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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What has Darwin observed on the 3,200 mile trip from the Galapagos?

2. Who are the unusually tall people compared to other natives of the area?

3. How does Darwin compare the natives of New Zealand to the Tahitians?

4. Where does Darwin spend the night after descending the Blue Mountain plateau?

5. What does Darwin say is too great and ambitious for affection, yet not great enough for respect?

Short Essay Questions

1. What comment does Darwin make about slavery in Australia?

2. Describe Darwin's exploration of the interior of the Tahitian Island.

3. How does Darwin react to Sydney, Australia?

4. Explain the problem of distance perception and atmospheric effects in the mountains.

5. Explain Darwin's observations in the Galapagos that will later influence his scientific theories.

6. Describe Darwin's disappointment at the saltpeter mine.

7. How does Darwin describe the countryside coming down off the Blue Mountain plateau?

8. Describe Darwin's impressions at the bay of Valparaiso.

9. Tell what Darwin sees back off the coast of Chile and how he assesses the sight.

10. How does Darwin react to Mauritius, known at that time as the Isle of France?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay about the type of person who is scientifically, physically, and emotionally fit to undertake a voyage like the one Darwin made around the world. In explaining your thesis, use examples of Darwin's inquisitive mind, his ability as a hunter, his ability to ride a horse, his nerve to go off with strangers into the unknown, etc.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay on the value of keeping a journal. In your essay note that only observations are made in the 5-week stay on the Galapagos Islands. It was later after pondering his notes on Galapagos and reading other scientific books that Darwin used his Galapagos experience as a model for his theories in THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES. Be less specific and generalize more in your essay about how a well-kept journal may be of great value at some future time.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay evaluating Darwin as a sociologist. Define how objective he is in writing about other cultures. Be sure to give references from his book to support your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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