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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. What does Hoffman believe Kerry is unfit for?

2. What does Hoffman make clear about his position?

3. What were the people included in the "War Heroes" exhibit recognized for?

4. How does O'Neill refer to Ponder's participation in the Swift Boat Veterans Reunion?

5. What is the intent of Unfit for Command, as clearly stated by the authors in the introduction?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do the authors make it a point to mention that their purpose for writing the book is not political?

2. What are Hoffman's thoughts about Kerry, and why do the authors choose to begin the book with his quote?

3. How much skepticism should be used when reading Unfit for Command, and how does the Introduction reduce or even eliminate it?

4. How is Lupetti's observation in Vietnam relevant to Kerry and the ideas about him that the book outlines?

5. What is the purpose of the open letter the Swift Boat Veterans issue to John Kerry?

6. How many people did not sign the Swift Boat Veterans' open letter to Kerry, how important is it, and what are some of the possible reasons they did not participate?

7. How do the authors plan to answer the questions they pose at the end of the Introduction, and are their methods effective?

8. Who is Bill Lupetti and what did he observe on his return trip to Vietnam?

9. Why were the Swiftees not surprised by Kerry's actions before the Swift Boat Veterans Reunion?

10. How did Kerry reportedly act during his cameo appearance before the Swift Boat Veterans Reunion, what do his actions display, and how did the Swiftees respond?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What were the events leading up to Kerry's service in Vietnam? Explain how he attempted to avoid active duty and why he chose to be stationed with the Swift Boats. How did the Swift Boats' mission change and what was Kerry's response? Why is this significant for the authors' case against Kerry becoming the Commander in Chief? Use the information and quotes from Part 1 to support your analysis.

Essay Topic 2

How was Kerry thought of by the other officers he served with in general? Describe specific situations and examples that illustrate and support their opinions of Kerry. What is so important about the way quotes are used throughout the book and who they are from? How does that help the authors show the reason for their objective?

Essay Topic 3

What events caused Kerry to be awarded the Silver Star? What was the purpose for Kerry's assignment? How did he and his fellow officers carry out their orders? What was the end result and why did the officers think it was comical? How did Kerry use the situation to get the medal? In what ways does the Silver Star award continue the pattern of behavior that Kerry followed during his tour?

(see the answer keys)

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