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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. Someone on shore thought they saw what, which was actually blood?

2. Since it was unusual for the young white shark to be close to the shore in July 1916, experts later theorized that the lone predator was led toward shore by ________________.

3. What did some think had killed Charles Bruder?

4. What might have been the reason for the hotel to keep down word of the incident?

5. As beach goers ran in to try to pull Charles ashore, the shark with bits of Charles' flesh in his mouth, did what?

Short Essay Questions

1. When did information regarding Charles' death finally appear in the news? Describe this information. Why might it the information have appeared this way?

2. Describe the attack on Bruder.

3. Why does the great white still remain much of a mystery today?

4. What information is given about a specific shark? Why is this information important?

5. What were the beliefs of many who heard the news of Bruder's death?

6. What might have drawn this particular shark north?

7. Describe the 1891 experiment. Is this a valid experiment? Why or why not?

8. How did Dr. Vansant try to save his son? Why was this not adequate?

9. What was done for Bruder? Was this adequate? What there anything else that could have been done for him? Why or why not?

10. How had beach life changed over the years? How might this also have played a role in the chance for shark attacks?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

George Burgess believed the shark that attacked the Jersey Shore in 1916 was a rogue shark.

Part 1) What is a rogue shark? How did Burgess come to this conclusion about certain sharks and specifically this one? Do you believe he is accurate in describing this shark as a rogue shark? Why or why not?

Part 2) Does the author seem to believe this shark is a rogue shark? Why or why not? Do you believe rogue sharks exist? Why or why not?

Part 3) Do you believe other animals, including humans, can be rogue creatures? Why or why not? How much more dangerous would these types of creatures be than those who were not classified as "rogue?"

Essay Topic 2

Most of the attacks described in this book ended in death.

Part 1) Describe these attacks. When did they occur? Where did they occur? Why did they occur? What happened to those who were attacked? Why did the shark attack them in this way?

Part 2) Are shark attacks as deadly today as they were in 1916? Why or why not? Is there anything one can do if he or she is attacked by a shark? If so, what? If not, why not?

Part 3) Is swimming worth the risk of a shark attack? Why or why not? How have the descriptions of these attacks affected your opinion of sharks and swimming in the ocean?

Essay Topic 3

The shark was put on display.

Part 1) Why was the shark put on display? Should it have been put on display? Why or why not? How else has the story of this man-eating shark been sensationalized and dramatized?

Part 2) Are animal attacks typical news stories? Why did this shark become so famous? Why were so many people drawn to the story of this shark? What does this reveal about human nature?

Part 3) Would a story such as this be as exciting today? Would news coverage be as spectacular? Why or why not? Might it be more spectacular? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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