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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. What was the name of the captain who made Slocum an offer he couldn't refuse?

2. In what year was Slocum born?

3. After leaving Port Tamar, Slocum guided the Spray to which location?

4. Slocum recalls receiving a warm welcome when he arrived at which location?

5. The boat was how many feet in length?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Slocum's fortune change as the Spray approached Cape Horn?

2. How does Joshua Slocum describe the people of Nova Scotia?

3. Many people were concerned about Slocum's inexperience on the open sea. Explain the point of view of the people and Slocum's attitude.

4. Chapter 1 begins with Slocum in Nova Scotia. How is the Canadian province described?

5. Who is Ebenezer Pierce? How did the man affect Slocum's future?

6. Loneliness and boredom became issues for Slocum. Detail at least one or two things Slocum did in order to relieve these things.

7. What is Joshua Slocum's relationship with his father? How is John Slocum described?

8. Examine Slocum's next encounter with savages.

9. Discuss Slocum's trip to Juan Fernandez.

10. Discuss the Slocum's ongoing relationship with the British.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Slocum was incredibly ambitious. It was especially apparent when he announced that he would sail around the world. Explain the process by which Slocum would achieve his goal. What kind of permission did Slocum have to have in order to traverse international waters? What type of relationship did Slocum have with various dignitaries, heads of state, royalty, and other leaders? How was Slocum's plan received by the government? Also explain the necessary steps Slocum had to take and what documentation was required.

Essay Topic 2

The point of view used in "Sailing Alone Around the World" by Joshua Slocum is third person omniscient. Examine the author's choice. What are the benefits of writing in third person omniscient? What are the disadvantages? How would the story change if it had been written entirely in first person? Explain. Choose a passage from the book and rewrite it in the first person. Note observations on the way the text changed.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast Slocum to John Cook. Why was it significant that the Spray was located atop Cook's ashes? Why was Cook important in the story? What was Slocum's opinion of Cook?

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