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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. Who is left behind?

2. After missing the first island, the Kon-Tiki sails toward which island?

3. Which is NOT discovered on the island?

4. To what year does Heyerdahl refer in conjunction with time?

5. What is floating in the ocean along with the crabs?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Bengt's comment regarding the near collision and trip to the island?

2. What type of pet is adopted by the crew while out at sea? What does the pet eat?

3. With whom does the crew make contact? How is the contact made?

4. What hinders the Kon-Tiki from traveling to a second island?

5. How did Easter Island get its name? What about the island changed at that time?

6. Where is the final destination? Who invites/receives the crew?

7. What type of food do the men eat on board? What are the options?

8. Where do the men nearly land? How do they determine the name?

9. Why do the crew members take the dinghy into the water? What is their reaction?

10. What is Heyerdahl's explanation of the reality of the hut versus the waves?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are several cases of foreshadowing used in the book. At least two involve the forthcoming incident of a man going overboard. Was the foreshadowing entirely correct? What actually happened? What was the outcome of the events? Who was involved in each event?

Essay Topic 2

What is the purpose of the trip to Guayaquil? Was Guayaquil the appropriate spot for the mission? Describe the climate and general atmosphere of Guayaquil along with its location and overview of its culture. Explain the level of success of the mission and state the reasons for the opinion.

Essay Topic 3

The crew is surprised when they are able to make radio contact with a ham radio operator in Los Angeles named Hal. Why was the crew surprised to make contact? How did Hal respond to the conversation? Did the crew members ever speak to Hal again? What information was exchanged?

(see the answer keys)

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