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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Santiago feel sorry for the terns?
(a) He thinks they will get lost over the sea.
(b) He thinks they are not fast enough and the fish will eat them.
(c) He thinks they are incredibly ugly.
(d) He thinks they are too delicate for the sea.

2. How does the boy act defensively about Santiago as the fishermen look at the marlin's skeleton?
(a) He refuses to speak to the other fishermen in the village.
(b) He starts a fight with a fisherman who is laughing at the old man.
(c) He holds back his tears so the men will not see his concern.
(d) He tells them that Santiago is sleeping and they are not to disturb him.

3. Why does Santiago wish the marlin would sleep?
(a) So he could slowly pull the marlin in.
(b) So he could sleep and dream of lions.
(c) So he could get up and walk around.
(d) So he could catch his supper.

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

5. What marlin does Santiago think about as he considers this fish he has on his line?
(a) A marlin that once broke his line and got away.
(b) The marlin he and the boy caught 86 days ago.
(c) A female marlin that her mate kept jumping up to see where she was.
(d) The first marlin he ever caught.

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

7. What does the marlin do as the sun rises on the third day?
(a) It begins circling the boat.
(b) It jumps every ten minutes.
(c) It picks up speed and swims on top of the water.
(d) It tries to chew the line.

8. What does Santiago suddenly realize he has been doing?
(a) Talking out loud to himself.
(b) Falling asleep.
(c) Going too fast for his lines.
(d) Thinking about the boy.

9. Because Santiago always wakes the boy every morning, what does the boy call him?
(a) My alarm clock.
(b) My morning visitor.
(c) My tormentor.
(d) My big problem.

10. Why does the boy not go out with the fishing boats the morning of Santiago's return?
(a) He was too tired from fishing the day before.
(b) He found Santiago dead in his shack.
(c) The winds were too strong for the boats to sail that morning.
(d) He wanted to stay on the shore and watch for the old man's return.

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

12. Why does Santiago drink his morning coffee slowly?
(a) It is all he will have until he returns that night.
(b) It is too hot.
(c) It has too much sugar and condensed milk in it.
(d) He cannot afford another cup of coffee.

13. Who helps Santiago as he lands his boat?
(a) The whole city turns out to welcome him back.
(b) The boy.
(c) The fishermen who are laughing at him.
(d) No one. Everyone is at home in bed.

14. What does Santiago do when another fish takes the bait on another line?
(a) He cuts it loose.
(b) He hopes it is small enough to attract other big fish.
(c) He drops anchor.
(d) He laughs at his good luck.

15. What does Santiago find in the dolphin's maw when he cuts it open?
(a) A small turtle.
(b) A fish hook.
(c) Two flying fish.
(d) A piece of the marlin's tail.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What does Santiago think there are people who are paid to do?

3. Santiago is far out at sea and the fish is from deep waters. What comparison does Santiago make?

4. How do we know the old man sleeps for a very long time?

5. What amazes Santiago as the boy talks about their first fishing trip?

(see the answer keys)

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