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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. How does Tom feel about school?

2. What kind of boat does Thomas have?

3. What does Roger enjoy doing that depresses him?

4. What kills Tom's pet pigeon?

5. Where does Tom previously live with his mother and father?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to Uncle Edward at the beginning of Chapter III?

2. Where does Thomas take his boys after their first night on the island?

3. What happens when Roger's brother dies?

4. How do the boys feel after the shark is spotted?

5. How does Roger feel about beating the rich yachtsman?

6. Where does Thomas live at the beginning of the book?

7. What will the boys' mothers do while they are visiting Thomas on the island?

8. What do Andy's brothers have to be cautious about when around him?

9. How does Roger think his father feels about his brother's death?

10. Who helps David with his swordfish, and what advice is he given?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What role does symbolism play in the story and where does it appear? How is the plot altered by the presence of these symbols?

Essay Topic 2

Divorce was such a tangible theme in this book that it was almost another character. How does divorce affect the characters in this book, and what are some of the best examples in the text of these affects?

Essay Topic 3

What are some of the key examples of gratitude in this book, and how do these instances affect the characters involved in those scenes?

(see the answer keys)

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