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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Steinbeck see the history of the human race?
(a) It is not a linear progression, but as a series of bursts of nervous energy.
(b) It is a very logical and predictable progression.
(c) It is totally unpredictable and without pattern.
(d) It is a series of bursts of nervous energy.

2. What remark does Steinbeck makes about cannibalism?
(a) That in some cultures, cannibalism is accepted and therefore they should consider doing it as well.
(b) That if they stay at sea for another four weeks they might end up eating each other.
(c) That if other societal restrictions were removed, man might easily overcome any objection towards cannibalism.
(d) That cannibalism is overrated, and he has in fact once tried eating another human being.

3. What does the expedition party do in the morning of March 30?
(a) The party begins preparing for their journey back home.
(b) The party cleans all the kitchen dirt left the night before.
(c) The party refuels and buys supplies.
(d) The party begins collecting because the tide is out.

4. How long does Tex suffer through the diet exercise?
(a) The rest of the trip.
(b) Three days.
(c) A week.
(d) Five days.

5. Why does the crew have a hard time handling a particular sea cucumber?
(a) Because that sea cucumber had a lot of thorns, unusual for its kind.
(b) Because that sea cucumber has a very strange skin that was so slippery.
(c) Because that sea cucumber has a very foul smell, making the crew unable to come near it.
(d) Because that sea cucumber has a habit of expelling its insides when taken out of water.

6. Why can't the expedition party stay longer in Guaymas and in the sea?
(a) Because they are having a debate on who should act as captain of the ship.
(b) Because they have no more dollars to pay the children.
(c) Because there is not enough room to accommodate the whole expedition party.
(d) Because the duration of the charter is fixed.

7. What observation do Steinbeck and Ricketts have regarding the marine life in Coronado Island and Monterey Bay?
(a) That most species swim in twos.
(b) That many species have blue and black dominant colors.
(c) That most species have a red spot on their tails.
(d) That many species from the two places appear to be similar.

8. What does Sparky accidentally do on April 3?
(a) He harpoons a stingray.
(b) He harpoons a dog.
(c) He harpoons a bat.
(d) He harpoons a cat.

9. Where is Puerto Refugio located?
(a) Along the east coast of Guardian Angel Island.
(b) Along the northern part of San Diego Bay.
(c) On the east coast of Magdalena Bay.
(d) Near the Sea of Cortez, just south of the island.

10. How many giant sea turtles does the group catch on April 11 in Agiabampo?
(a) One.
(b) None.
(c) Two.
(d) Three.

11. Why does the crew forego stopping at Santa Rosalia?
(a) Santa Rosalia asks for very steep visitors' taxes.
(b) They are already pressed for time.
(c) There is not much to see in Santa Rosalia.
(d) There are several unfriendly locals in Santa Rosalia.

12. Which statement best describes Guaymas?
(a) It is a small city populated by mistly fishermen, rest are construction workers.
(b) It is an industrial complex where workers are formerly fishermen.
(c) It is a large city that is bustling wih news of the war, politics and others.
(d) It is a suburban city that hasn't heard the privilege of having telephone lines.

13. What topic does Steinbeck discuss with the team members as they sail along the coast of Guardian Angel Island?
(a) The Seri Indians, which are rumored to be cannibals.
(b) The Adamski Indians, which are rumored to be cannibals.
(c) The Harpal Indians, which are rumored to be cannibals.
(d) The Farai Indians, which are rumored to be cannibals.

14. What statement does Steinbeck give about the war to illustrate his thinking about the human race?
(a) That in a hundred years, it may be seen as not going in the direction that people now think.
(b) That the war is an example of how predictable human race is.
(c) That the war is an example of a series of bursts of nervous energy.
(d) That the war defies everything about the human race and its values.

15. On March 31, almost three weeks ate sea, what observation does Steinbeck make regarding the collections they have acquired so far?
(a) Steinbeck notes that they have amassed a significant collection, which will fetch good prices at the markets.
(b) Steinbeck notes that they are more interested in the common species rather than the rare species.
(c) Steinbeck observes that they have collected close to a ton of species and they cannot take it all home because it was just too much weight for the boat to take.
(d) Steinbeck notes that their collection is as varied the crew's personalities.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Tiny spend his time on the island of Tiburon?

2. Where does the expedition party sail next on Easter Sunday?

3. Why are Steinbeck and Ricketts delighted that the Indians will actually do the hunting?

4. How does the life on the boat change as they get nearer the Sea of Cortez?

5. What does Steinbeck lament about that is in connection with persistence of beliefs and actual happenings?

(see the answer keys)

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