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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. Where do the people search for usable items?

2. Downs wonders why the _____ have to do so little and Downs' platoon works hard to fight.

3. Who issues the order to let the men go?

4. Who serves as the point man on the next patrol?

5. In a funny scene Downs decides to assist a man who has been in an accident with a _____.

Short Essay Questions

1. Sells sends Downs and his men on a foot patrol. Where does Sells send the men? What change has there been in personnel?

2. Why is Downs angry when Sells releases the two men hiding in the bunker?

3. Explain the trip to the area around the Tam Ky province. What is the general atmosphere of the area.

4. Where are the American soldiers sent to next?

5. What happens to the wounded men? What can the soldiers do to save them?

6. How does Downs win the battle with the NVA soldier?

7. Discuss Downs' state of mind at this stage of the war. What objections does Downs have about the way the mission is being operated?

8. The day after the conflict, there is another ambush. Who is ambushed? The recent events cause the men to have what realization? What is the reaction of the soldiers?

9. Explain the near miss experienced by Lt. Downs in the middle of the jungle.

10. What are some of Downs' ongoing complaints regarding the ARVN?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Closely examine the various types of weapons used and mentioned throughout the story. What types of weapons were most commonly used? Which were the most popular for snipers and scouts? For soldiers? For members of the infantry? Which weapons were found to be ineffectual? Which weapons might still be used today in a military operation? How do the weapons used in the military compare to those used by individuals?

Essay Topic 2

Downs is disgusted by the behavior of the ARVN soldiers. Explain why Downs was so angry. Was that kind of behavior common for a trained and experienced soldier? Explain. Do you think Downs was truly concerned about the ARVN hurting his platoon? What might have happened if a soldier had been hit by the shots fired over the heads of the platoon members on patrol? Do you think the shooting would have been covered up or would the ARVN soldier be exposed? What might happen to the soldier if caught?

Essay Topic 3

What do you think about Downs' opinion on why he might have been injured? Do you think the injuries had anything to do with the stealing of the Buddha statues? Explain. Do you believe that there is punishment for acts of violence? If so, how would the punishment be decided and meted out? Explain. If given the opportunity to live it over again, do you think Downs would have made the same choices? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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