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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 6.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Where is the first whale spotted in Chapter 3?
(a) After Buenos Aires.
(b) Just before Rio De Janeiro.
(c) Halfway between Rio De Janeiro and Buenos Aires.
(d) At Buenos Aires.

2. How many masts does the Essex have as it sets sail in Chapter 2?
(a) Four.
(b) Two.
(c) Three.
(d) Five.

3. How old is Thomas Nickerson when he first boards the Essex?
(a) Fifteen years old.
(b) Fourteen years old.
(c) Sixteen years old.
(d) Eighteen years old.

4. In what year does the story take place in?
(a) 1821.
(b) 1801.
(c) 1812.
(d) 1810.

5. What does the whale do after hitting the Essex below the anchor in Chapter 5?
(a) It swims away.
(b) It sits on top of the water.
(c) It begins to hammer the boat with its tail.
(d) It begins swimming in circles around the boat.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why is the crew concerned about the Marquesas?

2. How experienced is Benjamin Lawrence in harpooning whales?

3. Which fictional novel was inspired by the sinking of the Essex?

4. As described in Chapter 3, what does each whale boat contain?

5. After being damaged in the storm, who encourages Pollard to continue with the trip instead of returning to Nantucket?

(see the answer key)

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