View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

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

3. What brings the shark towards Santiago's boat?
(a) The flying fish jumping along side the boat.
(b) The sound of Santiago talking out loud.
(c) A dark cloud of blood from the marlin.
(d) A school of dolphins following the boat.

4. 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) Anything he catches on the small line will draw the sharks away from the marlin.
(c) He needs to keep busy to get his hand to uncramp.
(d) He thinks doing that will take him mind off his pains.

5. What indicates the old man's pride?
(a) His shame at having such a patched up sail.
(b) Shame at not having enough yellow rice and fish to share with the boy.
(c) At first refusing to eat what the boy has brought him.
(d) He always wears a new shirt.

6. What complaint does the boy have about the fisherman he works for after he is forced to leave Santiago?
(a) He never lets me carry anything.
(b) He never catches any fish.
(c) He makes him carry everything to and from the boat.
(d) He thinks he knows everything better than Santiago.

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

8. What does Santiago believe are in the sea?
(a) Mermaids and shells.
(b) Fish bigger than the marlin he caught.
(c) Sharks and seaweed.
(d) Friends and enemies.

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

10. What vow does the old man make to the fish?
(a) That he will die there with the fish.
(b) That he will let the fish go after he pulls him up to the surface.
(c) That he will kill him before the day is over.
(d) That he will cut him loose if he does not jump out of the water.

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

12. Thinking about what the marlin can see deep in the water, how does Santiago recall his own vision years ago?
(a) He recalls being able to see in total darkness.
(b) He remembers he once had night vision like a cat.
(c) He remembers that horses are blind at night.
(d) He recalls not ever seeing well after the sun went down.

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

14. Obviously a very large fish that is caught on Santiago's line. What does the fish do all night long?
(a) Comes to the surface from time to time.
(b) Chases the flying fish.
(c) Tries to pull the boat under the water.
(d) Pulls the boat farther out to sea.

15. Why do the other fishermen think of the sea in the masculine, el mar?
(a) They see it as a generous man.
(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 dangerous enemy.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Santiago have besides his strength?

2. What funny thing does Santiago say to himself after thinking about what he had not brought with him on this fishing trip?

3. What is Santiago's secret for deep sea fishing?

4. What commonality does Santiago observe in deep water fish when they pick up speed?

5. What effect did his movement and the hot sun during the day have on Santiago?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 845 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample