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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. The crew gave Slocum a gift of milk and ______.

2. On what date did the Spray leave Buenos Aires?

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

4. What is the name of Joshua Slocum's sister?

5. Slocum's issues with thieves continued. The author points out an attack with a _____ arrow.

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Slocum's meeting with Capt. Howard and the subsequent trip to Buenos Aires.

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

3. 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?

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

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

6. Name at least one of the options being considered by Slocum while he was in Boston.

7. What was the reaction of the townspeople when Slocum agreed to the deal?

8. Discuss some of the issues encountered by Slocum after leaving Buenos Aires.

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

10. Examine Slocum's next encounter with savages.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Slocum claims that sailing is in his blood. The man had a great deal of experience before buying the Spray. Write an essay about Slocum's experience at sea. What job positions were held by Slocum? Which, if any, prepared him to take his journey around the world? Do you think Slocum was prepared to make the trip? Was Slocum experienced enough to take the trip alone? Was it difficult for Slocum to make the trip alone in regards to tending to the boat? Was the feat brave or careless? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

The point of view used in "Sailing Alone Around the World" by Joshua Slocum is third person omniscient. Examine the author's choice. What are the benefits of writing in third person omniscient? What are the disadvantages? How would the story change if it had been written entirely in first person? Explain. Choose a passage from the book and rewrite it in the first person. Note observations on the way the text changed.

Essay Topic 3

Slocum made quite an impression on the islanders when he arrived in the Spray. Discuss the islanders and how they reacted toward Slocum. What was the biggest surprise on behalf of the islanders? What was the general opinion of the islanders? Choose three ports in which Slocum was greeted by islanders. Explain each group's culture, location, reaction to Slocum and his journey. Also discuss Slocum's length of stay with each and activities while he was on the island.

(see the answer keys)

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