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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. After being damaged in the storm, who encourages Pollard to continue with the trip instead of returning to Nantucket?
(a) Only Joy.
(b) Only Chase.
(c) Nickerson and Joy.
(d) Chase and Joy.

2. What causes Chase's boat to get a hole in it as they approach another whale on November 20?
(a) Chase kicks the side of the boat out of frustration.
(b) The whale's tail hits the boat.
(c) The harpoon inadvertently crashes into the side of the boat.
(d) A bolt of lightning strikes the boat.

3. When does the Essex sail towards the Galapagos Islands in Chapter 4?
(a) September 22.
(b) September 12.
(c) October 2.
(d) October 22.

4. What is the mood of the men on November 26?
(a) Angry.
(b) Delirious.
(c) Confused.
(d) Depressed.

5. What allows a sperm whale the ability to survive a head on collision with a boat?
(a) It's tail acts as a stabilizer to minimize the impact.
(b) It's speed makes it impervious to the impact.
(c) It's head is shaped like a battering ram.
(d) It's body is designed to absorb tremendous shock.

6. How many miles west of the Galapagos is the Essex on November 2, 1820?
(a) Over two thousand.
(b) Five hundred.
(c) Over a thousand.
(d) Less than five hundred.

7. What Ecuadorian city does the Essex stop at during September in Chapter 4?
(a) Chevele.
(b) Esmeraldas.
(c) Atacames.
(d) Quito.

8. Who persuades Pollard to sail to Chile or Peru instead of the Society Islands?
(a) Only Chase.
(b) Chase and Joy.
(c) No one.
(d) Only Joy.

9. How old is Thomas Nickerson when he first boards the Essex?
(a) Sixteen years old.
(b) Fifteen years old.
(c) Fourteen years old.
(d) Eighteen years old.

10. What time does Chase order the men to prepare the ship for whaling in Chapter 2?
(a) Seven a.m.
(b) Nine a.m.
(c) Six a.m.
(d) Eight a.m.

11. How far have the men rescued by the Dauphin been sailing at the end of the Preface?
(a) Twenty- five hundred nautical miles.
(b) Forty- five hundred nautical miles.
(c) Thirty- five hundred nautical miles.
(d) Fifty- five hundred nautical miles.

12. What is the crew hoping for as they enter the Offshore Grounds?
(a) Stronger winds.
(b) Weaker winds.
(c) Another whale ship.
(d) Another whale.

13. In what year does the story take place in?
(a) 1801.
(b) 1810.
(c) 1821.
(d) 1812.

14. What is Nickerson's response to the captain's approach in introducing himself to the crew?
(a) He is impressed.
(b) He is inspired.
(c) He is confused.
(d) He is surprised.

15. Which of the following is not included in the list of supplies that are loaded onto the Essex as it prepares for the journey in Chapter 1?
(a) Firewood.
(b) Freshwater.
(c) Rifles.
(d) Food.

Short Answer Questions

1. Compared to the other seventy Nantucket whale ships, how is the Essex considered?

2. As described in Chapter 1, what does the sighting of a comet indicate?

3. Before his first whale kill, how many large mammals did Nickerson kill on Nantucket?

4. What month is it when the island of St. Mary's is sighted off the coast of Chile in Chapter 4?

5. How long is the huge whale that appears off the port bow in Chapter 5?

(see the answer keys)

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