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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. How old is Phillip when the book begins?

2. Why does the army officer tell Phillip and Henrik to leave the bridge?

3. Who shows Phillip around the Tern?

4. What does Phillip hide under his makeshift bed on the couch?

5. In Chapter 3, why does Phillip begin to dislike Timothy?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why doesn't Phillip want to leave Curacao with his mother?

2. What information does Timothy provide Phillip about himself when Phillip asks where Timothy comes from?

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

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

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

6. Why does Phillip, Sr. say that Grace and Phillip should not leave Curacao?

7. In Chapter 2, what actions do Phillip and Grace take to stay safe from the Germans?

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

9. At noon on Phillip's and Timothy's third day on the raft, what does Timothy do for Phillip as a plane passes overhead?

10. Why does Grace say she doesn't like living in Curacao?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are two major settings in The Cay. What are they? How do each of these settings affect the storyline and Phillip? Would another setting, such as a modern-day setting, have been as effective in developing Phillip's character? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

When Phillip and Timothy first meet, they are two very different people. Do you think this changes as the story progresses? Do Timothy and Phillip grow more alike? Why or why not? If so, which of the characters change and how does he change?

Essay Topic 3

What is the importance of Stew Cat in The Cay? What does he represent to Phillip? What does he represent to Timothy? How might Phillip's experience on the island been different had he not had Stew Cat?

(see the answer keys)

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