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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through March 23.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does the crew prefer to catch and eat any other fish than the porpoises?
(a) According to Steinbeck, it was probably because the porpoises were too human-like.
(b) Because porpoises make the crew sleepy, making them unable to steer the boat properly.
(c) Because porpoises were known to have high levels of salt, which was not advisable for someone sailing at sea.
(d) Because the propoises were poisonous.

2. What do Steinbeck and Ricketts do to Tiny's prey?
(a) They dissect it to learn what they can.
(b) They crack its shell and use it as soup bowls.
(c) They cut the legs and collect them in a jar filled with water.
(d) They cut the meat and make a stew out of it.

3. Why does the author write the story?
(a) He wants future travelers to have better information that can help them prepare for a similar expedition.
(b) He wants to be known as a man who liked to travel the seas.
(c) He wants the world to know his good friend Ed Ricketts.
(d) He wants to write about how traveling at sea can be done on a limited budget.

4. What do Tiny and Sparky do while they are on watch?
(a) Tiny plays the guitar while Sparky sings.
(b) They pay more attention to fishing than to the sailing of the ship.
(c) They play card games, making the boat sail the wrong way.
(d) They take turns scratching each other's back.

5. Who is the most competent in commanding the wheel?
(a) John.
(b) Ed.
(c) Tony.
(d) Tex.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does the expedition party set sail to La Paz?

2. What do Indians do in Espiritu Santo Island?

3. What happens to the outboard motor on Black Saturday, March 23?

4. Who is Tex?

5. On March 18, where does the expedition party end up going when a wind rises before they were able to anchor?

(see the answer key)

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