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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. Slocum talks about the unusual "rain of ____."

2. Which of the following occupations does not apply to Slocum's new admirer?

3. Slocum came across a shipwreck which he believed to be caused by which of the following:

4. What gift did Slocum receive from Foy?

5. The people of the island were pleased to see the Spray and in her honor built a ____.

Short Essay Questions

1. In chapter 12, the author talks about spending a lot of time in various ports. Discuss the stops and how they relate to Slocum's long stretches of time spent on the sea.

2. What story does Slocum tell about introducing the islanders to donuts?

3. Slocum recorded many unusual incidents along the way including the "rain of blood." What is the "rain of blood" and where is it found?

4. What was Slocum's opinion of Samoa? How did Slocum attempt to repay kindnesses?

5. Discuss Slocum's stay on Thursday Island. Why was Slocum's presence so important?

6. How did the people of Mauritius celebrate the arrival of Slocum and the Spray?

7. What was the most fascinating thing about the island in Slocum's eyes?

8. What was Slocum's opinion of the area?

9. Discuss Slocum's arrival on the Keeling Cocos Islands. What was Slocum's first sign that he was getting close?

10. Explain Slocum's experience with a botanist. What was special about the interaction?

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

Joshua Slocum was born in Nova Scotia. Examine Slocum's early life and the lives of his ancestors. What was appealing about the Bay of Fundy? What made the family choose that particular locale in Nova Scotia? What about the geography appealed to Slocum? Share some of the activities in which Slocum took part that involved the ocean and/or the Bay of Fundy. Include any other pertinent and related details to Slocum's life in Nova Scotia.

Essay Topic 3

Slocum had a difficult time deciding what to do with his life. Examine Slocum's quest. How did the author end up in Boston? What was Slocum doing at the time? Was Slocum working at a regular job? What did he do in Boston? Who did Slocum meet while he was in the city? What prompted him to look for a boat? Who sold the boat? What kind of omen(s) did Slocum relate to his new purchase? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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