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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What are the two types of crew present on Surprise?
(a) British ex-naval personnel and merchant marines.
(b) Old Surprise hands and those from Shelmerston.
(c) Commercial mercenaries and ex-naval personnel.
(d) New recruits and seasoned sailors.

2. How does Maturin plan to use Surprise?
(a) As a pleasure vessel.
(b) In covert operations.
(c) As a scientific research vessel.
(d) As a privateer.

3. What kind of relationship do Maturin and Aubrey have?
(a) Professional bonding.
(b) Rivals.
(c) Acquaintances.
(d) Close friends.

4. Why did West receive a court martial?
(a) Stealing.
(b) Rape.
(c) Arson.
(d) Duelling.

5. What happens when Maturin gets to the ship?
(a) They set sail.
(b) They have a dinner.
(c) He gets high on opium.
(d) Aubrey scolds him.

Short Answer Questions

1. In what capacity does Maturin generally sail?

2. Why do Aubrey's plans to capture Spartan go awry?

3. What type of people make up much of the residents in Shelmerston?

4. For what does Aubrey have a reputation which makes men want to work for him?

5. Why is Aubrey reticent at the gathering?

Short Essay Questions

1. What ship first approaches Surprise on Aubrey's first shakedown cruise and why? How does Aubrey feel about the authorization Maturin has?

2. What do Maturin and Martin do after they join the ship's company and how does Aubrey feel there? What happens to encourage Aubrey?

3. To what is Maturin addicted and who discusses it with him?

4. What ship closes with Surprise that is captained by a friend of Aubrey's and who is the passenger it has? What happens when the two ships meet?

5. What kind of crew does Aubrey obtain and why?

6. Where has Spartan stashed its prizes and why?

7. How does Aubrey feel about the efficiency of the work on Surprise and why?

8. Who does Maturin see as Aubrey waits on him for sailing?

9. What does Aubrey decide to do about Spartan and what does he do in order to carry out his plan?

10. How does Maturin feel about money? What does he obtain to help him and Aubrey with Surprise?

(see the answer keys)

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