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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. In what increments do the Polynesians recount their history?

2. The poisonous creatures keep away which insects?

3. Heyerdahl had previously worked on which group of islands?

4. What is thrown at the whale shark?

5. Who accompanied Heyerdahl on the expedition?

Short Essay Questions

1. Heyerdahl's financing falls through and the trip is in jeopardy. How is the trip saved?

2. How do Heyerdahl and Watzinger procure the necessary items for their trip into the Andes?

3. What is Peter Freuchen's opinion on the updated expedition equipment? Explain.

4. What piece of information strengthens Heyerdahl's theory?

5. How many trees are felled by the men? Why are the trees named before they are cut down?

6. How does Heyerdahl come to formulate the plan for the trip? What are the reactions of his friends and colleagues?

7. Under what circumstances does Heyerdahl meet Colonel Haskin? How does the meeting benefit Heyerdahl?

8. Why was the translator of little use to Heyerdahl and Watzinger? What was the result?

9. Why do the crew members establish rotating shifts? How is the plan organized?

10. What was the main similarity between the cultures that further convinced Heyerdahl?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Much of the weather in the South Seas had gone unreported, often leaving the crew in the dark as to what to expect. Why is this true? Why was it important for the crew to report the weather? To who was the weather reported? What became of the information? How might it benefit future sailors?

Essay Topic 2

How do the natives from the nearby island help the crew of the Kon-Tiki? How is the plan acted out? What is the reaction of the other natives? How do the natives welcome the crew? Was the reception appropriate? Were gifts offered? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

The book details the end of the journey after the Kon-Tiki arrives at its destination. Detail the landing of the Kon-Tiki, its location, and how it was received. Who was on hand to welcome the crew ashore? Did the trip prove Heyerdahl's theory? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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