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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Sparky accidentally do on April 3?
(a) He harpoons a stingray.
(b) He harpoons a bat.
(c) He harpoons a cat.
(d) He harpoons a dog.

2. Where does the boat sail next on March 30 after collecting freshwater species?
(a) San Diego Bay.
(b) San Carlos Bay.
(c) Magdalena Bay.
(d) El Pueblo Bay.

3. Who invites Steinbeck and Ricketts on a big-sheep hunting expedition?
(a) Some local ranchers and vacationers.
(b) The sons of the town mayor.
(c) Some Indians who came up in a canoe.
(d) The owner of the store where they bought their supplies.

4. What do the members of the expedition party feel when they see fishermen in their spotless white outfits?
(a) They feel some contempt as a result of being a bit dingy and salt-encrusted.
(b) They don't believe these are real fishermen since fishermen do not wear white.
(c) They find the white shirts very nice and wondered where they bought them.
(d) They wonder what detergents these fishermen use and vow to use it when they return home.

5. What actually happens to Tex's weight in the face of the crew's attempt to put him on a diet?
(a) He develops bulimia and the crew is regretful.
(b) He gets sick and loses more than ten pounds.
(c) He loses ten pounds after only five days of dieting.
(d) He gains a few pounds by sneaking food at every opportunity.

6. How does the expedition party react to the news they have heard in Guaymas?
(a) They are happy about the news, and support the people undertaking the activities being reported.
(b) They are surprised to find out that there was a war going on, since they left during a peaceful time.
(c) They feel that these topics are intruding into the life they have been leading.
(d) They are adamant to come back home to take part in the action.

7. What are the fishermen heading out to work complaining about early in the morning on April 8th?
(a) A big sea vessel that kills all the sea turtles.
(b) Some Japanese trawlers that are taking all the shrimp.
(c) A noisy dog that scares all the fish away.
(d) A Japanese businessman who is buying all the fish at half the price.

8. From his philosophical discussions, what does Steinbeck suddenly suggest?
(a) That they find the next town and sell all the specimen they have collected.
(b) That they sail all day down an uncharted coastline toward their last planned stop, and anchor offshore as night falls.
(c) That they divide the specimen they have collected and return them all to sea.
(d) That they all try to write their ideas in the log so as to continue discussing it when back at home.

9. What specific food does the crew fight about, leading them to decide to stop making it?
(a) Strawberry pies.
(b) Blueberry pies.
(c) Apple pies.
(d) Lemon pies.

10. Which statement best describes Puerto Refugio?
(a) It is busy with a lot of tourists and vacationers.
(b) It is desolate and inhabited only by rattlesnakes.
(c) It is a crime-infested town which is not highly recommended by locals.
(d) It is so solemn, with people walking with their heads bowed.

11. What is the most important gift that the Sea of Cortez gives the expedition party, according to Steinbeck?
(a) Three huge, beautiful pearls they have found on the shore.
(b) The new language that they have learned to speak, as used in Guaymas.
(c) The ability to predict the tides, which will come handy for sea travellers like them.
(d) A way of seeing life, time and beauty that is different from those they have previously experienced.

12. How does the expedition party feel about Puerto Refugio?
(a) They want to settle in Puerto Refugio.
(b) They want to skip going to Puerto Refugio.
(c) They cannot get out of Puerto Refugio fast enough.
(d) They wish that they can return someday to Puerto Refugio to explore it further.

13. On Easter Sunday, despite facing difficulties collecting specimens, Steinbeck and Ricketts are able to catch a significant marine life - what is it?
(a) A shiny, white porpoise.
(b) A large, beautiful lobster.
(c) A large, century old turtle.
(d) A small, printed seahorse.

14. On March 31, almost three weeks ate sea, what observation does Steinbeck make regarding the collections they have acquired so far?
(a) Steinbeck notes that they are more interested in the common species rather than the rare species.
(b) Steinbeck notes that their collection is as varied the crew's personalities.
(c) Steinbeck notes that they have amassed a significant collection, which will fetch good prices at the markets.
(d) Steinbeck observes that they have collected close to a ton of species and they cannot take it all home because it was just too much weight for the boat to take.

15. Where does the expedition party go after Laredo?
(a) North to Coronado Island.
(b) North to La Luz.
(c) North to Punta Fuego.
(d) North to Escondido Bay.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the author tell us about the camera that they brought in the expedition?

2. What little surprise does the crew find in the seemingly uninteresting beach?

3. What feeling does the expedition party have as they leave Angeles Bay?

4. How does the author describe the Mexicans and Americans that they meet in Angeles Bay?

5. What does the expedition party encounter as they sail along the coast of Guardian Angel Island?

(see the answer keys)

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