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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. 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.

2. What is the duration covered by the story?
(a) April 11 to May 20, 1940.
(b) March 11 to April 20, 1940.
(c) April 20, 1940 to March 11, 1941.
(d) March 20 to April 11, 1940.

3. What is the Western Flyer?
(a) It is the boat owned and maintained by Ed Ricketts.
(b) It is a rare species of bird found only in Mexico.
(c) It is a well-maintained vessel owned by Tony Berry used for the expedition.
(d) It is a favorite watering hole by John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts.

4. What scientific testing does Steinbeck intend to do on the liquor?
(a) Determine if the aphrodisiac liquor really works.
(b) Test if the seawater will work well with the liquor.
(c) Determine if the liquor can really substitute the engine fuel.
(d) Determine if his crew can drink the liquor instead of the water for two weeks.

5. Where is the expedition party heading?
(a) They are heading south to their destination.
(b) They arre heading north to their destination.
(c) They arre heading east to their destination.
(d) They arre heading west to their destination.

6. What is unique about the expedition described in the story?
(a) There is a four-string quartet on deck that provides music at night, for entertainment.
(b) The travelers here prefer safety and getting the job done to encounters of a more colorful and dangerous nature.
(c) There is nothing unique about the expedition.
(d) There is a priest on board who discusses philosophy and spirituality.

7. Who is the chef of the expedition?
(a) Sea-Cow.
(b) Tony.
(c) There is no chef mentioned in the story.
(d) Tex.

8. Who is the newest team member that joins the expedition party on March 23?
(a) No one.
(b) Frederick.
(c) Ronald.
(d) Robert.

9. What important part of history is happening at the time of the expedition?
(a) World War I.
(b) World War II.
(c) The Formula One Grand Prix.
(d) The Summer Olympics.

10. What is Tony's requirement to the group?
(a) He requires that they wash heir hands prior to taking the wheel.
(b) He requires that no one will talk while at sea.
(c) He requires that the course be maintained as perfectly as possible.
(d) He requires that they say a seaman's prayer before taking the wheel.

11. What does the expedition party observe about the town of San Lucas?
(a) That the town has several interesting landmarks.
(b) That the town is very much alive and everyone is heading to the ocean.
(c) That the town drives on the left side of the road.
(d) That the town has recently suffered a great flood and the town is in disrepair.

12. According to John Steinbeck, what does a rusting, disorderly boat with its pain peeling off indicate?
(a) That the owner is most likely afraid of needles and injections.
(b) That the owner is most likely fond of changing clothes during the day.
(c) That the owner is most likely equally disheveled and careless.
(d) That the owner is most likely a very old man with some memory loss.

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

14. What does the expedition party find when they finally landed on the shores of San Jose Island?
(a) Several other outboard motors to replace the one they have.
(b) Several ladies with leis waiting for them.
(c) Coal, gold and several precious stones.
(d) Fire-rings, fuel, clam and turtle shells.

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

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What are the two types of biologists, as discussed by John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts?

3. Why are the particular dates chosen for an expedition?

4. What concept is consistent throughout the book, including the section dated March 24?

5. What happens to the vessel during Tiny and Sparky's watch?

(see the answer keys)

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