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

2. What comparison does Steinbeck often refer to?
(a) Tides and men and their relationship.
(b) Moon and men and their relationship.
(c) Fruits and men and their relationship.
(d) Marine organisms and men and their relationship

3. What does the author describe in the story, particularly at the beginning of the book?
(a) The famous sea expeditions in the past, and how long each expedition lasted.
(b) The difficulties associated with in planning and preparing for an expedition, as well as the difficulty of finding a good vessel and captain.
(c) He describes Mexico in great detail, including the politics and legislations of the land.
(d) The major characters of the story, their educational backgrounds, and their family tree.

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

5. What is Steinbeck's observation of the Indians at Espiritu Santo Island?
(a) They are very respectful of their elders, always giving way to people older than them.
(b) They are not much different from Americans - they both love burgers.
(c) They seem to lead lives that are strongly anchored on their ancestral practices.
(d) They seem to have relatively simple, timeless and happy lives.

Short Answer Questions

1. What do Steinbeck and Ricketts do to Tiny's prey?

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

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

4. Where does the expedition team go the next morning, March 13?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What are some examples of Steinbeck's personification of marine life?

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

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. What observation does Steinbeck make regarding boats and their owners? Cite a particular example of this observation.

6. 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?

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

8. What are the recordings in The Log from the Sea of Cortez? Enumerate as many as you can.

9. Describe the activities of the expedition party on the eve of their departure. Speculate on the feelings of the team members on this particular night.

10. Build on Steinbeck's theory of why the expedition members do not want to catch and cook porpoises.

(see the answer keys)

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