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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does the expedition party set sail to La Paz?
(a) They have heard of a magic show in La paz which they all wanted to see.
(b) They have heard much about La Paz and are eager to see the city.
(c) They have relatives and friends who live in La Paz and they are eager to visit them.
(d) They have been told that there are a lot of aphrodisiacs being sold in the place.

2. Why are the particular dates chosen for an expedition?
(a) The destination, the Sea of Cortez, is known to have dangerous storms that quiet down during the period chosen by the travelers.
(b) The dates were chosen based on the birthdates of the travelers because they wanted to celebrate at sea.
(c) The expedition had to be done at a time when the travelers' children were vacationing with their grandparents.
(d) The travelling rules have just been lifted which enabled the travelers to journey to sea.

3. What explanation does the expedition party give to the Mexicans they meet on Espiritu Santo Island?
(a) They are looking at useless animals out of general scientific interest.
(b) They are attracted to the culture of the place and want to stay there for good.
(c) They are collecting curios which will fetch a good price back at home.
(d) They are just passing along, and their destination is Southeast Asia.

4. What difficulty does the expedition party encounter when they were collecting specimen in Cabo San Lucas?
(a) The local officials do not want them to take anything away, and suggest instead that they study the specimen while they are ashore.
(b) The locals do not want them to go ashore which make collecting specimen an impossibility.
(c) Collecting specimens is difficult due to the unique characteristics of the species such as the posionous spines of the worms which was hazardous to the activity.
(d) The local policemen require that each should have driver's license, which Steinbeck and Ricketts do not have.

5. What is the author's description of Espiritu Santo Island?
(a) It is an area with sandy beaches and large rocks resting on the sand, under which there may be some interesting creatures.
(b) It is an area with very colorful cottages which serves as resting place for travelers.
(c) It is an area that is highly commercialized, and almost all wares can be found.
(d) It is an area that is just starting its tourism industry, as such has still low prices for food and lodgings.

6. What concept is consistent throughout the book, including the section dated March 24?
(a) The concept that war is something that should be looked at from an objective point of view, rather than subjective.
(b) The concept that safety should be the first priority in any travel, rather than adventure and mischiefs.
(c) The concept that biology should be approached with an eye towards how each individual part fits into the larger whole of nature.
(d) The concept that men should set aside their differences when they are travelling at sea.

7. What do Steinbeck and Ricketts do to Tiny's prey?
(a) They crack its shell and use it as soup bowls.
(b) They cut the legs and collect them in a jar filled with water.
(c) They cut the meat and make a stew out of it.
(d) They dissect it to learn what they can.

8. What do the Mexican officials do with the expedition party?
(a) They arrive for a welcoming ceremony including coffee, smoking and a bit of paperwork.
(b) They arrive to talk to Steinbeck and Ricketts another expedition to be done within the year.
(c) They arrive to discuss with Steinbeck the possibility of making a book about Cabo San Lucas.
(d) They arrive to inspect the expedition party's baggages including the marine life they have caught.

9. What does the expedition party find when they finally landed on the shores of San Jose Island?
(a) Several other outboard motors to replace the one they have.
(b) Several ladies with leis waiting for them.
(c) Coal, gold and several precious stones.
(d) Fire-rings, fuel, clam and turtle shells.

10. Who is the newest team member that joins the expedition party on March 23?
(a) Frederick.
(b) Robert.
(c) No one.
(d) Ronald.

11. What can be seen in Cabo San Lucas?
(a) A monastery with several nuns planting corn.
(b) A cannery along with a few houses on shore, and a rocky ridge that extends from the muntain into the ocean.
(c) An amusement park with rides and games, children and adults alike enjoy the park.
(d) A school for teenagers who want to be marines and navy in the future.

12. What is the greater purpose for which the author wants to use his observations of the activities of the biological creatures?
(a) To understand and improve the human species.
(b) To improve the way people look at biological creatures.
(c) To increase the public's awareness on marine life in Mexico.
(d) To improve the laws and regulations regarding sea expeditions.

13. Who is the most competent in commanding the wheel?
(a) Tony.
(b) John.
(c) Ed.
(d) Tex.

14. Steinbeck worries about the soldiers' reaction to what during their travel?
(a) Because of the war, he is worried that the soldiers might not understand the nature of their equipment and the purpose of their travels.
(b) He is worried that the soldiers might want to join them which will result to problems in food and water.
(c) He is worried that the soldiers might ask to hide in the vessel.
(d) He is worried that the soldiers might ask them to give up their supplies for the war.

15. On March 18, where does the expedition party end up going when a wind rises before they were able to anchor?
(a) Magdalena Bay.
(b) Marina Bay.
(c) Pescadero Point.
(d) San Diego Bay.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the duration covered by the story?

2. Where is the expedition party heading?

3. What is Steinbeck's observation of the Indians at Espiritu Santo Island?

4. What instrument does Raul use, which Steinbeck and Ricketts buy from him?

5. According to John Steinbeck, what does a rusting, disorderly boat with its pain peeling off indicate?

(see the answer keys)

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