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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 Charlie Stevenson was explaining the temperatures before the launch, how low of a temperature did his crew get a reading of?

2. What lingo did Mr. Fichtel say was used when all the conditions are satisfied and "we're ready to move to the next phase of the operation"?

3. What day of the week did the commission deliver their report to the president of the United States?

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

5. What was the temperature the morning of the launch of the Challenger shuttle?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What did Mr. Rogers say to members of the commission about being careful with "these people, whose careers depend on us"?

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. What was the rumor as to why NASA tried to make the shuttle fly in spite of the cold?

5. Why did Richard decide it would be a good idea to fly to Washington on Tuesday even though he wasn't needed for the first meeting with the commission until Wednesday?

6. 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?

7. If a section of the shuttle needed to be reshaped a little bit and the hanging method had already been used, what method would then be used?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Describe who Frances and Chuck were and what influence they had on Richard. Why was it beneficial to Richard to know and be in contact with Frances? Are there any negative results of Richard being related to someone in the press? If so, why? Expound on these answers and use specific information from the book to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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