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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. After stopping at the Cape Verde Islands in Chapter 3, how many spare whale boats does the Essex now have?
(a) One.
(b) Two.
(c) Four.
(d) Three.

2. When does the Essex sail towards the Galapagos Islands in Chapter 4?
(a) September 12.
(b) September 22.
(c) October 2.
(d) October 22.

3. What is Nickerson's response to the captain's approach in introducing himself to the crew?
(a) He is surprised.
(b) He is impressed.
(c) He is confused.
(d) He is inspired.

4. After having little luck off the coast of Chile, where does the Essex begin experiencing some success?
(a) Off the coast of Argentina.
(b) Off the coast of Peru.
(c) Off the coast of Uruguay.
(d) Off the coast of Colombia.

5. What is the equivalent of the amount of food that each man is given in order to ration it for the trip?
(a) Eight slices of bread.
(b) Eight slices of cheese.
(c) Six slices of cheese.
(d) Six slices of bread.

6. Why is the crew concerned about the Marquesas?
(a) Many other sailors have disappeared there.
(b) There are no supplies there.
(c) They are infested with insects.
(d) There are rumors that the inhabitants are cannibals.

7. As described in Chapter 3, what does each whale boat contain?
(a) A mate and oarsmen.
(b) A mate and a boat steerer.
(c) A boatsteerer and oarsmen.
(d) A mate, a boat steerer, and oarsmen.

8. Whose idea is it to stop keeping track of the longitude in Chapter 7?
(a) Pollard.
(b) Nickerson.
(c) Chase.
(d) Joy.

9. How far off the coast of New England is Nantucket located?
(a) Forty- two miles.
(b) Forty- three miles.
(c) Twenty- four miles.
(d) Thirty- four miles.

10. How long is it in between whale sightings in Chapter 3?
(a) Several hours.
(b) Several weeks.
(c) Several months.
(d) Several days.

11. How far away from the first whale sighted do the men position themselves in the boats?
(a) Ten miles.
(b) One foot.
(c) One mile.
(d) Ten feet.

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

13. Which of the following is not included in the list of troubles that the bad weather causes for the Essex in Chapter 4?
(a) Loss of direction.
(b) There is no stability when cutting up the whale blubber.
(c) It is difficult to lower the whale boats.
(d) It is difficult to raise the whale boats.

14. As described in Chapter 1, what does the sighting of a comet indicate?
(a) Something horrible is going to happen.
(b) Something unusual is going to happen.
(c) There will be good weather for the next year.
(d) There will be good weather for the next month.

15. As described in the Preface, in which ocean are the whales hunted?
(a) Pacific.
(b) Indian.
(c) Arctic.
(d) Atlantic.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to one naval architect, what might have helped the Essex withstand the whale's attack?

2. What shape are the sails of the Essex?

3. How long does it take the whale to revive after the collision before preparing to ram the boat again?

4. How long does it take the Essex to round Cape Horn in Chapter 4?

5. What do scholars speculate might have caused the whale to attack the Essex?

(see the answer keys)

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