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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 does Pima do despite gagging?

2. Why can't Nailer buy something from Lucky Strike?

3. What does Nailer do to Lucky Girl with his knife?

4. Who is the only person on the island with medicine?

5. Who is Jackson Boy?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who cares for Nailer's wounds?

2. What does the crew think will happen to Sloth?

3. Where is Nailer crawling when he goes back end and what does he think of concerning Jackson Boy?

4. Why are Pima and Nailer shocked by what they find on the clipper ship?

5. How does the girl try to ensure that Nailer and Pima will not change their minds and kill her?

6. What does Nailer do and what is the work like?

7. What do Nailer and Pima find in the jungle and what is their first reaction?

8. What do the three do the next morning?

9. What happens during the storm and immediately in the aftermath of the storm?

10. How does Nailer feel when he sees Sadns emerging from the woods with his father?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are a number of interesting questions raised by Ship Breaker. Questions that Bacigalupi most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Bacigalupi's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Bacigalupi's probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of Bacigalupi and see if/where his life may have influenced his writing.

Essay Topic 2

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as Ship Breaker help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Ship Breaker? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in Ship Breaker to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. In your opinion, what are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss Ship Breaker based upon your criteria for a successful novel and judge if Ship Breaker is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider Ship Breaker a successful novel? What about young teens?

(see the answer keys)

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