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. Private Perry’s mother says in her letter in Chapter 7 that Perry’s father still thinks he is how old?

2. What does “WMD” refer to in the novel?

3. It is discussed between the narrator and his team in Chapter 3 the possibility of a battle between the Sunnis and what other sect?

4. Harris says that he served on tour where in the first Gulf War in Chapter 6?

5. What phrase used in Chapter 6 refers to the uncertainty in situational awareness experienced by participants in military operations?

Short Essay Questions

1. For how long is the convoy held back due to the sandstorm in Chapter 4? Where do they go once the storm passes?

2. How is the convoy into Iraq described by Private Perry in Chapter 4?

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

4. What mission does Private Perry’s team receive in Chapter 6?

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

6. Who acts as translator for the Civil Affairs unit in Chapter 4? What is discovered once the team arrives in An Nasiriyah?

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

8. What does Private Perry relate to his Uncle Richie via letter in Chapter 5?

9. What is related in the letter that comprises the Prologue of the novel?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss first Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm). When did this action take place? Where was the Gulf War fighting centralized? How did the first Gulf War relate to the Iraq War? What is said about this war in the novel?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Private Perry’s relationship with his father and his father’s ambitions for Perry to attend college. How does Private Perry feel about the concept of going to school as he writes to Uncle Richie in Chapter 6?

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