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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. When Richard went to NASA to learn about the shuttle, the first briefer told him about the whole shuttle except for what part?

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

3. The meeting that the commission attended when they first arrived in Florida lasted until when?

4. In Check Six, Richard states that "tomorrow at 6:15" they were going to be briefed and go by special airplane to where?

5. How much money was Richard allowed per day for hotel and food?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who does Richard describe in Meet The Press as working "like demons" and why were they working "like demons"?

2. When Richard had his press conference at Caltech, what did he find himself telling reporters over and over?

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

4. What was Richard's impression about what was going to happen with the commission getting together at one point?

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

6. 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?

7. When the astronauts know where they're supposed to land, they have to push one of three buttons. What are these buttons for?

8. What was the main thing Richard said he learned during the first official meeting of the commission?

9. Why are the brakes on the shuttle controlled by the computers instead of the astronauts?

10. What was the commission originally going to do when they first arrived in Florida, and why was it changed?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain why you think William Rogers was chosen as the head of the investigation commission? Give a detailed description of what qualities you think made him a good leader and those that may have hindered him from being a good leader in some parts.

Essay Topic 2

Why do you think the section, Photos and Drawings was included in the book? What significance do they have to the rest of the book that Richard has written? Describe how seeing the photos and letters help the reader to connect with the stories.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 922 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample