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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. With what was Gantos paid while working in St. Croix with his father?

2. Mr. Gantos would drive the family on trips to their hometown and spend time pointing out _______ to Jack.

3. What did Gantos and Hamilton believe a Japanese fishing vessel to be in Section 2, Chapter 3?

4. When was Ernest Hemingway born?

5. What was the first stop for Hamilton and Gantos after they set sail?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where did Gantos and Hamilton find fuel in Section 2, Chapter 3? Why was it necessary?

2. Why did Gantos decide not to attend a university right away? How does he describe his meeting at a college in Section 1, Chapter 3?

3. What did Gantos learn from Hamilton along the journey in Section 2, Chapter 3?

4. What did Gantos and Rik pack in the crate? How was Gantos paid?

5. Describe the beginning of Gantos's journey in Section 2, Chapter 2. Where did he first sail?

6. Describe Gantos's experience with drugs in high school. What did he think of the experience?

7. What is central in the exposition revealed in Section 1, Chapter 4? How is Gantos established as a character?

8. Where did Gantos go after being kicked out of the Bacons' home?

9. How does the author describe the cover photo from the book in Section 1, Chapter 1? What circumstances does he relate which caused his acne?

10. Describe Gantos's low point in Section 1, Chapter 4. What did Gantos do during this time?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the beat writer movement, Jack Kerouac and On the Road. When did the beats gain fame and what influence did they have on Jack Gantos? How did On the Road have an impact on Gantos? Where did he hope to travel based on the book?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss the route taken by Gantos and Hamilton in Section 2, Chapter 2. How were these waters regulated? What dangers did the men face? Were there patrols in these areas? How dangerous was the possibility of pirates?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and discuss the setting of Gantos' childhood in Pennsylvania and Florida. Where in each state did Gantos live? When did his family move to Florida? How does Gantos describe his family life and his father's business? How did Gantos feel about his father?

(see the answer keys)

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