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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 Ellen say she would like to do that is important?

2. What nickname does the aide think of when he thinks of Powers?

3. What does Powers explain UFO stands for?

4. To where does Tom lead Reba and Roger to show them the spacecraft?

5. To what does Kreton compare his head vibrations?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Kreton's appearance.

2. The book makes reference to Ellen as playing Joan of Arc. What is meant by this?

3. Why is Ellen upset with Conrad about a goat?

4. What is Roger afraid Kreton truly represents? What is Kreton's reply to this?

5. What is Kreton's response to the question of whether his people are there to establish trade? Communications?

6. Kreton makes a comment about why humans are odd when it comes to sex being taboo. Explain his opinion.

7. Why is Powers upset he is in charge of the Kreton project?

8. What does Powers tell Roger about the reality of the UFO, and why does he threaten to indict Roger under the Revised Espionage Act?

9. Why does the aide think of when his thoughts are broadcast? What is the result?

10. What happens when Powers threatens to take Kreton's ship apart?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Kreton explains that his race is superior to humans, in that they no longer have passion. Discuss your thoughts on his statement. Does Kreton seem superior to you? Why or why not? What benefits do emotions have for humans? Are there any downfalls? What would life be like without passion? Is this an improvement? Why or why not? Be sure to include information from the play in your answers.

Essay Topic 2

In the play, Conrad plays the role of a pacifist throughout most of the scenes. However, when faced with a man having sexual thoughts about his girlfriend, he becomes violent. What does this say about Conrad's character? About pacifism? Is he truly a pacifist? His reasoning is that everyone, at some point, loses control, but that this doesn't make them naturally violent. Do you agree? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Kreton argues that human beings are particularly adept at war, and that they specialize in it.

Part 1. Do you agree with Kreton? Why or why not? What makes us, as humans, good at war?

Part 2. Kreton also notes major scientific discoveries are found during war. Why is this true? What causes discoveries to be found during war? Does this argue for the use of war as a method of technological advancement? Why or why not? Would these discoveries have been made outside of war? Why?

Part 3. History is full of records of war. Why do humans engage in wars? What are some of the causes? Does this support or refute Kreton's position that humans specialize in war? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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