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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. How many feet out on the reef is the fishing hole?

2. What does Timothy tell Phillip will be the main problem with Phillip traveling to the reef on his own?

3. What does Phillip cover Timothy with when he shivers due to his illness?

4. How do Timothy and Phillip feel when Phillip catches a fish?

5. In Chapter 10, whom does Phillip tell Timothy his mother does not like?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Timothy tell Phillip will be his main danger as he makes his way along the poles planted in the reef to the fishing hole?

2. After Timothy's fever breaks and he is able to return to the campsite, what two observations about Timothy does Phillip make?

3. As Timothy and Phillip wait for the tempest to hit the cay, Phillip feels slithering around his ankles. What causes this feeling?

4. Why does Timothy plan to keep a constant small fire burning at their campsite?

5. In Chapter 9, why does Timothy and Phillip tear vines down from the north end of the island?

6. How do Phillip and Timothy mark the passing of time on the island?

7. Where does Timothy take Phillip to teach him to fish?

8. What does Timothy tell Phillip to try to convince him that, despite his blindness, Phillip will be able to weave a sleeping mat?

9. What is the Devil's Mouth?

10. In Chapter 12, what are the symptoms Timothy exhibits when he tells Phillip he has malaria?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Define the term "protagonist." How does Phillip fit the definition of a protagonist? What characteristics of a protagonist does he have? Is Timothy also a protagonist? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

What is an antagonist? Who or what is the antagonist of The Cay? Is there more than one antagonist?

(see the answer keys)

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