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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does the old man get hurt when the fish yanks on the line?
(a) The old man falls over and hits his head.
(b) The yank causes his back to ache.
(c) The line gets tangled around his feet.
(d) The line cuts his hand where he was holding it.

2. What complaint does the boy have about the fisherman he works for after he is forced to leave Santiago?
(a) He thinks he knows everything better than Santiago.
(b) He makes him carry everything to and from the boat.
(c) He never lets me carry anything.
(d) He never catches any fish.

3. How thick is the line the old man uses to catch big fish?
(a) Very small but strong.
(b) As big around as a pencil.
(c) About as thick as an oar handle.
(d) A big around as his thumb.

4. What is the boy's name?
(a) Pedrico.
(b) Jose.
(c) Gabriel.
(d) Manolin.

5. What does Santiago consider as his principal friends on the ocean?
(a) The giant turtles.
(b) The song birds.
(c) The dolphins.
(d) The flying fish.

Short Answer Questions

1. How do the brown sharks attack the old man's fish?

2. When does Santiago plan to be out to sea?

3. To what does Santiago compare his damaged hands while harpooning the shark?

4. How does he know which way to sail?

5. When do the sharks return after Santiago loses his makeshift harpoon?

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss the physical infirmity that begins to plague Santiago on the second day at sea.

2. How does Santiago show his resolution as he holds the line and thinks about all the things the fish might do?

3. Why can the old man not let go of the line as the big fish tows his skiff farther out to sea?

4. Discuss the conflict of resolution between the old man and the fish.

5. Explain the meaning of the statement that Santiago loved the lions in his dreams like he loved the boy.

6. Identify a few passages in the story that indicate the pride of Santiago.

7. Describe the scene that shows the good nature and high character of Santiago.

8. What indicates that Santiago has no idea of catching the largest marlin ever landed in those waters?

9. Explain the first indication that Santiago has that he has caught a very large fish, even though he has not seen it and does know know what kind of fish it is.

10. After the marlin jumps during the night, there is a lull. What does it allow Santiago to do?

(see the answer keys)

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