View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. When Richard went to a local hardware store, what does he buy besides some pliers and a small C-clamp?

2. What was the name of Richard's cousin whom he says educated him about the press?

3. What day of the week was the report released to the public?

4. How many pins hold together the sections of the rocket?

5. What was the name of the rule that General Kutyna informs Richard about?

Short Essay Questions

1. After Richard was done speaking to General Kutyna at the Pentagon, what did he do for the rest of the day?

2. When Richard left the meeting with engineers discussing the shuttle engines, what was the definite impression that he had about their situation?

3. Which two groups did Richard spend his time helping, and which group was the one that he helped the most during the investigation?

4. Richard received a call from General Kutyna one day telling him that he had some urgent news for him. What was the urgent news that General Kutyna was referring to?

5. What was Richard's reaction when the reporters told him that he could just say, "not for attribution"?

6. What did one of the reporters from the MacNeil/Lehrer Newshour say to Richard that provided an "out" for the situation he put himself in by mistakenly providing the reporters with a copy of his report?

7. The shuttle's computers don't have enough memory to hold all the programs for the whole flight, so what has to happen?

8. What does Richard say about seeing a congressman give his opinion on something?

9. In the beginning of Check Six, how does Richard explain how he felt about the press?

10. What was Richard's reaction when someone on the staff brought him something to sign saying that his expenses were over the $75 a day?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the afterthoughts of the book, Richard states that he invented a theory of what led to the lack of communication in NASA. Expound on the thoughts that Richard has about his theory that he came up with and on what his friends thing about his theory. Describe your thoughts on Richard's theory. Use specific information from the book to include in your description and thoughts.

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the book the reader can learn interesting facts about things they may not have been aware of previous to reading the book. What things in the book are educational and what things did you learn from the book? Were there any subjects, lessons learned, or scientific explanations that were something new that you've never heard of before? If so, clarify what information you found that was so interesting or intriguing.

Essay Topic 3

Why do you think Richard had such a hard time believing in the miracles that he learned about in Sunday school? Explain what Richard's feelings were toward the stories that were told in church and how that shaped him for his life to come. Reference the book to support your thoughts.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 968 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample