View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Mafatu's mother struggle to feed him?

2. Why does Mafatu forget about being hungry and thirsty?

3. What is Mafatu amazed and relieved to discover?

4. How long do they stay in the sea?

5. What is Mafatu afraid will disappear, if he takes his eyes off of it?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens after the storm? To what does Mafatu awaken?

2. What has resulted because of Mafatu's fear?

3. What happens during the first major storm?

4. How does Chapter 2 end?

5. What is Mafatu's most significant shame?

6. What happens that foreshadows a larger storm?

7. How does Mafatu feel when he sees land in the distance?

8. How is Mafatu treated?

9. For what are the boys preparing?

10. What happens after Mafatu is thrown from the canoe?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Seeing land is symbolic.

Part 1) When does he first see land on his journey? What does this symbolize?

Part 2) When looking at a neighboring island, what does he see? What does this foreshadow?

Part 3) Name two other times in history when seeing land has been significant. Explain the significance.

Essay Topic 2

Mafatu wants to make a boar's tooth necklace.

Part 1) Why?

Part 2) What makes him decide to do this?

Part 3) What is the reaction of his tribe when they see it? Why do they react this way?

Part 4) What in our culture would cause others to react in a similar way as Mafatu's tribe? Why?

Essay Topic 3

Mafatu is the main character.

Part 1) Why was he called "The Boy Who Was Afraid?" Who called him this? How does he change throughout the story?

Part 2) What changes him?

Part 3) How are you known to others? How does this affect your behavior?

Part 4) Would you like to change how others think of you? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 835 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample