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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. What causes the S.S. Hato to sink?

2. What is the charge against the Chinese crewmen who refuse to sail?

3. In Chapter 5, while Phillip and Timothy are on the raft, what does Timothy use to make a smoke signal?

4. Who helps Phillip into his life jacket when their boat is sinking?

5. What type of ship is the S.S. Empire Tern?

Short Essay Questions

1. At the beginning of the book, what do Phillip and Henrik find when they visit the harbor against their mothers' wishes?

2. Why does Phillip, Sr. say that Grace and Phillip should not leave Curacao?

3. In Chapter 6, what happens that causes Phillip to fall off the raft into the water?

4. Why does Phillip accuse Timothy of being stingy when they are on the raft?

5. In Chapter 2, what actions do Phillip and Grace take to stay safe from the Germans?

6. What is unusual about Grace's reaction when the S.S. Hato is torpedoed?

7. As the novel opens, why is young Phillip excited?

8. Why does Timothy order Phillip to crawl around the raft, not walk?

9. Why doesn't Phillip want to leave Curacao with his mother?

10. What information does Timothy provide Phillip about himself when Phillip asks where Timothy comes from?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What does Timothy's leaning on Phillip after his illness signify? What events lead to this change? Why is this an important turning point in the story?Did Phillip become independent because Timothy died? Or, did Timothy die because Phillip had become independent? Provide evidence from the book to support your argument.

Essay Topic 2

Identify two examples of foreshadowing in The Cay. What are they and what future events do they foreshadow? Use specific examples and evidence from the novel to support your thoughts.

Essay Topic 3

When Phillip and Timothy first meet, they are two very different people. Do you think this changes as the story progresses? Do Timothy and Phillip grow more alike? Why or why not? If so, which of the characters change and how does he change?

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