Close to Shore: The Terrifying Shark Attacks of 1916 Test | Final Test - Hard

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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. In 1922, two _____________ were attacked and killed at the same location, Coogee Beach, by large sharks that struck them with such force that they were lifted from the water.

2. The juvenile shark that killed Bruder had probably been frightened off by what?

3. The ____________________ sensationalized the incident by describing in detail the gore of the attack.

4. Hearing about the attacks, ichthyologist John Nichols drove from New York City to the Matawan Creek. Where did he stop first?

5. What did the men do to attract the shark?

Short Essay Questions

1. How was John Nichols finally forced to believe that sharks could be deadly to humans?

2. What proof does Chapter 11 give to suggest this was a young shark?

3. What did Coppleson think of the shark attacks of 1916? How does this compare to other beliefs at the time and beliefs today?

4. What did Fisher do to try to get Lester's body? How did this affect Fisher? Should he have done this? Why or why not?

5. What is a rogue shark? How did this term come about?

6. Why might Bruder's legs not have been satisfying for the shark?

7. How did Renny's cousin and friends react to the scratch marks on Renny's body and his fear? Why might they have reacted in this way?

8. What might have drawn the shark to the shark-patrol boat? Why?

9. Describe what took place on July 7, 1916.

10. What might have caused the shark to head north?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Stanley Fisher died trying to save Lester Stillwell.

Part 1) Describe the attack on Lester and Fisher's attempt to save him. Why did Fisher decide to try to save Lester? Did he believe he could save Lester's life? Why or why not? What did this decision to go after Lester reveal about Fisher?

Part 2) Would you be willing to risk your life to save another? Why or why not?

Part 3) Should Fisher have jumped in after Lester? Why or why not? Did this action on Fisher's part make him a hero? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Great White sharks do not like the taste of humans.

Part 1) How does this book support this statement? Why might sharks not like the taste of humans? Why would a shark attack a human, if it does not like the taste of humans?

Part 2) What does the attack and eating of humans say about the mindset of a shark? How does it support the way in which they are programed to hunt?

Part 3) Why do other animals that are a danger to humans attack humans? What do these animals have in common? How should humans deal with these dangers? Why should they deal with them in this way?

Essay Topic 3

The book Jaws was based on the attacks of 1916.

Part 1) How is this fact important to this book? How popular must this book have been? Why? How did this then lead to the creation of the movie Jaws? What might have been the reaction to the movie? Might reactions have been similar to those at the time of the attacks in 1916? Why or why not?

Part 2) How does the author of the book, Jaws, react to the fear and hatred that is felt towards Great White sharks? Why does he react this way? Are you surprised by his reaction? Why or why not?

Part 3) Do you agree with the author of Jaws regarding the danger that Great Whites may or may not pose? Why or why not? Can Great White sharks and man co-exist peacefully? If so, how? If not, why not?

(see the answer keys)

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