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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. What item may have been eaten to ward off fatigue?

2. What saves the raft from hitting the highest reef?

3. What is a frigate?

4. The pilot fish remind the crew of what animal?

5. What is another name for Easter Island?

Short Essay Questions

1. What item was destroyed on Easter Island that may have detailed the region's history? Who destroyed the item?

2. The crew entertains themselves by playing with what dangerous sea creatures? How do they play with them?

3. How does the crew avoid hitting the Takume and Raroia reefs? What is the result?

4. Pilot fish are some of the fish that accompany the raft during the trip. How does Heyerdahl describe the pilot fish?

5. What happens when the raft approaches Angatau?

6. What is Bengt's comment regarding the near collision and trip to the island?

7. Where is the final destination? Who invites/receives the crew?

8. There is at least one thing that Heyerdahl feels he has in common with the ancients. What is it?

9. Heyerdahl thinks about how the ancients might have gathered or transported water. What were his conclusions?

10. What causes the men to rethink the landing on the island?

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

Peruvian President Nieto is interested in learning more about the Kon-Tiki expedition which he had read about in the newspaper. While the president does not think that the trip will be a success, he is willing to help. Examine the President's thoughts, motives, and possible biases. Was the president willing to help for the benefit of science, for personal gain, or neither?

Essay Topic 3

There is at least one thing that Heyerdahl feels he has in common with the ancients. Explain in detail Heyerdahl's thoughts. What is the commonality? How does Heyerdahl arrive at the opinion? Does the rest of the crew agree or disagree? What is your opinion?

(see the answer keys)

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