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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. In Chapter 6, why does Timothy yell at Phillip?

2. When Phillip first asks Timothy for water while on the raft, where does Timothy get the water?

3. What is the last name of Phillip's friend, Henrik?

4. How long has Phillip's family lived on the island as the book begins?

5. What is Phillip's father doing as Phillip and his mom leave the island?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. During their conversation about the war, why does Henrik seem to Phillip to be so knowledgeable about the goings on of the military?

3. On the first night Timothy and Phillip are on the raft, what does Phillip think about as he lays looking at the stars?

4. What activity do Phillip and Henrik often engage in when they visit the harbor?

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

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

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

8. In Chapter 5, what does Phillip think he is glad he got to see before going blind?

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

10. When the S.S. Empire Tern is sunk, what does Philip realize about the crew that was on board?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are several instances of racism in The Cay. Name three different characters or groups of people who display racism. Who are they? Whom do they dislike? What do they do or say?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Phillip's relationship with Grace has a great impact on his life and the way he approaches the world. Describe their relationship. What characteristics of Grace do you also see in Phillip? How do these characteristics define Phillip's personality and the way he goes about his life?

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