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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. What do Pollard and Daniel Russell, the captain of the Aurora, discuss in Chapter 4?
(a) The discovery of a new whaling ground.
(b) The remaining time of the Essex's trip.
(c) The remaining time of the Aurora's trip.
(d) The discovery of other whaling boats off the coast.

3. How long does it take the whale to revive after the collision before preparing to ram the boat again?
(a) One minute.
(b) Five minutes.
(c) Three minutes.
(d) Less than a minute.

4. How far away from the first whale sighted do the men position themselves in the boats?
(a) One foot.
(b) Ten miles.
(c) One mile.
(d) Ten feet.

5. How is Pollard informed to set sail?
(a) He is told by a messenger.
(b) He leaves according to the weather patterns.
(c) He is told directly by the owners of the ship.
(d) He receives a letter.

6. How long is it in between whale sightings in Chapter 3?
(a) Several days.
(b) Several weeks.
(c) Several hours.
(d) Several months.

7. On which country's coast is the Dauphin traveling when it spots the smaller boat?
(a) Chile's.
(b) Venezuela's.
(c) Brazil's.
(d) Argentina's.

8. What does the whale do after hitting the Essex below the anchor in Chapter 5?
(a) It sits on top of the water.
(b) It begins swimming in circles around the boat.
(c) It begins to hammer the boat with its tail.
(d) It swims away.

9. What do scholars speculate might have caused the whale to attack the Essex?
(a) The whale is territorial and protecting its waters.
(b) The boat's attack on other whales that are observed by the large whale.
(c) The clicking sound that Chase makes while repairing his boat.
(d) The yelling of the men while attempting to kill another whale.

10. How old is Thomas Nickerson when he first boards the Essex?
(a) Eighteen years old.
(b) Fourteen years old.
(c) Sixteen years old.
(d) Fifteen years old.

11. What time does Chase order the men to prepare the ship for whaling in Chapter 2?
(a) Seven a.m.
(b) Nine a.m.
(c) Six a.m.
(d) Eight a.m.

12. When did English settlers begin arriving in Nantucket?
(a) 1659.
(b) 1635.
(c) 1653.
(d) 1695.

13. What is the crew hoping for as they enter the Offshore Grounds?
(a) Weaker winds.
(b) Another whale ship.
(c) Another whale.
(d) Stronger winds.

14. What month is it when the island of St. Mary's is sighted off the coast of Chile in Chapter 4?
(a) April.
(b) March.
(c) February.
(d) January.

15. When does the Essex sail towards the Galapagos Islands in Chapter 4?
(a) September 22.
(b) October 22.
(c) October 2.
(d) September 12.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which of the following is not included in the list of troubles that the bad weather causes for the Essex in Chapter 4?

2. How much does the huge whale that appears off the port bow in Chapter 5 weigh?

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

4. What is the mood of the men on November 26?

5. As described in the Preface, in which ocean are the whales hunted?

(see the answer keys)

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