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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. What is the Martha Ann's depth at the start of their search pattern?

2. Why does Dirk argue that the Martha Ann's bevy of detection equipment may not keep her safe come nightfall?

3. Why does Dirk's gun do him no good in the shootout with the gray Dodge van that tails him after he leaves the museum?

4. Why doesn't Dirk want to leave the Martha Ann on the helicopter to go and get the salvage team?

5. How does Summer escape Dirk's hotel room?

Short Essay Questions

1. In the hotel bar in Chapter 3, Adrian makes the statement: "Considering your amateur standing and less than mediocre talents, you're vastly overpriced. Whom is she speaking to and what does she mean?

2. What is the Fullerton Fracture Zone? Does it actually exist?

3. 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.)

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

5. What are the multiple ways that the Martha Ann is disguised as a civilian ship?

6. 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?

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

8. Why is the Martha Ann disguised to look like a rust-bucket merchant ship?

9. 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."

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As the Martha Ann gets underway, headed towards the Pacific Vortex, Dirk reflects on the unusual group of people he has been mixed up within the last two days. What do his reflections on these people reveal about his thoughts on this mission? Do his summaries of the people seem to be roughly accurate?

Essay Topic 2

How would you characterize Cussler's writing style in Pacific Vortex? Analyze all of the elements of writing style including the perspective, bias, structure, diction and syntax, imagery, etc. Is this a laudable first effort on Cussler's part? Is there perhaps a stylistic reason it is not the first published book?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the concept the title embodies. Things to consider in your response: What is the REAL "pacific vortex"? How does it compare to the Pacific Vortex that Cussler describes? How does it compare to the Bermuda Triangle? Is "vortex" a good name for or description of the activities at Delphi's seamount? In other words, have the sailors in the book come up with an appropriate name? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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