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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Santiago decide to re-bait the the small line over the stern of the boat?
(a) In case the marlin lasts another night, he will need something to eat.
(b) He needs to keep busy to get his hand to uncramp.
(c) Anything he catches on the small line will draw the sharks away from the marlin.
(d) He thinks doing that will take him mind off his pains.

2. By nightfall of the third day, what does Santiago expect to see?
(a) A few stars.
(b) More sharks attacking his boat.
(c) The lights of Havana.
(d) Other fishing boats out at night.

3. Why does Santiago decide to go farther out to sea than usual?
(a) He wants to get away from other boats.
(b) He has never been far out before.
(c) He thinks big fish may be out where the schools of bonito and albacore stay.
(d) He thinks the nearer waters have been fished out.

4. What does the old man do to prepare for the arrival of the shark?
(a) He thinks he is dreaming.
(b) He baits a hook and throws out another line.
(c) He gets his harpoon ready.
(d) He tosses the rotting fish carcasses overboard to distract the shark.

5. Who does the boy fear will defeat the Yankees?
(a) The White Sox.
(b) The Baltimore Orioles.
(c) The Cleveland Indians.
(d) The Red Sox.

6. What does Santiago plan to do to change his luck?
(a) He plans to row far out to fish.
(b) He takes his lucky charms with him.
(c) He buys a new sail for his boat.
(d) He gets the priest to bless his boat.

7. How does the old man know the winds will blow all night?
(a) From the currents.
(b) From the clouds.
(c) From the seagulls.
(d) From the curve of his sail.

8. Why do the sharks finally go away?
(a) Their heads hurt from the bat blows.
(b) They know the old man is dying.
(c) They cannot see in the dark.
(d) There is nothing left to eat on the marlin.

9. What amusing thing does the old man say to the fish as the fish begins to come nearer the skiff?
(a) Fish, don't you understand that you are beaten already?
(b) Fish, you will look good hanging from my wall.
(c) Fish, you are going to die. Do you have to kill me, too?
(d) Fish, why don't you just give up?

10. What disappointment does the old man feel because he has been out in his boat for days?
(a) He does not know the baseball game scores.
(b) He cannot remember what the boy looks like.
(c) He has not been able to go to the cock fights.
(d) He has not had a beer in two days.

11. How thick is the line the old man uses to catch big fish?
(a) Very small but strong.
(b) About as thick as an oar handle.
(c) A big around as his thumb.
(d) As big around as a pencil.

12. What sound of nature replaces human sounds as Santiago rows farther and farther out to sea?
(a) The lapping of the waves against the skiff.
(b) The hissing of the wings of flying fish.
(c) The chatter of dolphins searching for breakfast.
(d) The call of humpback whales.

13. After killing the Mako shark, what is Santiago aware of as missing?
(a) His harpoon.
(b) The tradewinds.
(c) His casting net.
(d) The feeling in his left hand.

14. What advice does Santiago give the boy about the boat he is now working on?
(a) Save money and buy that boat.
(b) Leave the boat before its luck runs out.
(c) Stay there while the luck is still working for that boat.
(d) Come back and go fishing with him.

15. When does Santiago plan to be out to sea?
(a) All night.
(b) Right after daybreak.
(c) Before it is light.
(d) By noon.

Short Answer Questions

1. In great pain from the cold, what does the old man hope for?

2. What does Santiago fear if he does not sleep after two days?

3. After many tries to get the marlin alongside the skiff, what does Santiago reach for?

4. Thinking about what the marlin can see deep in the water, how does Santiago recall his own vision years ago?

5. What does Santiago like to read in the newspaper?

(see the answer keys)

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