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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. With whom does the crew member try to communicate?

2. Which of these is NOT known to eat plankton?

3. The crew realizes that what object no longer matters?

4. What is another sign of land?

5. What do the men do to recover?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do the crew members take the dinghy into the water? What is their reaction?

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

3. What topic is discussed by Thor and Teka? What is Teka's reaction to Thor's theory?

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

5. What type of pet is adopted by the crew while out at sea? What does the pet eat?

6. What is Heyerdahl's explanation of the reality of the hut versus the waves?

7. What are the names given to the South Sea Islands?

8. What type of food do the men eat on board? What are the options?

9. Naval experts warned the crew about certain sea life. What fish was the crew warned about and how did the crew aim to protect themselves from attack?

10. With whom does the crew make contact? How is the contact made?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Polynesians celebrate an oral history, told by Tei Tetua. Examine the tales told by Tei Tuta and how they affected Heyerdahl. Given the manner in which the stories were told, do you think they were accurate? Did the stories prove or disprove any of Heyerdahl's own theories? Were any of Tei Tetua's stories proven or disproved by the trip made by the Kon-Tiki?

Essay Topic 2

Heyerdahl discusses the arrival of Christian missionaries on Easter Island. When did the missionaries arrive and what was the purpose? What item was destroyed on Easter Island that may have detailed the region's history? What was the reason for the destruction? How might the item have changed how the world perceives Easter Island?

Essay Topic 3

There are several cases of foreshadowing used in the book. At least two involve the forthcoming incident of a man going overboard. Was the foreshadowing entirely correct? What actually happened? What was the outcome of the events? Who was involved in each event?

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This section contains 703 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample