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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. Why doesn't anyone on the freighter that Callahan spots see that he is signaling them to see him?

2. The power strap of Callahan's _____________ gun has fallen loose and now sinks below the waves.

3. How might Callahan be described as he is alone in the sailboat once more on his journey?

4. What does Callahan eat on his birthday in order to have a small celebration?

5. What causes damage to the better functioning solar still, further making Callahan upset with his situation?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the fear that Callahan has when he begins to think he has reached the shipping lanes in the ocean?

2. Describe the new vessel which Callahan needs to use after his beloved Napoleon Solo sinks.

3. How does Callahan get the supplies he needs as he moves to his new location in the life raft?

4. What happens after Callahan is able to kill a Dorado fish which has been running into his boat?

5. Where does the sinking of the Napoleon Solo take place, according to Callahan's calculations?

6. What is one of the signs that the life raft Callahan is using for survival is not holding air as well as it used to?

7. What happens to the harpoon gun that Callahan has had on the boat with him during his journey?

8. Why does Callahan want to have calmer weather, even though it might mean that he has a longer time until he might reach the shipping lanes?

9. How does Callahan decide to prove to himself that he can fulfill his dream to cross the ocean during his life time?

10. How does Callahan begin to store food so that he may not run out of anything during times when he can not fish?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Callahan decides that he needs to push doubt out of his mind if he wants to survive.

Part 1: What are the reasons that Callahan should continue to be hopeful on his journey?

Part 2: What are the reasons Callahan has for feeling despair and doubt?

Part 3: What are the benefits of pushing doubt from your mind during difficult situations?

Essay Topic 2

When Callahan is faced with sickness, this could have resulted in the end of his life without the proper medical equipment.

Part 1: Why do you think Callahan is able to overcome his illnesses?

Part 2: Do you think another person might not have been able to overcome this illness that Callahan faces?

Part 3: How do you think Callahan could have avoided illness on the boat?

Essay Topic 3

The choice to set out on a journey on the high seas by one's self is not a decision to be made lightly.

Part 1: What do you think the reasons were for Callahan's desire to take on this journey?

Part 2: Do you think that this is a nonsense dream or do you think it's admirable? Support your answer.

Part 3: How do you think Callahan made his decision? What might have been his personal considerations?

(see the answer keys)

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