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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What discovery does the crew make on November 26?
(a) They sailed past South America.
(b) They are sailing towards South America.
(c) They are sailing parallel to South America.
(d) They are very close to South America.

2. How long are the shifts that each man serves on watching the decks during the evenings in Chapter 2?
(a) Eight hours.
(b) Four hours.
(c) Six hours.
(d) Two hours.

3. As the frustrations grow on the Essex, what complaint do the men bring to Pollard at the end of Chapter 3?
(a) Unfair treatment by the first and second mate.
(b) More chores on the ship.
(c) Less sleep time.
(d) Smaller food portions.

4. What is the mood of the men on November 26?
(a) Delirious.
(b) Angry.
(c) Depressed.
(d) Confused.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. According to the Preface, what is the primary reason for whale hunting?

2. After stopping at the Cape Verde Islands in Chapter 3, how many spare whale boats does the Essex now have?

3. How many whale boats does the crew of the Essex lose after the first encounter with two whales in Chapter 3?

4. What shape are the sails of the Essex?

5. What month is it when the island of St. Mary's is sighted off the coast of Chile in Chapter 4?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is unusual about the sperm whale that surfaces unexpectedly in Chapter 5?

2. What well known island is part of the Society Islands and why should the crew have been aware of it?

3. What is used to determine the wages of sailors that participate in whaling trips, and how will Nickerson be paid?

4. How does the crew initially respond to the sinking of the Essex?

5. What are the first difficulties that the Essex experiences at the end of Chapter 2?

6. How are the three whale boats divided and stocked for the trip at the end of Chapter 6?

7. What is done to the Essex in order to prepare it for the trip?

8. How does the crew of the Essex decide to sail towards South America instead of the Society Islands?

9. How is the Essex described in Chapter 1?

10. As stated in the Preface, when, where, and why are sperm whales hunted?

(see the answer keys)

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