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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. After Phillip goes blind, how long does Timothy tell him it will take him to regain his sight?

2. How does Phillip's father feel about the prospect of the supply ships sailing again?

3. In Chapter 3, when Timothy and Phillip are on the raft, where does Timothy believe they are?

4. What color is the beach on the cay?

5. In Chapter 3, why does Phillip vomit over the side of the raft?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Phillip's family move to Curacao?

2. Who are the occupants of the raft Phillip wakes up on after the S.S. Hato sinks?

3. Why does Phillip accuse Timothy of being stingy when they are on the raft?

4. Why is the S.S. Hato sailing to Panama before going to Miami?

5. When the S.S. Empire Tern is sunk, what does Philip realize about the crew that was on board?

6. At the beginning of the book, what do Phillip and Henrik find when they visit the harbor against their mothers' wishes?

7. In Chapter 5, what does Phillip think he is glad he got to see before going blind?

8. On the first night Timothy and Phillip are on the raft, what does Phillip think about as he lays looking at the stars?

9. What does Timothy say the island he spots looks like?

10. Why does Timothy warn Phillip not to dangle his hands over the side of the raft into the water?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Phillip's relationship with Grace has a great impact on his life and the way he approaches the world. Describe their relationship. What characteristics of Grace do you also see in Phillip? How do these characteristics define Phillip's personality and the way he goes about his life?

Essay Topic 2

Identify two examples of foreshadowing in The Cay. What are they and what future events do they foreshadow? Use specific examples and evidence from the novel to support your thoughts.

Essay Topic 3

Friendship is an important theme in The Cay. Who are Phillip's friends? Does he have different friends at different times throughout the book? What needs do Phillips friends meet for him? Do his friendships change during the course of the novel? If so, how? Does his view of friendship change?

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