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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the hull number of the Starbuck?
(a) 899.
(b) 989.
(c) 698.
(d) 999.

2. Which seamen could have survived immediately after "the disaster" befell the Starbuck according to the logbook?
(a) All of the ship's galley crew.
(b) LT Carter, SN Farris, and SN Metford.
(c) None.
(d) CDR Dupree, the ship's doctor and LT Carter.

3. What is Barf the Magic Dragon?
(a) A sea shanty the crew of the Martha Ann made up.
(b) An anti-seasickness remedy.
(c) A shark killing gun.
(d) The Martha Ann's mascot.

4. How long does it take for Dirk to get the helicopter the Martha Ann is carrying from a cold start into the air?
(a) One hour.
(b) 90 seconds.
(c) 40 seconds.
(d) 10 minutes.

5. Who is Dirk Pitt's father?
(a) A Senator from California, Chairman of the Naval Appropriations Committee.
(b) Chief, Joint Chiefs of Staff.
(c) A Representative from Minnesota, on the House Armed Services Committee.
(d) White House Chief of Staff.

Short Answer Questions

1. What color is Summer's hair?

2. Why is Dirk beginning to distrust his situational awareness after his visit to the museum and George Papaaloa?

3. What is the city of origin painted on the Martha Ann's hull?

4. What is Dirk's plan of action on the Martha Ann with only two hours to go before dark falls?

5. How does Dirk know that Summer is lying about her reasons for wanting information on Adrian Hunter?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is a possible explanation for the food being gone after only five days? (Remember ADM Hunter makes it clear that they recently left port and should have enough for the entire crew for 90 days.)

2. Acting on a hunch, Dirk goes to the Polynesian history museum to visit a friend well versed in the history and culture of the Hawaiian and Pacific Islands. Why?

3. Dirk describes a few incidents he has known in his work that "smacked of Jules Verne." Describe them and discuss Dirk's attitude towards "ghost catching."

4. What are some of the ways that Dirk knows that Summer is neither a government agent nor an American?

5. What two things does the receptionist at ADM Hunter's office assume of Dirk Pitt when he arrives in his bathing suit?

6. How does Cussler describe ADM Sandecker at the beginning of Chapter that makes him seem like a likely person to work with Dirk Pitt?

7. Dirk sees no need to show up on time to his "date" with ADM Hunter (to report for duty). How is this reflective of both Dirk's personality and his attitude towards ADM Hunter?

8. Cussler gives a good description of rip tides after Dirk has swum out beyond the breakers at Kaena Point. Describe them, why they are dangerous and explain how best to swim through them if caught in one.

9. In this first book of the Dirk Pitt series written by Clive Cussler, Cussler immediately begins giving hints as to Dirk's colorful personality. What are some of the incidents or statements in the first chapter that illustrate Dirk's character?

10. Why is Dirk's helicopter a necessary component of the crew on the Martha Ann?

(see the answer keys)

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