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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 does the old man eat to get more strength after he washed his face and hands?

2. Using the makeshift bat, what is the old man able to do?

3. Why do the sharks finally go away?

4. When the fish begins circling, what does the old man do?

5. After Santiago goes back to sleep, what is he dreaming of?

Short Essay Questions

1. After Santiago manages to kill the shovel-nosed sharks that have taken about a quarter of the meat off his marlin, how does he feel?

2. What indicates that Santiago has no idea of catching the largest marlin ever landed in those waters?

3. What does the fish do that helps revive Santiago from his weariness?

4. Since the fish is too large to fit into the boat, how does Santiago plan on getting it back to shore?

5. What makes Manolin cry after he discovers the old man at his house?

6. Describe the conditions during the first night after Santiago caught the big fish.

7. While sleeping in the boat, what are Santiago's dream like?

8. Santiago recalls that he used to sing on the turtle boats, whereas now he talks out loud to himself. When does he think the talking began?

9. When the big fish first takes the bait, the old man thought about what he was sure the fish would do but he did not say it out loud. Why?

10. Discuss the conflict of resolution between the old man and the fish.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay about the hardships of fishing for a living.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay about gaining knowledge and wisdom through experience versus formal education. Use Santiago as your example.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay about Santiago's opinion of himself that he is a strange old man and must prove it.

(see the answer keys)

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