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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. On Sol 436 what does Mark use to cure a headache?

2. On what sol does Mark get past the dust storm?

3. In Chapter 15, how many days does Bruce state they have to get a probe to Mars?

4. How many televisions are in Annie Montrose’s private office?

5. What was the original number of days the Ares 3 mission was to last?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Mark have to cut a big hole in the rover?

2. What is Rich Purnell’s job?

3. What frustrates Mark on Sol 114?

4. What does Mark do while his batteries recharge?

5. How does Mark lose communication with Earth?

6. Where is NASA getting a booster for the probe to send to Mark?

7. In Chapter 15, why doesn’t Dr. Keller want to reduce Watney’s intake to make the rations last longer?

8. What does Mark do on Air Days?

9. What does Mark have to do in order to be rescued by the Hermes?

10. What is Mark’s biggest problem on Sol 122?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Chapter 6, NASA learns that Watney is alive. Who puts the facts together and figures out that Mark is alive? What does NASA do when they learn that Mark is alive?

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the novel, Mark finds himself in danger. What is the most dangerous thing that Mark experiences on Mars? What gets him through these dangerous events?

Essay Topic 3

In the novel, some characters are more thoroughly described than others. Who are some characters that are merely named in passing or have a minor role in the novel? What is the importance of these flat characters to the story line? In what way do these characters make the main characters more colorful or interesting? When there is conflict, what type of role do these flat characters play?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 727 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample