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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. When the final solar still finally breaks, Callahan only has _______ and dorado for sustenance as well as his emergency water supply.

2. What does Callahan improvise with a length of tubing, a part of the blanket, and some twine?

3. Why is it too difficult to fish at this point of the journey, according to Callahan?

4. What still requires constant attention in order to function properly and to help Callahan survive?

5. What is the name of the man who offers to let Callahan stay in his hotel while he rests and decides what to do next?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Callahan do when he realizes that he may be about two weeks from land?

2. What happens when the dorado that Callahan tries to catch struggles with him during the process?

3. What does Callahan have to do before he can fix up the problem with the lower half of the life raft?

4. What does Callahan not have to worry about at night anymore now that the weather has turned warm?

5. What does Callahan miss most about the early days of his new journey on the seas alone?

6. How does Callahan attempt to reinforce his cracked spearhead when he attempts to fish the next day after the incident with the dorado?

7. What is becoming harder for Callahan to complete after he has fixed the breach in the boat?

8. What can't Callahan do because of his declining health and hydration, even though he is filled with heartbreak?

9. How does Callahan try to lure other fish to his boat in order to catch more food for his stockpile?

10. What does Callahan decide he needs to banish from his mind if he is to survive in the boat?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Callahan thinks of his family often, what they are doing, and how they might be thinking of him.

Part 1: Why do you think Callahan continues to think about his family when he is out on the boat?

Part 2: Do you think it's helpful to think about home when you're in a survival situation?

Part 3: How do you think your family might react if you were lost at sea? Why?

Essay Topic 2

Over time, Callahan begins to refer to the fishes around him as his friends and companions on his journey.

Part 1: Why do you think Callahan begins to see the fish as his friends?

Part 2: How do you think Callahan rationalizes the killing of the fish in order to provide him food?

Part 3: Do you think all humans instinctively seek out companionship? Why?

Essay Topic 3

Callahan decides that he needs to push doubt out of his mind if he wants to survive.

Part 1: What are the reasons that Callahan should continue to be hopeful on his journey?

Part 2: What are the reasons Callahan has for feeling despair and doubt?

Part 3: What are the benefits of pushing doubt from your mind during difficult situations?

(see the answer keys)

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