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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. Why might the juvenile shark that attacked the men have turned toward the coast when it reached Sandy Hook Bay on its northward migration?

2. Coppleson felt there was evidence that if a shark experiences killing or mauling humans, he does what?

3. Benjamin Everingham had been instructed to bring a rifle and ax along. Why did he not bring any weapons?

4. In most cases, white sharks dislike the taste of humans and do what?

5. Where was this bay located?

Short Essay Questions

1. If the shark was near the shark-patrol boat, why were they unable to catch it or shoot it?

2. Describe what took place on July 7, 1916.

3. How do events in this story prove that not everyone had heard about the man-eating shark?

4. What did Fisher set up in the creek? Why did he do this?

5. Whom did newspaper reporters in New York contact regarding shark attacks? Why did they contact this man?

6. To what animal is a shark compared? How is this belief supported?

7. How were New York and New Jersey's economies affected by this shark? How did the people of these states react to this? How did this lead to federal government efforts?

8. Describe the first realization that a shark had entered the Matawan Creek.

9. What did Coppleson think of the shark attacks of 1916? How does this compare to other beliefs at the time and beliefs today?

10. What is a rogue shark? How did this term come about?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Stanley Fisher died trying to save Lester Stillwell.

Part 1) Describe the attack on Lester and Fisher's attempt to save him. Why did Fisher decide to try to save Lester? Did he believe he could save Lester's life? Why or why not? What did this decision to go after Lester reveal about Fisher?

Part 2) Would you be willing to risk your life to save another? Why or why not?

Part 3) Should Fisher have jumped in after Lester? Why or why not? Did this action on Fisher's part make him a hero? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Several hunts took place to find the man-eating shark.

Part 1) Describe one of these hunts. Who organized this hunt? How was this hunt operated? What information about sharks and other creatures did the men have when organizing this hunt?

Part 2) How successful was this hunt? Explain. How could this hunt have been more efficient and organized?

Part 3) Do you believe that this shark should have been hunted? Why or why not? How does the author feel about hunting and killing this shark? Use the book to support your response.

Essay Topic 3

Sharks have existed since the Age of Reptiles.

Part 1) Describe the Great White shark. How is it well-adapted for its environment? Why has it not evolved since the Age of Reptiles? What makes it such a successful species? How does this also make it a danger to humans?

Part 2) How is the shark repeatedly shown to be a powerful and dangerous creature? Although dangerous, is the shark an evil man-eater? Why or why not? How do other areas of the book support your response?

Part 3) What is another animal that is high on the food chain and adapts well to changes in its environment? How does this animal compare to the shark? How dangerous is this animal to mankind? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,399 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample