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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Even though the boy can no longer fish with Santiago, how does he show his loyalty?
(a) He invites him to his parents' house for supper.
(b) He goes every day to help him unload his equipment.
(c) He gives Santiago a new sail for his boat.
(d) He helps Santiago repaint his boat.

2. What does the old man conclude defeated him?
(a) Nothing. He only went too far out.
(b) The broken knife blade.
(c) His cramped left hand.
(d) Not having the boy with him.

3. What happens to make the old man forget his aches and pains?
(a) There is a beautiful sunrise.
(b) The great fish surfaces.
(c) A storm comes up.
(d) His line breaks.

4. What does Santiago mean when he thinks that man is not made for defeat?
(a) Man can only be defeated if he loses his mind.
(b) Man will always win over animals.
(c) Man can be destroyed but not defeated.
(d) Man cannot lose a battle.

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

6. What does Hemingway mean when he says that the old man harpooned the shark with resolution and complete malignancy?
(a) The old man was dying of skin cancer.
(b) The old man was motivated by hate.
(c) The old man was acting out of instinct.
(d) The old man was unsure of what to do.

7. What does the old man think is a greater punishment for the marlin than the hook in his mouth?
(a) The fact that he cannot sleep.
(b) Hunger and fighting something he does no comprehend.
(c) The indignity of being caught by a man.
(d) Sharks that he cannot escape because of the hook and line.

8. During the time Santiago had the marlin on his line, what does he think the marlin does not know?
(a) That the boat is not just another big fish.
(b) That it is possible for him to work the hook out of his mouth.
(c) That there is a man on the other end of the line and the man is old.
(d) That he has no chance to escape from the hook and line.

9. What does Santiago have besides his strength?
(a) Knowledge of many tricks and resolutions.
(b) An unsinkable boat.
(c) The mind of a fish.
(d) The very best equipment.

10. To what does Santiago compare his damaged hands while harpooning the shark?
(a) The pain of a sting ray's attack.
(b) The teeth of the shark.
(c) Hitting a home run.
(d) Joe DiMaggio's bone spur.

11. When Santiago spots the shark, what does he know about the predator?
(a) It will not swim fast enough to catch the boat.
(b) It has no fear and will do whatever it wants.
(c) It will not bother him if it is not hungry.
(d) It will try to knock him out of the boat.

12. Using the makeshift bat, what is the old man able to do?
(a) Scare the sharks away.
(b) Keep them away from the marlin.
(c) Hurt the sharks badly.
(d) Beat the sharks to death.

13. What does the old man say he has to eat in his shack?
(a) Sardines and saltine crackers.
(b) Coconut and barbecue.
(c) Tuna sandwiches.
(d) Yellow rice and fish.

14. Why is the old man pleased that the marlin had jumped a dozen times?
(a) He thinks the fish is about to die.
(b) He was getting a good look at his fish.
(c) The fish had filled its air sacs and could not dive deep again.
(d) When the fish jumps the boat stands still.

15. How does the old man discover that the fish is slowing down?
(a) From the fact that the breeze subsides.
(b) From the way the flying fish jump shorter distances.
(c) From the flow of blood from his hand in the water.
(d) From the way the man-of-war bird has to use his wings more.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the fisherman say about the marlin to the boy?

2. What is Santiago's plan as the fist keeps circling?

3. How long does Santiago think he will be out to sea the morning he leaves to go far out?

4. After the second brown shark is killed, what does it do?

5. What happens after the old man harpoons the fish?

(see the answer keys)

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