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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. Downs is concerned by the presence of which of the following?

2. During the patrol how many Vietcong are confronted in the region?

3. How many hits are made by Downs?

4. The officer is assigned to which division?

5. Which of the following is not removed from the helicopter?

Short Essay Questions

1. What difficulty do the soldiers have when it comes to landing the helicopter? What is the solution to the problem?

2. What is Downs' rank? Where does Downs go on his first assignment?

3. Describe the scene when Lt. Frederick Downs arrives at the airfield for the first time.

4. What is the issue with convoys traveling by the established road? What were the orders issued to the men?

5. What is the issue with convoys traveling by the established road? What were the orders issued to the men?

6. Discuss the transport of the battalion to the new base camp.

7. What is exposed by a random shot fired by Downs? What is the next step taken in the mission? What is discovered?

8. What happens shortly after the mine-sweeping crew is on the job?

9. Explain Downs' first friendly encounter with the Vietnamese villagers.

10. Who gives Downs details about his destination? What does the man say?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In addition to physical damage and recovery, many soldiers face temporary or permanent psychological damage. Discuss this fact as it applies to the book. Who may have suffered from psychological damage? How did Downs deal with his psychological issues first when he returned stateside and attempted to become a civilian to each incident when he was injured? How did Downs handle it when he was discharged from the military?

Essay Topic 2

Examine the extensive type of treatment that Downs had to receive as a result of the gunshot wound and eventual amputation. What kind of preliminary treatment did Downs receive? What is the biggest danger to a soldier immediately following an encounter with a land mine? What is the worst part of the recovery? What actions can be taken to help amputees? How did Downs fare after his treatments?

Essay Topic 3

Write a short story or essay from the point of view of Downs as he reminisces about his championship shooting awards and accolades earned throughout his military career. How did Downs' views change over the years?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 830 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample