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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to John Steinbeck, what does a well-cared for and lovingly maintained boat indicate?
(a) It indicates that the owner is a secretary with a very sharp memory.
(b) It indicates that the owner is most likely organized, efficient and in good shape.
(c) It indicates that the owner is most likely an only child who was spoiled by his parents.
(d) It indicates that the owner is most likely a body-builder with lots of muscles.

2. What is teleological thinking, as introduced by the author on Easter Sunday, March 24?
(a) It is the thinking that is dependent on the current events shown on the television.
(b) It is the thinking that relates men to sea creatures.
(c) It is the thinking that concerns itself with finding a specific cause and effect, and in laying out how things should be.
(d) It is the thinking that dictates how a sea traveler must chart his voyage.

3. What do Steinbeck and Ricketts do to Tiny's prey?
(a) They cut the legs and collect them in a jar filled with water.
(b) They crack its shell and use it as soup bowls.
(c) They dissect it to learn what they can.
(d) They cut the meat and make a stew out of it.

4. How does Tex see diesel engines?
(a) As toys which can be experimentes on.
(b) As abhorring inventions.
(c) As expensive vessels not fit for sea travel.
(d) As pure, logical, perfect mechanical entities.

5. What can be seen in Cabo San Lucas?
(a) A monastery with several nuns planting corn.
(b) A cannery along with a few houses on shore, and a rocky ridge that extends from the muntain into the ocean.
(c) An amusement park with rides and games, children and adults alike enjoy the park.
(d) A school for teenagers who want to be marines and navy in the future.

6. What do Steinbeck and Ricketts encounter when they go for a walk in the dark?
(a) A local hospital that treats voyagers for free.
(b) A little cross with a candle lighting it.
(c) A store that sells imported cigarettes.
(d) A little boy offering some pearls from the sea.

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

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

9. What does the expedition party find when they finally landed on the shores of San Jose Island?
(a) Fire-rings, fuel, clam and turtle shells.
(b) Several ladies with leis waiting for them.
(c) Coal, gold and several precious stones.
(d) Several other outboard motors to replace the one they have.

10. Where is the expedition party heading?
(a) They arre heading west to their destination.
(b) They arre heading east to their destination.
(c) They arre heading north to their destination.
(d) They are heading south to their destination.

11. Why does the expedition party set sail to La Paz?
(a) They have been told that there are a lot of aphrodisiacs being sold in the place.
(b) They have relatives and friends who live in La Paz and they are eager to visit them.
(c) They have heard much about La Paz and are eager to see the city.
(d) They have heard of a magic show in La paz which they all wanted to see.

12. What explanation does the expedition party give to the Mexicans they meet on Espiritu Santo Island?
(a) They are just passing along, and their destination is Southeast Asia.
(b) They are looking at useless animals out of general scientific interest.
(c) They are attracted to the culture of the place and want to stay there for good.
(d) They are collecting curios which will fetch a good price back at home.

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

14. What instrument does Raul use, which Steinbeck and Ricketts buy from him?
(a) A gun.
(b) A knife.
(c) A bow and arrow.
(d) A harpoon.

15. What do members of the party feel when they are the one manning the wheel?
(a) The team members feel a but sad and melancholic listening to the sea breeze.
(b) The team members feel happy and contented, and would like to remain at sea, when they are manning the wheel.
(c) The team members are excited, causing them to make wrong turns.
(d) The team members feel some pressure when they are manning the wheel, especially when Tony is watching.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the duration covered by the story?

2. Who is Tex?

3. What will be an accurate description of the expedition party's day on March 23?

4. What is Tex's outstanding characteristic?

5. Why does the crew prefer to catch and eat any other fish than the porpoises?

(see the answer keys)

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