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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. Instead of the NASA building being on 8th Street as had been written, what street was it actually located on?

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

3. Who in Richard's group was extremely good at writing?

4. 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"?

5. What color of cover did the commission vote on to have on the report?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. 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?

3. 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?

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

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

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

7. 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?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the experiences that Gweneth and Richard had in Togi at the inn and at the new shrine dedication. Why do you think Gweneth and Richard enjoyed their stay so much in Japan during this time? Explain your reasoning and use specific information from the book.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Describe one of your favorite individuals in the book. Expound on their characteristics and values that you find intriguing. Describe what their importance in the book was.

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