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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. How many rows of teeth does the Mako shark have?
(a) Six.
(b) Eight.
(c) Four.
(d) Two.

3. Santiago is pinned down and the line is rushing out around his back and through his hand, cutting them. What makes him think about the boy?
(a) The boy would have kept the line wet so that they did not cut his hands.
(b) The boy would talk to him and keep him awake.
(c) The boy would have taken over for him and let him go back to sleep.
(d) The boy would harpoon the marlin as it jumped out of the water.

4. Why do the other fishermen think of the sea in the masculine, el mar?
(a) They see it as a dangerous enemy.
(b) They like to think of themselves being as strong as the sea.
(c) They take shark livers from the sea.
(d) They see it as a generous man.

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

6. What funny thing does Santiago say to himself after thinking about what he had not brought with him on this fishing trip?
(a) If more sharks come and eat the rest of the fish, the boat will go faster.
(b) You give me much good counsel. I'm tired of it.
(c) I caught the biggest fish ever but no one will believe it.
(d) Imagine all that work just to feed the sharks.

7. How does the boy act defensively about Santiago as the fishermen look at the marlin's skeleton?
(a) He starts a fight with a fisherman who is laughing at the old man.
(b) He refuses to speak to the other fishermen in the village.
(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.

8. What kind of sharks came the second time?
(a) Hammer head sharks.
(b) Shovel-nosed sharks.
(c) Yellow sharks.
(d) Great white sharks.

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

10. How long had Santiago gone without catching a fish?
(a) 6 months.
(b) 84 days.
(c) 87 days.
(d) 1 year.

11. Santiago recalls catching marlin that weighed over a thousand pounds. Why is this time different?
(a) This time the fish shows no signs of tiring.
(b) This time he has only a small casting net with him.
(c) Before he was in a much larger boat.
(d) Before he always had someone to help him.

12. What is Santiago's plan as the fist keeps circling?
(a) To give the fish less and less line.
(b) To jump in to fight the fish.
(c) To let the boat turn around and around as the fish circles.
(d) To let out the line.

13. Knowing what is coming as he approaches the island currents, what makeshift weapon does Santiago come up with?
(a) Carving one of the oars into a baseball bat.
(b) Making a noose out of the fishing line.
(c) Lashing his knife to the end of an oar.
(d) Cutting off the marlin's spear to use as a harpoon.

14. Santiago is far out at sea and the fish is from deep waters. What comparison does Santiago make?
(a) There is no one to help either of them.
(b) Both of them are old and past their prime.
(c) They are like to gladiators in the arena.
(d) They must weigh about the same.

15. What word does Santiago utter that Hemingway says there is no translation for?
(a) Ay
(b) Brisa
(c) Mala
(d) Galanos

Short Answer Questions

1. As his head becomes unclear again, what does Santiago ask himself?

2. What does the old man think about to build up his courage as the sun sets on the second day?

3. What happens while Santiago and the boy enjoy a beer on the Terrace?

4. Does Santiago think of the wind as his friend?

5. What is the one thing not beautiful about the Mako shark?

(see the answer keys)

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