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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 2.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How many men are in the small boat when it is first mentioned in the preface?
(a) Fifteen.
(b) Five.
(c) Two.
(d) Eight.

2. What surprises Nickerson about Chase while they are on the sea?
(a) Chase has a mild-mannered approach to assigning tasks.
(b) Chase does not talk to anyone but the captain.
(c) Chase does not appear to understand how a ship works.
(d) Chase uses force to see that his orders are followed.

3. As described in the Preface, in which ocean are the whales hunted?
(a) Indian.
(b) Atlantic.
(c) Arctic.
(d) Pacific.

4. Which of the following is not included in the list of supplies that are loaded onto the Essex as it prepares for the journey in Chapter 1?
(a) Freshwater.
(b) Firewood.
(c) Food.
(d) Rifles.

5. How long are the shifts that each man serves on watching the decks during the evenings in Chapter 2?
(a) Eight hours.
(b) Two hours.
(c) Six hours.
(d) Four hours.

Short Answer Questions

1. As described in Chapter 1, what does the sighting of a comet indicate?

2. How many men normally would attempt to approach, harpoon, and kill the whale?

3. How much can sperm whales weigh?

4. How many masts does the Essex have as it sets sail in Chapter 2?

5. How old is Thomas Nickerson when he first boards the Essex?

(see the answer key)

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