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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 words does LCDR Boland have tattooed on his arm?
(a) Bravery in Action.
(b) Be all that you can be.
(c) God Bless America.
(d) Death before dishonor.

2. What is Dirk's official professional title?
(a) Director of the National Maritime Domain Council.
(b) National Undersea Warfare, Chief Counsel.
(c) Special Projects Director of the National Underwater and Marine Agency.
(d) Naval Appropriations Director.

3. How many consonants does the Hawaiian language have?
(a) 14.
(b) 7.
(c) 10.
(d) 5.

4. What is the radio code for having found the Starbuck?
(a) "Stopped all engines to repair a burned shaft bearing."
(b) "The cat's in the cradle."
(c) Nothing. Strict radio silence is essential.
(d) "Returning to base for repairs to starboard engine."

5. What color are Dirk's eyes?
(a) Gray.
(b) Green.
(c) Brown.
(d) Blue.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does "bare steerageway" mean?

2. What is Dirk doing at the opening of the book?

3. How long is the hull of the Starbuck?

4. Who says: "I shot down Admiral Sandecker and his staff over the China Sea."?

5. Who does Dirk call first to report the incident with the gray van?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Adrian Hunter feel about her father? Use quotes from Chapter to support your position.

3. How are the dead bodies described on the Lillie Marlene? How does this description contribute to the myth of the Pacific Vortex?

4. 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.

5. Dirk does not appreciate ADM Hunter's highhanded move to take control of his [Dirk's] life by having him detailed to his [ADM Hunter's] command. How is he "persuaded" into it?

6. 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?

7. What are the different mysteries or questions that ADM Hunter enumerates as he reads the log?

8. 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?

9. Capt. Cinana quotes a Naval saying: "Those that lie deep in the Atlantic Sea Are recalled by shrines, wreathes and poetry, But those who lie in Pacific Sea Lie forgotten for all eternity." What does this mean?

10. Other than the submarine not being wholly flooded, what is the single most important fact that Dirk relays over the Starbuck's radio to the Martha Ann and why is it of the utmost significance?

(see the answer keys)

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