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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What does Santiago suddenly realize he has been doing?

3. How many rows of teeth does the Mako shark have?

4. How does Santiago estimate the size of the marlin?

5. After eating the raw dolphin, what does the old man promise he will do in the future?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Santiago give up arm wrestling?

2. As the conflict between man and fish continues, what does Santiago contemplate to gain advantage for himself? Explain.

3. What is Santiago's analysis of having a cramp, especially when one is alone?

4. It was noon when the old man hooked the fish and four hours later he thinks about something odd. What is it?

5. Describe the relationship between Manolin and Santiago.

6. While sleeping in the boat, what are Santiago's dream like?

7. After Santiago manages to kill the shovel-nosed sharks that have taken about a quarter of the meat off his marlin, how does he feel?

8. Describe the last moments that define the valor of the great marlin.

9. Santiago recalls that he used to sing on the turtle boats, whereas now he talks out loud to himself. When does he think the talking began?

10. What indicates that Santiago has no idea of catching the largest marlin ever landed in those waters?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay about how Santiago took chances because of his bad luck.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay about why you think Hemingway did or did not know about deep sea fishing.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay on the importance of self-confidence.

(see the answer keys)

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