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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 do Timothy and Phillip get coconuts in Chapter 13?

2. What method do Timothy and Phillip use to mark time on the island?

3. What is a jumbi?

4. How long are Phillip and Timothy on the island before it rains for the first time?

5. When does the rain begin to fall, signaling the beginning of the tempest?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. When Phillip tells Timothy that his mother doesn't like black people and asks Timothy why, what is Timothy's response?

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

4. In Chapter 11, why does Phillip become nervous about Stew Cat's safety in Timothy's company?

5. What stops Phillip's sobbing when Timothy first leaves him to get langosta?

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

7. In Chapter 7, what makes Phillip believe Timothy is holding something back from him as he tells Phillip about the island they are on and their prospects of being rescued?

8. Why is Phillip angry the first time Timothy goes to find langosta for their dinner?

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

10. When Timothy contracts malaria, why isn't Phillip able to stop him from leaving the campsite and going to the beach?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Timothy helps Phillip grow into a confident, independent young man during their time together on the cay. How does Phillip's increased confidence change his relationship with Timothy?

Essay Topic 3

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.

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