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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. Who was considered to be the original, a founder of the inhabitants on the Pacific Islands?

2. Which crew member is responsible for the act?

3. Where does the current threaten to push the raft?

4. What is the name of Heyerdahl's friend that lives in the countryside?

5. Heyerdahl receives a letter from whom?

Short Essay Questions

1. What/where is Quito? What warning is received in regards to it?

2. What was the first observation that led Heyerdahl to develop the theory about the Pacific Islands?

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

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

5. What unusual fish is observed from the raft? What becomes of the fish?

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

7. What is the Guardian Rios? What is its purpose?

8. It is easy to see how one can become confused, considering the chief gods have various names. What were the names of the chief gods mentioned in the story?

9. What other story from Peruvian history mirrors that of the natives of the Pacific Islands?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Once the crew has been rescued from the island, they have conversations with the tribal chief and vice-chief. Thor attempts to explain the purpose for the voyage, which leads to a discussion. What topic is discussed by Thor and Teka? What is Teka's reaction to Thor's theory? Is there a conflict? If so, how is it resolved? What is the final relationship between the crew and the natives?

Essay Topic 2

There is a great deal said about the mysterious Easter Island. How did Easter Island get its name? What about the island changed at that time? Why is the region considered to be mysterious? Has any new information about the island been uncovered since the publishing of "Kon-Tiki?" If so, what? Does it cast a new light on the story?

Essay Topic 3

Before the Kon-Tiki set sail, many naval experts warned Heyerdahl and his crew about specific dangers out at sea. What do naval experts warn the crew about and does it come true? What did the naval experts get right? What was wrong about the opinions? Did the crew handle the disasters better or worse than expected?

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