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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. In the boats, the men suffer from what?

2. Why is Elephant Island named what it is?

3. The men are sailing west, but in what direction do they find themselves going?

4. Which boat does Shackleton use for the escape attempt?

5. Who suffers a heart attack?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the weather like as the men try to make it to Elephant Island?

2. What do the men do after they land at Elephant Island?

3. What do the men do to prepare for Shackleton's rescue attempt?

4. How does Shackleton organize the watch on the boat?

5. Why does Shackleton decide to leave the island? Who does he consult with about the decision?

6. What do the men do to improve the camp after Shackleton leaves?

7. What is the approach to Elephant Island like?

8. What is the beach and island like that the men land on? How do the men feel about it?

9. Why is the Drake Passage so dangerous?

10. How do the men decide on the land that they want to target for landing?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Identify three characteristics of a leader. Do you think Shackleton exhibits these characteristics? Use examples from the book to show that Shackleton either does or does not exhibit the characteristics.

Essay Topic 2

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 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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