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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. When does Shackleton decide to try the sledges again?

2. The shortages of food mean that the men have trouble with what?

3. The men come to realize that what will determine their fate?

4. What word best describes the first camp?

5. What causes clashes in the camp?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do the men struggle with getting the sledges across the ice?

2. What is life like in the camps?

3. What do the men do after they realize that the Endurance is trapped in the ice?

4. What happens to the Endurance?

5. How does Shackleton pay for his expedition?

6. What leads the men to take to the boats?

7. How does Blackboro join the expedition?

8. What decision does Shackleton make that baffles the men? Why?

9. What initial plan do the men make to put themselves in a better position?

10. What happens to the Patience Camp ice floe?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How do the men deal with the endless waiting during the expedition? What specific actions do they take to lessen the mental and physical effects of this? Why do you think that waiting took such a heavy toll on the crew? How do you think you would react in a similar situation?

Essay Topic 2

The expedition's ship is named the Endurance. How does this name come to symbolize the events of the expedition? In what ways did the men "endure?" Are there any areas or times in which the men did not "endure?" Use examples from the book to back up your answers.

Essay Topic 3

Polar expeditions have particular challenges for explorers and their crews. What are some of the challenges that are unique to polar regions? What obstacles did the environment present to Shackleton and his crew? How did they overcome these challenges?

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This section contains 800 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample