1. What does the author describe in the story, particularly at the beginning of the book?
(a) The major characters of the story, their educational backgrounds, and their family tree.
(b) He describes Mexico in great detail, including the politics and legislations of the land.
(c) The famous sea expeditions in the past, and how long each expedition lasted.
(d) The difficulties associated with in planning and preparing for an expedition, as well as the difficulty of finding a good vessel and captain.

2. What does the expedition party do on their first night at sea?
(a) They play cards while drinking beer.
(b) They identify the different constellation and gave a price on who can name the most.
(c) They stay out to look at the stars while taking turns on the helm.
(d) They sing love songs and read poems to the stars.

3. What is taking place on the day before the expedition party leaves for its journey?
(a) A celebration for the success of the expedition.
(b) A celebration marking the end of the sardine fishing season.
(c) A mass to bless the travelers in their journey.
(d) A mass asking for good harvest.

4. How many crew members are signed on for the expedition?
(a) One.
(b) Three.
(c) Two.
(d) Four.

5. How does John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts pass the time while their boat is being outfitted?
(a) They observe the boats and their fishermen and how the boats reflect their owners.
(b) They talk to the local fishermen and ask for interesting marine species.
(c) They sample the local beer and compare it with the others they have tried.
(d) The sample the local dishes and make arrangements for food to be taken out to sea.