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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. Once Mark gets out of the airlock on Sol 119, how long does he believe that the EVA suit will last?

2. During a status update on Iris in Chapter 15, how many days does Bruce think it will take to finish Iris?

3. In Chapter 13, how many times a day does Mark have to go to the rover for email?

4. In Chapter 23, how many meters does the rover tumble?

5. What is the internal volume of the Hab?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Mark decide he doesn’t need the water reclaimer during his trip to Ares 4?

2. What luxury items are planned to be sent with the probe?

3. What does Mark do on Air Days?

4. How does Mark lose communication with Earth?

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

6. On Sol 115 what is the plan to get supplies to Mark?

7. How does Mark plan to store his potatoes once they’re grown?

8. How well does Mark’s bedroom work when he does his test drive?

9. What does Mark do while his batteries recharge?

10. How do they buy an additional eleven days to get Iris launched sooner?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Mark’s sense of humor and emotional makeup allow him to survive on Mars. Is Mark a pessimist or optimist? What does Mark usually do when a crisis occurs? How does his state of mind help him survive?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Mark found himself alone on Mars. What is Mark’s attitude when he realizes he is alone? How does he describe his condition? How does a night’s sleep affect his attitude?

(see the answer keys)

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