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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. What almost overturns the boats when they are first launched?

2. What does Blackboro lose?

3. How long does it take the men to find a relatively secure spot for their camp?

4. Who leads Vincent and McCarthy on the second watch?

5. What runs out, causing the men to look for combustible items?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do the men do in the time that they wait for Shackleton to return?

2. What is the landing like on South Georgia Island?

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

4. What is the condition of the men as they land on shore?

5. What types of weather do the men face as they try to reach South Georgia Island?

6. What do the men do to improve the camp after Shackleton leaves?

7. What is the approach to Elephant Island like?

8. What is the weather like as the men try to make it to Elephant Island?

9. What is the condition of the men once they reach South Georgia Island?

10. Who is chosen to go with Shackleton on the rescue attempt? Why is each person chosen?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What are some of the dangers the men faced on the expedition? Give examples from the book that illustrate these dangers. What do you feel was the greatest threat to the men? Why?

Essay Topic 2

Describe the events leading up to the sinking of the Endurance. How did the men prepare for this event? How do you think they felt as the Endurance began taking on water and sinking into the ocean? How did they handle this event?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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