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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. On March 18, where does the expedition party end up going when a wind rises before they were able to anchor?
(a) Magdalena Bay.
(b) Pescadero Point.
(c) San Diego Bay.
(d) Marina Bay.

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

3. What is the author's description of Espiritu Santo Island?
(a) It is an area with very colorful cottages which serves as resting place for travelers.
(b) It is an area that is just starting its tourism industry, as such has still low prices for food and lodgings.
(c) It is an area with sandy beaches and large rocks resting on the sand, under which there may be some interesting creatures.
(d) It is an area that is highly commercialized, and almost all wares can be found.

4. What happens when Steinbeck and Ricketts photograph the bonito and other fish?
(a) The pictures don't turn out very well.
(b) They fight on who should take the pictures.
(c) The pictures turn out to be very beautiful
(d) The camera gets wet.

5. Why does the expedition party set sail to La Paz?
(a) They have been told that there are a lot of aphrodisiacs being sold in the place.
(b) They have relatives and friends who live in La Paz and they are eager to visit them.
(c) They have heard of a magic show in La paz which they all wanted to see.
(d) They have heard much about La Paz and are eager to see the city.

Short Answer Questions

1. What type of biologist is preferred by John Steinbeck?

2. What does the expedition party do on their first night at sea?

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

4. What does the expedition party have for dinner on the evening of Good Friday, March 22?

5. Who is the captain of the ship for the expedition?

Short Essay Questions

1. Briefly discuss Steinbeck's theory on the complications of western systems compared to the simplicity of some other cultures, such as the Indians'.

2. Tiny and Sparky are described as almost two halves of one person. Make some speculations on their appearance and characters in general.

3. Describe the Sea-Cow and how did it get its name? How does the expedition party relate to it? Does the expedition party treat the Sea-Cow fairly?

4. Briefly state the discussions made by Steinbeck and Ricketts on different ways of thinking, particularly looking at the society and the balance that is maintained all the time, as specified by their given example on employment.

5. Describe Tex and make some assumptions on the way he looks.

6. Briefly explain Steinbeck's theory on "murdering" a boat.

7. Explain Steinbeck's remark on the contrast between Tiny's reaction to the death of the sea turtle and that of a scientist's.

8. Describe Tony and make some assumptions on the way he looks.

9. How does Steinbeck compare staying on course at sea to achieving a goal in life?

10. What is Steinbeck's theory on the origin of the name of a certain place? What was the origin of Steinbeck's musings?

(see the answer keys)

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