View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. When the men try to reach land the first time, how high are the breakers in the surf tide?

2. What word best describes the experience of the men in the boat?

3. How fast does the crew estimate their speed to be through the Drake Passage?

4. What do the men lack in the boats that causes problems?

5. What do the men realize on their first morning on the island?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the experience in the boats like for the men?

2. Why is the Drake Passage so dangerous?

3. What is the approach to Elephant Island like?

4. What do the men experience as they go through Drake Passage?

5. How does Shackleton organize the watch on the boat?

6. What do the men think about their chance of rescue through Shackleton's attempt?

7. How do the men spend their time in the boat as they try to reach South Georgia Island?

8. What happens to Blackboro after Shackleton leaves the island?

9. Who is first on shore? Why?

10. How do the men decide on the land that they want to target for landing?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Polar expeditions have particular challenges for explorers and their crews. What are some of the challenges that are unique to polar regions? What obstacles did the environment present to Shackleton and his crew? How did they overcome these challenges?

Essay Topic 2

What was life like on Elephant Island for the crew? What did they do to make like more bearable? How do you think they felt about being on the island? Use specific examples from the book to back up your answers.

Essay Topic 3

Was Shackleton's expedition a success or failure? Why? Was Shackleton himself a success or failure for the expedition? Back up your answer using examples from the book.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 831 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample