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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. According to Phillip's father, why can't the islanders fight the Germans?

2. How many passengers board the ship with Phillip and his mother to leave the island?

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

4. Who shows Phillip around the Tern?

5. Who sends the S.S. Empire Tern to the island?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What does Timothy say the island he spots looks like?

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

7. When Phillip realizes he is blind, what story does Timothy tell him to attempt to soothe him?

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

9. At noon on Phillip's and Timothy's third day on the raft, what does Timothy do for Phillip as a plane passes overhead?

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

There are two major settings in The Cay. What are they? How do each of these settings affect the storyline and Phillip? Would another setting, such as a modern-day setting, have been as effective in developing Phillip's character? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Many of the characters in The Cay show great determination to achieve what they want. Name three characters who show determination. What are they determined to do? How do they achieve their goals?

Essay Topic 3

Friendship is an important theme in The Cay. Who are Phillip's friends? Does he have different friends at different times throughout the book? What needs do Phillips friends meet for him? Do his friendships change during the course of the novel? If so, how? Does his view of friendship change?

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