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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 10.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What do the men do in order to prevent water from splashing over the edges of the remaining boats?
(a) They build up the sides of each boat.
(b) They put weights on each end of the boats to minimize their movement.
(c) They put covers on the tops of the boats.
(d) They build bigger sails for the boats.

2. Why does Pollard think that backtracking to the Galapagos Islands is impossible in Chapter 6?
(a) Because of the waves around the islands.
(b) Because of the wind direction.
(c) Because of the uncertainty of how to get back to them.
(d) Because of the distance.

3. Why does Joy request to be transferred to the captain's boat when he is close to dying?
(a) To die among Nantucketers.
(b) There is a doctor on the captain's boat.
(c) The captain's boat has more food.
(d) To die next to the captain.

4. Why is it difficult for the men to row in Chapter 8?
(a) They are rowing against the wind.
(b) They are too weak.
(c) They are not getting enough sleep.
(d) It is too hot.

5. How long does the northwesterly breeze hold for before switching to the east-northeast in Chapter 10?
(a) Four days.
(b) Two days.
(c) One day.
(d) Three days.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Pollard do the night before leaving the island in Chapter 9?

2. Why does Pollard choose the Society Islands as the crew's destination?

3. How old is Captain George Pollard, Jr. when he boards the Essex in Chapter 2?

4. How do Pollard and Chase react to the way the men take the Essex out to sea?

5. In what year does the story take place in?

(see the answer key)

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