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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When the men are close enough to attack the whale, what is used in order to pierce its vital organs?
(a) A knife.
(b) An oar.
(c) A lance.
(d) A harpoon.

2. When does the loading of the Essex begin?
(a) August 15.
(b) July 5.
(c) August 5.
(d) July 15.

3. How many masts does the Essex have as it sets sail in Chapter 2?
(a) Four.
(b) Two.
(c) Five.
(d) Three.

4. Why does Chase hesitate to attack the giant whale when it resurfaces on the starboard after the collision?
(a) He is afraid because of the size of the whale.
(b) He is ordered to halt by Pollard.
(c) There are no weapons nearby.
(d) He is worried the tail will destroy the steering device.

5. In what direction does the wind shift, allowing the boats to sail towards Peru?
(a) West.
(b) South.
(c) North.
(d) East.

6. What is the first thing that the captain and crew of the Dauphin notice when they see the smaller boat?
(a) A fire.
(b) A flag.
(c) The men on the ship.
(d) The bones on the ship.

7. What discovery does the crew make on November 26?
(a) They are very close to South America.
(b) They are sailing parallel to South America.
(c) They sailed past South America.
(d) They are sailing towards South America.

8. Which weapon does Pollard choose to keep for himself as Chapter 6 ends?
(a) Musket.
(b) Knife.
(c) Shotgun.
(d) Pistol.

9. Whose idea is it to stop keeping track of the longitude in Chapter 7?
(a) Pollard.
(b) Joy.
(c) Chase.
(d) Nickerson.

10. What does the Aurora bring for the crew of the Essex?
(a) Sailors and boats.
(b) Letters from home.
(c) More food.
(d) More weapons.

11. What causes Chase's boat to get a hole in it as they approach another whale on November 20?
(a) The harpoon inadvertently crashes into the side of the boat.
(b) A bolt of lightning strikes the boat.
(c) Chase kicks the side of the boat out of frustration.
(d) The whale's tail hits the boat.

12. How is the whale towed back to the ship after it is killed in Chapter 3?
(a) Head first.
(b) Tail first.
(c) On its back.
(d) On its side.

13. What allows a sperm whale the ability to survive a head on collision with a boat?
(a) It's head is shaped like a battering ram.
(b) It's speed makes it impervious to the impact.
(c) It's tail acts as a stabilizer to minimize the impact.
(d) It's body is designed to absorb tremendous shock.

14. What is Nickerson's response to the captain's approach in introducing himself to the crew?
(a) He is confused.
(b) He is inspired.
(c) He is surprised.
(d) He is impressed.

15. How far have the men rescued by the Dauphin been sailing at the end of the Preface?
(a) Thirty- five hundred nautical miles.
(b) Twenty- five hundred nautical miles.
(c) Forty- five hundred nautical miles.
(d) Fifty- five hundred nautical miles.

Short Answer Questions

1. How are sailors paid?

2. How many miles does it take the crew to set and trim the sails of the Essex?

3. Which one of the Galapagos Islands is the crew of the Essex on when they discover a leak in the ship?

4. How far away from the first whale sighted do the men position themselves in the boats?

5. Where is the first whale spotted in Chapter 3?

(see the answer keys)

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