View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Steinbeck think about the various descriptions they have read of Cabo San Lucas?
(a) Descriptions of Cabo San Lucas did not capture the abundance of marine life in the area.
(b) No two descriptions of Cabo San Lucas are alike.
(c) Descriptions were very creative, as there was really nothing much to say about Cabo San Lucas.
(d) Descriptions were exaggerating and that the place is overrated.

2. What examples of marine life does the expedition party collect in Espiritu Santo Island?
(a) Porpoises and sea turtles.
(b) Anemone fish and tadpoles.
(c) Starfishes and seahorses.
(d) Sea cucumbers and brittle-stars.

3. On March 18, where does the expedition party end up going when a wind rises before they were able to anchor?
(a) Marina Bay.
(b) San Diego Bay.
(c) Magdalena Bay.
(d) Pescadero Point.

4. Who is the newest team member that joins the expedition party on March 23?
(a) No one.
(b) Robert.
(c) Frederick.
(d) Ronald.

5. 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.

6. What explanation does the expedition party give to the Mexicans they meet on Espiritu Santo Island?
(a) They are collecting curios which will fetch a good price back at home.
(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 just passing along, and their destination is Southeast Asia.

7. What is the topic of the discussion Steinbeck gives to the crowd waiting for them when they returned to their boat, anchored on the shores of La Paz?
(a) The different types of biologists.
(b) The different classification of outboard motors.
(c) The use of harpoons and knives in collecting marine specimen.
(d) The various fish of the puffer family.

8. There is a struggle for scraps and morsels of food.Who are the participants in the struggle?
(a) The local boys in the area.
(b) Tiny and Sparky.
(c) Wild pigs, vultures and dogs.
(d) The Indians in the area.

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

10. What comparison does Steinbeck often refer to?
(a) Tides and men and their relationship.
(b) Marine organisms and men and their relationship
(c) Fruits and men and their relationship.
(d) Moon and men and their relationship.

11. Who is Tex?
(a) The mechanic of the crew.
(b) John Steinbeck's son.
(c) The leader of the four-string quartet hired for the expedition.
(d) Ed Rickett's son.

12. Why does the crew prefer to catch and eat any other fish than the porpoises?
(a) Because the propoises were poisonous.
(b) Because porpoises were known to have high levels of salt, which was not advisable for someone sailing at sea.
(c) Because porpoises make the crew sleepy, making them unable to steer the boat properly.
(d) According to Steinbeck, it was probably because the porpoises were too human-like.

13. What important part of history is happening at the time of the expedition?
(a) The Formula One Grand Prix.
(b) World War I.
(c) The Summer Olympics.
(d) World War II.

14. What does the expedition party observe about the town of San Lucas?
(a) That the town has recently suffered a great flood and the town is in disrepair.
(b) That the town has several interesting landmarks.
(c) That the town is very much alive and everyone is heading to the ocean.
(d) That the town drives on the left side of the road.

15. Where is Cabo San Lucas?
(a) It is at the southern tip of Magdalena Bay.
(b) It is at the southern tip of San Diego Bay.
(c) It is at the northern tip of San Diego Bay.
(d) It is at the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula.

Short Answer Questions

1. Steinbeck worries about the soldiers' reaction to what during their travel?

2. What happens to the porpoises, as observed by Steinbeck and Ricketts?

3. What is the concept explored by the author in the section that pertains to boats and men?

4. Where does the expedition team go the next morning, March 13?

5. How does Steinbeck describe a scientist's reaction to death of a sea creature?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 968 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample