View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Heyerdahl compares the phosphorescence of the plankton to what object?

2. What language does one of the natives speak?

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

4. What distinguishing mark did the ancients have?

5. What is the biggest danger during the near wreck?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What items are found on the island and what do they indicate?

3. What evidence is there of the stone work on Easter Island? How did it change?

4. How is the crew rescued? Where are they taken and by who?

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

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

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

8. How do the men keep occupied while out on the sea? How are conflicts handled?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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?

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)

This section contains 661 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample