%20scale(3)'%3E%3Cpath%20id='s'%20d='M0,-30%2017.63355,24.27051%20-28.53171,-9.27051H28.53171L-17.63355,24.27051z'%20fill='%23FF0'/%3E%3C/g%3E%3Cuse%20xlink:href='%23s'%20transform='translate(300,60)%20rotate(23.036243)'/%3E%3Cuse%20xlink:href='%23s'%20transform='translate(360,120)%20rotate(45.869898)'/%3E%3Cuse%20xlink:href='%23s'%20transform='translate(360,210)%20rotate(69.945396)'/%3E%3Cuse%20xlink:href='%23s'%20transform='translate(300,270)%20rotate(20.659808)'/%3E%3C/svg%3E){kind=small}
Search for current vacancies:
Show filters
Search in the database of seafarers' resumes:
Online testing: Test online CES 5.1 for 3rd-Eng/4rd-Eng
Select the test mode:
Education
Online test
Description
The test consists of random questions on a selected topic.
Question 1 from 90
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 17
- 18
- 19
- 20
- 21
- 22
- 23
- 24
- 25
- 26
- 27
- 28
- 29
- 30
- 31
- 32
- 33
- 34
- 35
- 36
- 37
- 38
- 39
- 40
- 41
- 42
- 43
- 44
- 45
- 46
- 47
- 48
- 49
- 50
- 51
- 52
- 53
- 54
- 55
- 56
- 57
- 58
- 59
- 60
- 61
- 62
- 63
- 64
- 65
- 66
- 67
- 68
- 69
- 70
- 71
- 72
- 73
- 74
- 75
- 76
- 77
- 78
- 79
- 80
- 81
- 82
- 83
- 84
- 85
- 86
- 87
- 88
- 89
- 90
Give the meaning of the following symbol
Survival craft distress pyrotechnic signals
Rocket parachute flares
Lifeboat hand flare
Radio signal emitting parachute flare
In general, what is the best extinguishing agent to put out a class A fire?
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Water
Foam
Dry chemical powder
Which of the following are frequent causes of fires in accommodation?
1Smoking in bed. 2 Covering of electric fires with blankets. 3 Overloading electric plugs.
Covering of electric fires with blankets
Smoking in bed
Overloading electric plugs
In accommodation spaces, where must manually operated call points be located?
In messrooms, public lounges and other public rooms
In all crew and passenger cabins
In stairways and escape routes
At exits and in corridors
On an "Unattended Machinery Space" classed vessel, the high pressure fuel pipes are double pipes, or covered with steel shrouds, with drainage. What is the main purpose of this protection?
In case of a bursting pipe, to avoid oil spray hitting adjacent hot surfaces or coming into machinery air intakes
To prevent personnel from touching high temperature surfaces
To collect minor oil leakage
To protect the pipes against mechanical damage
*Where would you find out which fire sections of the ship are enclosed by "A" or "B" class divisional bulkheading?
On the capacity plan
On the general arrangement plan
All the mentioned alternatives
On the fire control plans
In a smoke filled alleyway, where will the cleanest air be found, and how should you proceed out?
Near to the upper part, stand as tall as possible and walk out
Near to the lower part, therefore sit down and wait for the rescue party
It will be the same in all the parts, therefore you should just leave as quickly as possible
Near to the deck, crawl out keeping your face as near to the deck as possible
What alarm signal must be sounded by the alarm bells in case of fire?
Series of short blasts
A continuous signal
The signal which is stated in the muster list
One long blast followed by seven short blasts
Inmarsat Telex Service code ‘33’ can be used:
when the coast-station is disfunctional
to ask for ‘maritime enquiries
Don't know
when technical problems are experienced with the Inmarsat-terminal
Treatment of burns and scalds depends on the severity of the injury. What is the correct thing to do for minor burns and scalds?
Place the injured part under slowly running cold water for at least 10 minutes, but preferably until the pain is gone. If no water is available, use any cold, harmless liquid.
Remove all sticky clothing from the casualty.
Break blisters, remove any loose skin or foreign objects from the injured area.
Apply lotions, ointments or fat to the injury.
If you are required to splice an eye on a mooring wire (using the recommended 5 full tucks and 2 half tucks) the effective breaking strength of the wire will now be affected by the splice, and you would expect:
A reduction in strength of 30 % to 40 %.
A reduction in strength of 1% to 5%.
A reduction in strength of 10 % to 15 %.
No reduction in strength.
Your ship is equipped with a single, right-handed fixed screw. Steaming full ahead you reverse the engine to stop the ship. How will the ship react? No wind or current.
She will most likely sheer to port and stop rather quickly
She will most likely continue on a straight course
She will most likely sheer to starboard and gradually lose headway
She will stop on 1.5 times the ship's length
Which of the following information shall be specified by the muster list?
The abandon ship signal consisting of two long blasts
Action to be taken by crew and passengers
The muster list has been prepared and approved by the administration before the ship proceeds to sea
The specific duties assigned to passengers that are in charge of a group of others
Which of the following duties shall be included in the "muster list" as being assigned to crewmembers in relation to passengers ?
ensuring that every passenger is provided with an immersion suit or a thermal protective aid
clearing the escape routes
controlling the movements of passengers.
ensuring that extra food and water is taken to the survival craft
The minimum number of lifebuoys required for a passenger ship cannot be less than:
6
8
2
10
What signal, if any, is specified in SOLAS as the "Abandon ship" signal?
Six short blasts followed by one long blast
Four long blasts
The "Abandon ship" signal is not specified, only the general emergency alarm signal is stated
Seven short blasts followed by one long blast
An inflatable lifejacket has:
1compartment automatically inflatable and 1 compartment manually inflatable
2 separate compartments
1compartment
3 separate compartments
Which of the following fittings shall be provided to all lifeboats:
permanent boarding arrangements on both sides to enable persons in the water to board the lifeboat
a remotely operated steering arrangement
an electric power starting system for the propulsion engine with one rechargeable energy source
a manually controlled lamp fitted on the inside
Which of the following fittings shall be provided to all lifeboats:
an electric power starting system for the propulsion engine with one rechargeable energy source
a remotely operated steering arrangement
a boarding ladder that can be used at any entrance for persons in the water
permanent boarding arrangements on both sides to enable persons in the water to board the lifeboat
Which one of the listed requirements regarding the launching and recovery arrangements for rescue boats do not correspond to present regulations? (SOLAS III/16)
The release mechanism shall be of an automatic type approved by the Administration
Launching shall be possible at ship's headway speed up to 5 knots in calm weather
Embarkation and launching arrangements shall be such that the rescue boat can be boarded and launched in the shortest possible time
Rapid recovery shall be possible with the boats full compliment of persons and equipment
In a distress situation and immendiately after the distress signal has been sounded, what next action should be taken by the officer on duty?
Send distress signal to call for help.
Use the intercom to inform crew and passengers of the reason for the alarm.
Call the nearest coast radio station.
Use the VHF radio telephone to ask ships in the vicinity to stand by.
*The Master is responsible that all crew participate in monthly emergency drills. If 25% of the crew - or more - has not participated in such drill during the last month, what is the time limit to conduct such a drill after the vessel has left a port?
Within 24 hrs
Within 30 hrs
Within 12 hrs
Within 48 hrs
*Which one of the following items has to be included in an abandon ship drill?
Launching and recovery of a survival craft
Starting and operating radio life-saving appliances
lowering of at least one lifeboat after any necessary preparation for launching
Manoeuvring the lifeboat in the water
One of the checks during the annual Class survey of the UMS functions is focusing on cleanliness of the engine room. What is the reason for such a check ?
To reduce the general risk of fire in an unmanned engine room.
To have the engine room looking tidy.
To prevent risk of pollution.
To avoid frequent alarms.
When should gangway nets be rigged?
When it is deemed necessary by the Master or the Chief Officer.
Whenever the gangway is rigged.
Whenever the gangway is regarded as unsafe.
Between sunset and sunrise.
Welding and burning are two operations which give the highest risk of a fire on board ship. Which of the following safety precautions may be regarded as the most important in order to minimise this particular risk?
Electric welding plants should be controlled by a responsible engineer before use.
Only use electrodes from a well known manufacturer.
Only holders of a welding certificate should be allowed to carry out welding or burning on board ships.
The area where the welding is to take place and adjacent spaces to be cleaned and all unnecessary materials and objects to be removed.
A triac is used to provide temperature control of an oven. The galley complain that the oven only reaches approximately 50% of demanded temperature. Which of the following is a likely cause?
The voltage supply to the oven controller is reduced by about 50%
Connection between the demand knob and the triac gate terminal has gone open circuit.
One of the main switching elements in the triac has failed.
The triac has completely failed.
On a bulk carrier which is to load sugar, which of the following situations would result in the cargo holds failing inspection?
Hardened rust spots on the lower bulkhead stool and hopper tank plating
Rust-stained tank top plating
Traces of insect infestation in the bilges
Hardened rust spots on shell plating
What should be observed concerning a ship's watertight integrity?
That all emergency exits on ro-ro deck are locked and secured
That the ramp is stowed position
That all water tight ramps and doors are locked and secured at sea
That the bow- and stern door are closed
Why is it important to have knowledge of assembling stations, even though you have no specific role during an emergency?
Enables you to correctly guide and direct passengers during an emergency.
It is where you can find all the life saving appliances.
Enables you to find your way around the ship.
Enables you to direct passengers to different shopping locations on board the ship.
Which of the given statements can be considered as the most accurate according to the IMO Gas Codes and other LNG industry standards?
Methane is neither toxic nor an asphyxiant gas.
Methane is considered as presenting a flammable hazard and may also be an asphyxiant.
Methane is considered as presenting both flammable and toxic hazards.
Methane is considered as presenting a toxic hazard and may also result in a chemical burn in contact with the skin.
You have just been handed six sample bottles by the cargo surveyor, containing Nitric Acid drawn from a cargo just loaded on your ship. How will you move them to the sample locker, prior to storage?
I will carry as many as I can in my arms in one go, but ensure first that I put on a pair of chemical-proof gloves.
I will instruct the cargo surveyor that he must deliver the samples to the locker himself.
I will obtain a plastic carrier bag, put the bottles inside and take them to the locker as quickly as possible.
I will place them into a proper container with a handle, such as a sample carrier or a strong bucket. When I move them, I will ensure that I am focused on this task alone.
On what design temperature do we need full secondarry barrier
When the design temperature is below –55oC
Only if the cargo tanks are loaded
When the design temperature is below –55oC and the tank is not independent type B or C, we must have full secondary barrier
When we are carrying cargo on less than –10oC
Which two persons check the Declaration of Security?
The local Coast Guard Officer
.
The Company Security Officer
The Port Facility Security Officer and the Ship Security Officer
This circuit consists of a voltage source V, a change-over switch S, a resistor R and a capacitor C. The voltage/time figures 1 to 4 show changes in the voltage V(C) when the switch S is suddenly shifted from position 1 to 2 at time t = 0. Only one of the diagrams is correct. Which?
Figure 4
Figure 2
Figure 1
Figure 3
There are many applications in circuit theory where it is important to obtain the maximum possible power that a given source can deliver. This figure consists of a practical voltage source V(g) with internal resistance R(s). What resistance R(L) will maximize the power transmission from the source to R(L)?
R(L) = R(s)
R(L) = 2 R(s)
R(L) = 0.5 R(s)
R(L) = R(s) / sqrt (3)
Some fresh shrimps have been peeled ready for serving; some salad leaves have been washed ready for the same meal. The meal will not be served for another four hours. What will you do with these ingredients in the meantime?
The shrimps and the salad will be placed in separate containers, covered and placed in the refrigerator until required.
The shrimps will be placed in the refrigerator and the sald placed in cold water, to keep it fresh.
The shrimps and the salad will be placed in separate containers, covered in foil and left on the bench until required.
The ingredients will be combined, seasoned and dressed, transferred to open serving dishes, then placed in the refrigerator until required.
When first using cleaning agent in the machinery space, the crew should:
Confirm that it won't form an emulsion
Use it sparingly
Use it liberally
Confirm that it will form an emulsion
Generators work on the principle of electromagnetic induction. The internal e.m.f. generated in the phase windings of an a.c. generator is controlled by:
The internal volt drop and the residual magnetism.
The internal volt drop and the load current.
The diesel speed and excitation current.
The diesel speed, magnetising force and load current.
What charateristics of Seed Cake group B (IMDG Class 4.2) cargo should be considered when carrying in bulk?
The only concern is that the cargo may self-heat slowly.
The only concern is the cargo may be liable to oxidise, causing subsequent reduction of oxygen in the cargo spaces
The only concern is that the cargo may be liable to spontaneous combustion.
Cargo may self-heat slowly; may spontaneously ignite; liable to oxidise; may produce carbon dioxide
On a RoRo vessel, what is the Maximum Securing Load of reusable use wire ropes?
30% of the breaking strength
40% of the breaking strength
25% of the breaking strength
What are some of the precautions that must be taken on a bulk carrier, before double - bottom tanks can be ballasted with sea water?
After peak tank and fore peak tank filled first
Correct valves opened, air ventilators open and ballasting plan agreed.
Cargo spaces empty of cargo
All hatch covers secured for sea
There are strict rules governing the placement and category of electrical equipment allowed in certain areas of liquefied gas carriers. One such category is that of flameproof enclosures. What is a flameproof enclosure?
One in which the equipment has such low electrical power that there is insufficient energy to ignite a flammable mixture and cause a flame.
One which can withstand the pressure build-up during an internal ignition of a flammable mixture and is designed to cool any flames occurring within the enclosure to below the ignition temperature.
One which is filled with inert gas to prevent formation and possible ignition of a flammable mixture.
One which is maintained under positive pressure so preventing the formation of a flammable mixture.
Is it allowed to have animals on the car deck during a voyage?
Yes, if they are safely placed in a suitable vehicle
Only if the weather conditions permit
It is up to the captain to decide
No
Does MARPOL apply to gas carriers?
Only Annex IV.
No.
Yes.
Only Annex V.
Before engaging the Turning Gear, precautions should be taken to:
Open the indicator cocks and open the starting air supply
Close the inlet and outlet valves for cooling water
Transfer M/E control from control room to emergency control console of engine
Shut off the starting air supply and open the indicator cocks
A 450 volt, 859 kW rated generator has not been in operation for several weeks. Prior to starting, insulation resistance readings are taken. The minimum acceptable insulation resistance reading on the main stator winding to allow you to proceed with running the generator is:
10 Ohms
10 000 Ohms
10 000 000 Ohms
1000 Ohms
Parallel sweep search in a co-ordinated manner is achieved when?
All facilities proceed with minimum safe speed
All facilities proceed with same speed
All facilities proceed with maximum safe speed
All facilities proceed with different speed
You are going to overhaul a centrifugal pump in accordance with the PMS. The pump is running under optimal conditions and normally operated. Which of the following parts are expected to deteriorate during normal operation and thereby be due for renewal?
The impeller and the impeller fastening nut.
Ball bearings on the pump shaft, and wear rings on pump housing or impeller.
The distance pieces.
The shaft itself .
What medium is used to calibrate the ODME?
Fresh water.
Gasoline.
Sea water.
Crude oil.
Which of the following is most likely to influence changes to emergency plans and procedures?
MARPOL 73/78
The safety requirements of the USCG
The design and layout of the ship
The ISM Code
What type of heat exchanger is shown?
Evaporative
Bundle and stack
Plate
Shell and tube
Continuity testing of a delta connected three phase induction motor yields the following results; U-V =3 ohms, V-W =3 ohms, W-U =6 ohms.Which of the following is the likely condition?
Short circuit winding between W and U
Open circuit winding between W and U
Short circuit between V and Earth
Partial fault between W and U
When are power-operated watertight sliding doors (class 3 doors) compulsory for all watertight doors aboard passenger ships?
Where the ship is fitted with through-going car decks
Where one or more doors are situated below deepest load line
When the ship is certified for more than 150 passengers
Where the ship has passenger spaces below the bulkhead deck
Which publication, other than SOLAS, contains information regarding the personal safety equipment that must be carried onboard liquefied gas carriers?
MARPOL annex II
The ISPS Code
The ISM Code
The IGC Code.
Anyone who violates the provisions of Norwegian law or the provisions of regulations laid down by virtue of Norwegian law, relating to contract of engagements and account book, to notification to, appearance before, or to the taking of evidence, shall be liable to????
Fines.
Imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months.
Imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months.
Fines or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months.
How many hours before departure should the ship's steering gear be checked and tested?
Within 96 hours
Within 48 hours
Within 12 hours
Within 1 hour
Indicate the correct name for the part marked on the sketch:
Rocker
Main bearing
Push rod
Connecting rod
Cargoes of frozen beef and chilled beef have approximate carriage temperatures of minus 18 and minus 1 degree Celsius respectively. Greater care is required when carrying chilled beef as it is more sensitive to deviations from, and requires finer control of, its recommended carriage temperature. Which option best completes the following statement? "This additional care is worthwhile because…
...carrying chilled beef is a modern innovation."
…chilled beef is healthier for consumers."
…chilled beef can be kept longer than frozen beef."
…chilled beef commands a much higher price in the market."
Which of the following forms of food poisoning is particularly associated with outbreaks on cruise ships?
Staphylococcal enterotoxin.
Norwalk virus
E-coli.
Salmonella enteritidis.
Many lamb product cargoes are carried at sea. Most of these are temperature sensitive. Which is the odd one out from the options given?
Tallow.
Carcass lamb.
Lamb offal products.
Chilled lamb.
One of the two water level gauge glasses on the high pressure boiler steam drum has started leaking quite heavily. What action, from the options given, should the boiler watch rating take?
Inform the Officer of the watch immediately so that arrangements can be made to replace the leaking glass.
Try and stop the leak by tightening up the clamping bolts as much as possible.
Place a bucket underneath the leak to catch the water to prevent the area becoming slippery.
Shut the steam and water connections to the gauge glass to minimise the loss of water and just use the other glass to check the water level.
Give the meaning of this symbol:
lifebuoy with light and line throwing appliance
lifebuoy with light and smoke
lifebuoy with light and hand flare
lifebuoy with automatic sound signal
A General cargo vessel is due to resume loading at 0700 Local Time; start of operations is delayed due to hatch covers not being opened until 0800; what are the implications of this delay to the ships?
The charterers will be responsible for any additional costs
The shipper will bear the costs involved
A delay of this type is not important
Additional costs due to delay may be to ships account
How is body language generally communicated?
the tone of your voice
looking at someone directly in the eyes
touching other people
the way you stand, gesture, and walk
What is Breaking Stress with regard to cargo lashings?
The maximum stress that can be applied to a cargo lashing
The maximum load that can safely be applied to a cargo lashing
The safe working load of a cargo lashing plus 10 percent
The load beyond which a cargo lashing will deform
Some engine manufacturers recommend that washing of the compressor side is not carried out. Is this due to;
The thermal shock exhibited by the vanes.
The nozzle ring becoming corroded.
Greasy sludge from the compressor sticking between the fins in the air coolers, necessitating extra cleaning of these.
Large volumes of water being carried over into the cylinders of the engine.
What should be done with the data logger printouts after completing the discharge of a refrigerated cargo?
They should be retained onboard for a minimum of 2 years.
They should be handed over to the cargo receiver.
They should be retained onboard indefinitely.
They can be discarded once the discharge is completed.
Modern conventional reefer vessels are designed to carry containers on deck which are usually 40 foot units weighing more than 20 tonnes when stuffed (filled with cargo). For a vessel fitted with deck cranes having a SWL of 19 tonnes which of the options given is the most appropriate method of handling such containers?
Temporarily override the crane's cut outs when handling such containers.
Arrange for a floating crane to be alongside when handling the containers.
Arrange for a mobile crane to be available when handling the containers.
Use an equalising beam with two of the ship's cranes operating in tandem.
Which plan shows the position of the centre of gravity of every tank aboard the ship?
Capacity plan
Tank plan
General Arrangement plan
Pumping plan
You have made a turning circle at full speed in deep water. You are now going to make one with initial speed, slow ahead. Do you think the diameter will differ from that of initial full ahead?
Yes, it will be much smaller with slow ahead
Yes, there will be a large difference in the turning diameter between full and slow ahead
Yes, it will be much greater with slow ahead
The diameter will be the same whatever initial speed we have when starting the turn
What is the main purpose of a heat exchanger in a cooling water system?
To reduce water turbulence
To maintain a steady pressure in the system
To reduce engine room temperature
To transfer heat from one fluid to another
A bulk carrier is about to commence loading steel coils using ships cranes, what three important checks must be made?
Cabs cleaned and lighted, drivers regularly rested
Crane windows cleaned,cab heater on and no- smoking rule enforced
Crane controls tested, limit switches correctly set and SWL never to be exceeded
Planned maintenance completed, all paintwork in good condition and lighting checked
Under what load condition would sootblowing of the boiler tubes be most beneficial?
When the boiler is firing on low rate.
When the boiler burner is off.
When the boiler is firing on medium rate.
When the boiler is firing on high rate.
Explain the difference between absolute pressure and manometer pressure.
Absolute pressure is atmospheric pressure multiplied with manometer pressure, to be used in technical tables
Absolute pressure is atmospheric pressure minus manometer pressure, to be used in technical tables
Absolute pressure is equal to manometer pressure and must be used in technical tables
Absolute pressure is atmospheric pressure added with manometer pressure, to be used in technical tables
Indicate the correct name for the part marked on the sketch:
Crankshaft
Crankcase relief valve
Camshaft
Push rod
The office phone, fax, telex and after office hours telephone numbers can be found in:
Vessel health, safety and environment manual
Radio log book
The Ship's emergency contingency manual
Vessel operation manual
You are going to enter a tank to lift out some sediments. What kind of permits need to be issued before entering?
Hot Work Permit and Cold Work Permit.
Enclosed Space Entry Permit and Cold Work Permit.
Enclosed Space Entry Permit and Hot Work Permit.
Enclosed Space Entry Permit only
On a RoRo vessel, which of these stowage situations produces high friction that does not allow movement of the cargo?
A single tier of dunnage placed between vehicles and steel decks
Steel plates placed between vehicles and steel decks
Vehicles in direct contact with steel decks
Two tiers of dunnage placed between vehicles and steel decks
Very roughly, the gas mixture from Crude Oil can be represented by the pure hydrocarbon gas Propane for analysis and comparison purposes. What then is the approximate Lower Flammable Limit of Crude Oil when measured as a percentage volume in air?
9.5%
0.2%
5%
2.2%
A decision support system for emergency management shall be provided on the navigation bridge. What type of emergency situations shall as a minimum be identified in the emergency plans?
Fire, Evacuation, Pollution, Personnel accidents and Ship Security
Evacuation, Fire, Pollution and Man-Over-Board
Man-Over-Board, Evacuation and Fire
Fire, Damage to ship, Pollution, Unlawful acts threatening the safety of the ship and the security of its passenger and crew, Pesonnel accidents, Cargo-related accidents, Emergency assistance to other ships
Hydrocarbons belongs to a chemical group named:?
Alkanes
Organic substances.
Carbohydrates.
Alkenes
Which group of dangerous goods is generally considered as being the most hazardous for marine transportation on a General Cargo Vessel?
Toxic Gases
Infectious substances
Inflammable liquids
Organic peroxides
What is defined as ‘grain’, under international regulations?
Granulated slag
Pulses, oats and seeds
Seed cake
Raw sugar
What name is given to the pickled, fermented vegetable condiment that accompanies almost every Korean dish?
Korchee.
Kebchee.
Kalachie.
Kimchee.
What is the meaning of the abbreviation PCB
Positive Colour Board
Printed Circuit Board
Power Control Bridge
Positive Current Biased
If fuel or diesel oil is leaking from our HP fuel oil pumps, and penetrate into the lube oil system of the engine, the result may be:
No harm to the lube oil as long as we clean the lube oil strainers very often.
The inside of all lube oil piping, filters and the engine itself will participate in a cleaning process when the fuel or diesel are mixed with the lubrication oil.
It will destroy the properties of the lube oil and lead to serious damage in our engine.
It will dilute the lube oil so the lubrication in the engine becomes more effective.
The engine turns when starting air is supplied but does not start. What could be the probable cause to this?
The injection pumps are working irregularly.
Injection is too late.
Leaking valves in the cylinder heads.
Low pressure in the charging air system.
What is the difference between filtration and separation
Filters are suitable for removing fine particles
Water can be removed in the separator but not in the filter
A filter is static
A filter has to be shut down to be cleaned or changed
For a large increase in the specific gravity of the oil, the gravity disc hole diameter should be:
Hole diameter is of no importance.
Increased.
Reduced.
Kept the same.
This online test consists of 90 random questions from CES 5.1 tests on a topic of your choice.