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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. Mortgaging the expedition means what?

2. Where did the men camp after abandoning the ship?

3. Who shoots the first dog team to be killed?

4. What exception does Shackleton make to the two-pound personal gear rule?

5. Shackleton is which of the following?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What pieces of land do the men get relatively close to on the ice floe?

4. The men begin to notice that the ice is affecting the Endurance. What is occurring and how is the Endurance affected?

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

6. What do the men salvage off the Endurance?

7. In preparation for the attempted trek to Paulet Island, how do the men prepare?

8. What does Shackleton decide to do in December? What leads to this decision?

9. What experience does Shackleton have as an explorer?

10. What concerns the men about their camp on the ice floe?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the crew of the Endurance. What are the men like? What skills or experiences do they bring to the expedition? Do you think Shackleton made good choices in the crew members? Is there anyone that you wouldn't include in the crew? Why?

Essay Topic 2

Why do you think men volunteered for the expedition? What are some reasons why someone might participate in spite of the danger involved? Do you think the men regretted their decision at any point in the events?

Essay Topic 3

What was it like for the men in the open boats? What dangers did they face? Why do you think Shackleton chose this action over other alternatives? Do you think the risk was worth it? Why or why not? What would you have chosen to do in the same circumstance?

(see the answer keys)

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