View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. The boat was how many feet in length?

2. What was the name of the first boat co-owned by Slocum?

3. What group of islands did Slocum reach in July?

4. Which is not listed as being one of the authors read by Slocum?

5. What type of wood did Slocum use to repair the Spray?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. After leaving Port Tamar, Slocum encountered more issues with the weather. Explain the issues and Slocum's decision on how to move forward.

3. Discuss Slocum's trip to Juan Fernandez.

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

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

6. What is Joshua Slocum's relationship with his father? How is John Slocum described?

7. How does Joshua Slocum describe the people of Nova Scotia?

8. Slocum talks about an omen that confirmed his ambitions for the Spray. What was the omen?

9. 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?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Joshua Slocum spent three years traveling around the world alone. Write an essay about being out to sea for three years. What did Slocum miss? Were there any major world events during the time Slocum was gone? Explain. Was Slocum able to receive any type of news while he was at sea? What events may have happened in Slocum's personal life during the three years? What changed the most during Slocum's absence? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Slocum was incredibly ambitious. It was especially apparent when he announced that he would sail around the world. Explain the process by which Slocum would achieve his goal. What kind of permission did Slocum have to have in order to traverse international waters? What type of relationship did Slocum have with various dignitaries, heads of state, royalty, and other leaders? How was Slocum's plan received by the government? Also explain the necessary steps Slocum had to take and what documentation was required.

Essay Topic 3

At one point in the story Slocum says that the sea is in his blood. What does Slocum mean when he says that the sea is in his blood? What did Slocum's father and grandfather do for a living? Do you believe a profession can be in some way inherited? How old was Slocum when he realized that he was destined to devote himself to the sea? What was the opinion of Slocum's father? Was the family supportive of Slocum's choices? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 981 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample