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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. Callahan realizes too that he is beginning to be unable to taste the _________ in the water.

2. What does Callahan first hear as he prepares to make a difficult landing against the shore?

3. Callahan sees the tragic waste of life and the tragic waste of food as ______________ for the day and the trip.

4. What jumps into Callahan's raft and he tries to use it for bait, though it is unsuccessful?

5. Callahan estimates that he is eighteen days from ___________ so he rations out his food in order to make it the duration of the trip.

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Callahan do to protect himself from a harsh landing on the rocky shore?

2. What happens to the raft as the winds begin to pick up around the raft as Callahan tries to navigate?

3. What are the three parts in which Callahan decides his mind has been split into as a result of this trip on the sea?

4. What does Callahan do when he realizes that he may be about two weeks from land?

5. What is the relationship that Callahan suddenly imagines with the dorado fish as they move past his boat?

6. What happens to the boat as a result of the fish fighting with Callahan during his attempts to catch it?

7. What can't Callahan do because of his declining health and hydration, even though he is filled with heartbreak?

8. What is the first sign of land what Callahan sees when he wakes up during the night on April 20th?

9. What was the warning that Callahan's ex-wife had given him, which Callahan now recalls?

10. What is the new source of food that Callahan finds which he has not seen in a while on his journey?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

From the beginning, Callahan exercises, reads, and writes in order to pass the time on his boat.

Part 1: Why do you think it's necessary to exercise and to occupy one's mind when alone?

Part 2: How do you think you might have passed the time if you were on the boat alone?

Part 3: What do you think happens to those who are not taking the time to exercise when on a boat by themselves?

Essay Topic 2

The choice to set out on a journey on the high seas by one's self is not a decision to be made lightly.

Part 1: What do you think the reasons were for Callahan's desire to take on this journey?

Part 2: Do you think that this is a nonsense dream or do you think it's admirable? Support your answer.

Part 3: How do you think Callahan made his decision? What might have been his personal considerations?

Essay Topic 3

The Coast Guard doesn't seem all that interested in helping the Callahan find their lost family member.

Part 1: Why do you think the Coast Guard isn't as helpful as they could have been?

Part 2: How do you think the Coast Guard could have helped out more?

Part 3: Do you think the story might have been a little biased in the way it portrayed the Coast Guard? Is this possible?

(see the answer keys)

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