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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. The juvenile shark that killed Bruder had probably been frightened off by what?

2. Coppleson based his theory on the incidence of shark attacks that occurred when?

3. The US Bureau of ______________ declared that people should not be deterred from going into the waters since "sharks were not vicious" (p. 82). Sharks were deemed to be less a threat to man than horses and dogs.

4. Why might the shark not have been hungry for a short while?

5. He was finally able to get away from it and was carrying what was left of Lester to the shore when what happened?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why might Bruder's legs not have been satisfying for the shark?

2. What might have caused the shark to head north?

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

4. What was done to try to catch the shark? Why did people react this way?

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

6. What had occurred by July 9th? Why?

7. What might have drawn the shark to the shark-patrol boat? Why?

8. What was done to help keep swimmers safe? Was this effective? Why or why not?

9. What did Lucas and others think about the idea of man-eating sharks? How did they support this belief?

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

This book begins with Charles Vansant swimming in the ocean.

Part 1) What feelings does this chapter evoke in the reader? How are these feelings continued throughout the book? What is the purpose of these feelings? How might these feelings influence the reader regarding his or her view of Great Whites?

Part 2) Why does the author choose to tell Charles' story in several chapters, separated by other chapters about sharks? What is the purpose of mixing stories of shark attacks with objective information about the life of a shark?

Part 3) How does the author seem to feel about sharks? Why might he feel this way? Use the book to support your response. How do you feel about sharks after reading this book? Why do you feel this way?

Essay Topic 2

Many of the resorts along the Jersey shore wanted to keep their beaches open.

Part 1) What attempts were made to keep these beaches open? Were these good ideas? Why or why not? Should the beaches have been kept open? Why or why not?

Part 2) What other disasters might affect the economy of a beach community like the Jersey shore? How might those living in and visiting these communities deal with these disasters?

Part 3) When have communities or the government kept information from the general public to keep the economy from collapsing? How did this, in the end, affect the economy?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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