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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Steinbeck notice about the sense of time of the local people of Cabo San Lucas?
(a) It seems so different from their own.
(b) There is nothing different about their sense of time and that of the indigents'.
(c) It is reversed, sleeping during the day and working during the night.
(d) They seem to all walk faster, indicating that they have a faster sense of time.

2. What is non-teleological thinking, as introduced by the author on Easter Sunday, March 24?
(a) It is the thinking that relates men to sea vessels and motors.
(b) It is the thinking that is dependent on tidal waves and moon shine.
(c) It is the thinking that attempts to look at the larger whole and simply understand and evaluate what is.
(d) It is the thinking that can change in an instant, usually associated with women.

3. According to John Steinbeck, what does a well-cared for and lovingly maintained boat indicate?
(a) It indicates that the owner is most likely organized, efficient and in good shape.
(b) It indicates that the owner is most likely a body-builder with lots of muscles.
(c) It indicates that the owner is most likely an only child who was spoiled by his parents.
(d) It indicates that the owner is a secretary with a very sharp memory.

4. Where does the expedition party go on the morning of March 23, Black Saturday?
(a) Magdalena Bay.
(b) San Jose Island.
(c) San Diego Bay.
(d) La Luz Bay.

5. What is teleological thinking, as introduced by the author on Easter Sunday, March 24?
(a) It is the thinking that concerns itself with finding a specific cause and effect, and in laying out how things should be.
(b) It is the thinking that relates men to sea creatures.
(c) It is the thinking that is dependent on the current events shown on the television.
(d) It is the thinking that dictates how a sea traveler must chart his voyage.

6. What is the concept explored by the author in the section that pertains to boats and men?
(a) How men become unreasonable when it comes to their boats.
(b) The way men treat their boats like they treat their wives.
(c) The way men choose their boats, their colors, and the length.
(d) The personification of a boat by a man and the identification of men with their boats.

7. What does Steinbeck say about the authors of the descriptions written about Cabo San Lucas?
(a) Each description is just a copycat of the earlier description published about the place.
(b) Each description reflects the world view and personality of the author.
(c) Each description shows the biases of the author, depending on whether or not they liked their visit to the place.
(d) Each description reflects the educational background of the author.

8. What does Tiny collect in La Paz?
(a) Spices and herbs that are reputed to be aphrodisiac.
(b) Rare, poisonous fish only seen in La Paz.
(c) Unremarkable species that are representative of the more common species in the area.
(d) Dirty dishes from the various eating places they have visited.

9. What does the expedition party do on March 22, Good Friday?
(a) They put on their good clothes and go to services in an old church in La Paz.
(b) They sell their collection to those who are interested.
(c) They stay on the boat, not wanting to create noise in the city.
(d) They spend the whole day with their relatives and friends whom they visited in La Paz.

10. Who is the captain of the ship for the expedition?
(a) A World War I veteran.
(b) Ed Ricketts.
(c) John Steinbeck.
(d) Tony Berry.

11. What happens to the porpoises, as observed by Steinbeck and Ricketts?
(a) They do not taste well.
(b) The porpoises have changed from the northern species to a grey, slender, long-nosed species.
(c) They do not make good subject for photographs.
(d) They change colors from when they are alive to when they are dead and preserved.

12. How many crew members are signed on for the expedition?
(a) Two.
(b) Four.
(c) Three.
(d) One.

13. How does Steinbeck describe a scientist's reaction to death of a sea creature?
(a) He describes the scientist's approach to the experience as someone finally climbing a mountain that is so hard to climb.
(b) He describes the scientist's approach to the experience as an opportunity to learn more about the species.
(c) He describes the scientist's approach to the experience as a child getting the toy that he wished for.
(d) He describes the scientist's approach to the experience as an exciting adventure.

14. What happens to the outboard motor on Black Saturday, March 23?
(a) It falls apart and refused to run again.
(b) It chug-chugs noisily before breaking apart.
(c) It does not help them approach the island.
(d) It was stuck by some piece of shirt and can no longer be used.

15. What do Steinbeck and Ricketts do to Tiny's prey?
(a) They crack its shell and use it as soup bowls.
(b) They dissect it to learn what they can.
(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.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the expedition party find when they finally landed on the shores of San Jose Island?

2. Who is the most competent in commanding the wheel?

3. How are Tiny and Sparky presented?

4. What does Steinbeck think about the various descriptions they have read of Cabo San Lucas?

5. What do Steinbeck and Ricketts encounter when they go for a walk in the dark?

(see the answer keys)

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