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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. In Chapter 61, what happens to the bridge's computers as they watch the movement on radar of the ship in pursuit of the Rolvaag?

2. In Chapter 63, who is the first person interviewed in the investigation into the discharge of the meteorite?

3. In Chapter 80, where does Britton recall having seen a ship break its back?

4. In Chapter 80, what does Britton discover missing from the main deck?

5. In Chapter 82, what one word does Britton utter each time the ship struggles against a new wave?

Short Essay Questions

1. When McFarlane is on the phone with Lloyd in Chapter 49 he explains when the meteorite will be moved and learns about an impending problem for the expedition. McFarlane also senses that Lloyd is planning something. How will the meteorite be moved, what impending problem is coming, and what is Lloyd up to?

2. Where is the Rolvaag hit, as determined by Britton in Chapter 75? What does this damage suggest to Britton?

3. In Chapter 82 Lloyd and McFarlane change their position on the meteorite. Who refuses to listen? What happens next?

4. Where does Glinn go in Chapter 48? What is he wearing that suggests he expects danger on this trip?

5. Why does Glinn once again take command of the bridge in Chapter 57? What is the result?

6. What difficulties is the Almirante Ramirez suffering in Chapter 70 that makes its pursuit of the Rolvaag more difficult?

7. How many people got off the Rolvaag as revealed in Chapter 84? How many died?

8. What assumption does Vallenar make in Chapter 56 when he realizes the Rolvaag is leaving Isle Desolacion? What does he do?

9. In Chapter 80 Britton suggests it is time to use the dead man switch. What has caused her to come to this conclusion? What is the reaction of those around her?

10. What causes Glinn's death in Chapter 83? What fantasy does he have as he dies?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How is the meteorite removed from the island? What method does Glinn's group use to lift the meteorite from the hole in the ground? How do they move the meteorite from one side of the island to the other? How do they move the meteorite from a bluff above the ship to the ship's cargo hold? Why do they decide to do this under the cover of fog? What must be done to keep the meteorite from rolling around in the cargo hold? What happens while this task is being completed? For what reason?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following style elements in detail, discussing how they impact the overall plot of the novel. Cite examples from the novel to support your conclusions:

1) Theme

2) Metaphor

3) Language

4) Character.

Essay Topic 3

Who is Comandante Vallenar? Where do Glinn, McFarlane, and Britton meet him? What problem does Vallenar have with Glinn and his crew? For what reason? Why does Vallenar think Glinn and his crew are interested in Isla Desolacion? Is this true? Is Vallenar ordered by the Chilean government to watch over Glinn and his crew? How does Vallenar react to opposition to his decision to watch over Glinn and his crew? Who does Vallenar send to the Isla Desolacion? How does this impact Vallenar's later decisions?

(see the answer keys)

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