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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. A passing __________ informs Callahan that all but four of the competitors are behind him.

2. Callahan takes great comfort in the idea that if he does not survive, then his ___________ will tell his story.

3. Callahan considers ___________ but decides instead to get started on his journey across the water.

4. From where does Callahan begin his adventure to the other side of the ocean on January 29th?

5. What continues to cause Callahan's ship to be battered about the ocean, not adding to the comfort of Callahan?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Callahan risk when he tries to squeak past the Finisterre during the next stage of the race?

2. What kind of dream is Callahan having when he wakes up in the night to crashing waves in the boat?

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

4. Why is it important for the harpoon gun to have a strap on it, according to Callahan?

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

6. What does Mr. Willoughby try to tell Callahan about his dream to sail a boat across the ocean?

7. While Callahan hopes to reach his destination by February 25, what happens which seems to reduce the chances of this happening?

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. Why was there a possibility the Mini Transat might be delayed before Callahan had a chance to enter into it?

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Callahan decides in the beginning that he is better off than most who are in his situation.

Part 1: Do you agree that Callahan seems to be better off than most people in the situation that he's in on the boat?

Part 2: Why do you think that Callahan tells himself that he is better off than others?

Part 3: In what ways is Callahan worse off than others in his situation?

Essay Topic 2

Callahan thinks of his family often, what they are doing, and how they might be thinking of him.

Part 1: Why do you think Callahan continues to think about his family when he is out on the boat?

Part 2: Do you think it's helpful to think about home when you're in a survival situation?

Part 3: How do you think your family might react if you were lost at sea? Why?

Essay Topic 3

Over time, Callahan begins to refer to the fishes around him as his friends and companions on his journey.

Part 1: Why do you think Callahan begins to see the fish as his friends?

Part 2: How do you think Callahan rationalizes the killing of the fish in order to provide him food?

Part 3: Do you think all humans instinctively seek out companionship? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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