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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. In what city did the captain live?

2. What is the name of the province where Slocum was born?

3. Slocum recalls receiving a warm welcome when he arrived at which location?

4. After leaving Port Tamar, Slocum guided the Spray to which location?

5. What was the name of the capital?

Short Essay Questions

1. Many people were concerned about Slocum's inexperience on the open sea. Explain the point of view of the people and Slocum's attitude.

2. Chapter 1 begins with Slocum in Nova Scotia. How is the Canadian province described?

3. Who greeted Slocum at Snug Bay? What happened?

4. Describe some of Slocum's earlier voyages. Which boat was used for this new pastime?

5. Discuss the Slocum's ongoing relationship with the British.

6. Explain at least one meeting with members of the British Navy.

7. Examine Slocum's next encounter with savages.

8. Although the townspeople were amused by Slocum's ambitions, the author saw a different side of the boat. What plans did Slocum have for the Spray?

9. How did Slocum's fortune change as the Spray approached Cape Horn?

10. Loneliness and boredom became issues for Slocum. Detail at least one or two things Slocum did in order to relieve these things.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Slocum's visits to various ports turned out to be valuable learning experiences for all concerned. Discuss the learning experiences between Slocum and the islanders. What did the islanders teach Slocum? What was the most unusual skill? What was the most practical or valuable? What skills did Slocum teach to the natives? What other items did Slocum introduce to the natives? How do you think the experiences changed each? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Slocum seemed destined to find the Spray. Explore the scenario surrounding the purchase of the oyster boat. Where did Slocum find it? Who was its owner? What was the general opinion of the townspeople when it was learned that Slocum had purchased the old boat? How much did it cost? Was it a good deal? Did Slocum see something in the boat that others could not? What possessed Slocum to commit to such an undertaking? What did Slocum need to do in order to repair the boat and ensure that it was seaworthy? Did Slocum have the necessary skills to do the work? What was the next step?

Essay Topic 3

Examine in detail the types of ships mentioned in the story. Include the oyster boat, gaff, tug boat and others. Which is the most practical? Which is best suited to Slocum? Explain who would be likely to operate each boat. Also examine the purpose of each.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 950 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample