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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. On the first leg of the trip, Slocum sailed from Boston to which of the following locations?

2. The crew gave Slocum a gift of milk and ______.

3. What is the capital of the province where the Slocums lived?

4. What group of Indians chased the Spray in the Bay?

5. Slocum was able to right his course once again and was pleased to log approximately ___ miles per day.

Short Essay Questions

1. After leaving Port Tamar, Slocum encountered more issues with the weather. Explain the issues and Slocum's decision on how to move forward.

2. Detail Slocum's first encounter with thieves and bandits. Discuss how the author outwitted a pirate.

3. Although the townspeople were amused by Slocum's ambitions, the author saw a different side of the boat. What plans did Slocum have for the Spray?

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

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

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

7. Discuss Slocum's interaction with the crew of the Colombia.

8. Who greeted Slocum at Snug Bay? What happened?

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

10. Discuss the events encountered by Slocum immediately after departing from Brazil.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Slocum made quite an impression on the islanders when he arrived in the Spray. Discuss the islanders and how they reacted toward Slocum. What was the biggest surprise on behalf of the islanders? What was the general opinion of the islanders? Choose three ports in which Slocum was greeted by islanders. Explain each group's culture, location, reaction to Slocum and his journey. Also discuss Slocum's length of stay with each and activities while he was on the island.

Essay Topic 2

Examine in detail the types of ships mentioned in the story. Include the oyster boat, gaff, tug boat and others. Which is the most practical? Which is best suited to Slocum? Explain who would be likely to operate each boat. Also examine the purpose of each.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 982 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample