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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Sparky collect to give to his friends back at home?
(a) Very beautiful oyster pearls.
(b) Very beautiful sand dollars.
(c) Very beautiful starfish.
(d) Very beautiful snail shells.

2. What concept does Steinbeck muse on, as inspired by the seemingly millions of fish in the water?
(a) The culinary delights that can be made out of the many fish in the ocean.
(b) The duration of the trip and decides to go back for a longer one.
(c) The schooling behavior of fishes.
(d) The wealth and poverty and its inequality.

3. What do the members of the expedition party feel when they see fishermen in their spotless white outfits?
(a) They feel some contempt as a result of being a bit dingy and salt-encrusted.
(b) They find the white shirts very nice and wondered where they bought them.
(c) They don't believe these are real fishermen since fishermen do not wear white.
(d) They wonder what detergents these fishermen use and vow to use it when they return home.

4. 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 defies everything about the human race and its values.
(d) That the war is an example of a series of bursts of nervous energy.

5. How does Tiny spend his time on the island of Tiburon?
(a) Taking the skiff to the little inlets to harpoon stingrays.
(b) Cooking meals for the other members of the expedition.
(c) Labeling and sorting the specimens collected by the other crew members.
(d) Cleaning the outboard motor to ensure better performance in the next run.

Short Answer Questions

1. What are the fishermen heading out to work complaining about early in the morning on April 8th?

2. Which statement best describes Concepcion Bay, the expedition's next destination?

3. When the sea is very smooth, what does the crew do to take advantage of the calm seas?

4. What do the coastal Indians whom Steinbeck and Ricketts met in Puerto Escondido do?

5. Why can't the expedition party stay longer in Guaymas and in the sea?

Short Essay Questions

1. When the group is discussing the activities of the Japanese dredge boats and trawlers, Steinbeck contradicts himself from his earlier position on food wastage. What is Steinbeck's new position on the food wastage?

2. Provide a description to how Steinbeck, Ricketts and the crew do the labeling and sorting of their collected specimen.

3. Briefly explain Steinbeck's thoughts about a place being friendly or unfriendly. What instances led him to these thoughts?

4. Discuss Steinbeck's theory on how societal restrictions dictate what is acceptable behavior and what is not. What introduced this discussion?

5. How do the members of the expedition party pass the night of March 29? What discussions are happening and what are the revelations of this night?

6. Explain Steinbeck's theory on how man can improve himself and the human race if only he studies certain cycles in civilization.

7. Discuss Steinbeck's theory on how a harsh environment makes survivors out of its inhabitants, and how he came to this train of thought.

8. It is mentioned that Tex is getting married and therefore should be watching his weight very keenly. Speculate on Tex's marriage. Why did he agree to sail even when he is getting married? Why can't he stay on a diet to look good on his wedding day?

9. Discuss on Steinbeck's theory on how relaxation and laziness can lead to greater productivity.

10. At the port city of Laredo, the members of the expedition team serve as merriment to the local girls. Speculate on the reasons on why this is so and give probable explanations to this happening.

(see the answer keys)

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