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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. From what besides the radar reflector does Callahan take the remnants in order to help make a crude rain collector?

2. Callahan's attention begins to be split between the _________ and the horizon as his situation grows ever more desperate.

3. How often does Callahan need to pump air into the the lower tube of the raft since the fix didn't work?

4. What does Callahan improvise with a length of tubing, a part of the blanket, and some twine?

5. What does Callahan catch, despite his weakness from the vomiting after drinking the water?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Callahan try to lure other fish to his boat in order to catch more food for his stockpile?

2. What happens when the dorado that Callahan tries to catch struggles with him during the process?

3. How does Callahan attempt to reinforce his cracked spearhead when he attempts to fish the next day after the incident with the dorado?

4. What does Callahan do to protect himself from a harsh landing on the rocky shore?

5. What does Callahan not have to worry about at night anymore now that the weather has turned warm?

6. What are the three parts in which Callahan decides his mind has been split into as a result of this trip on the sea?

7. What happens to the boat as a result of the fish fighting with Callahan during his attempts to catch it?

8. What is the main problem Callahan's family is having with the Coast Guard in an effort to rescue him from the ocean?

9. What happens to the raft as the winds begin to pick up around the raft as Callahan tries to navigate?

10. What was the warning that Callahan's ex-wife had given him, which Callahan now recalls?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

The many health problems that plague Callahan during his trip seem unfathomable to those who have not been in this situation.

Part 1: How do you think you might have handled the many health problems and situations that Callahan did?

Part 2: Do you think it's possible to be completely healthy when you're in a survival situation?

Part 3: Do you believe Callahan should have known better about how to take care of his health?

Essay Topic 3

Callahan immediately wonders what supplies he did not take with him when he has to move onto his life raft.

Part 1: Why do you think Callahan didn't have his supplies readily available to him?

Part 2: What else might you have taken for supplies if you were in Callahan's situation?

Part 3: How do you think Callahan did with the supplies that he did take from the boat? Did he do well or not?

(see the answer keys)

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