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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. Steinbeck worries about the soldiers' reaction to what during their travel?
(a) He is worried that the soldiers might ask to hide in the vessel.
(b) He is worried that the soldiers might want to join them which will result to problems in food and water.
(c) He is worried that the soldiers might ask them to give up their supplies for the war.
(d) Because of the war, he is worried that the soldiers might not understand the nature of their equipment and the purpose of their travels.

2. What is The Log from the Sea of Cortez?
(a) It is the journal describing the marino biology expedition carried out by John Steinbeck and his close friend, Ed Ricketts.
(b) It is a very special wood found by John Steinbeck and his close friend, Ed Ricketts when they went to Cortez.
(c) It is a seaman's book they found on the Sea of Cortez which contains important information on marine biology.
(d) It is the wood sold out by the expedition party to several cities in Mexico.

3. What is interesting about the bonito and other fish that caught Steinbeck and Ricketts' attention?
(a) They swim in groups of twelve.
(b) Their colors are different from when they are alive to when they are dead and preserved.
(c) They swim opposite the sea current.
(d) They change their colors as the sun shines on them.

4. What is Steinbeck's thesis about origins of names of places, specifically California?
(a) That the first settlers usually name the place after their first born.
(b) That names arise organically from the places themselves as much as they do from any purposeful naming of them.
(c) That names are randomly selected during the full moon.
(d) That names are usually given by the first priest to reside in the place.

5. What does the expedition party do on their first night at sea?
(a) They play cards while drinking beer.
(b) They stay out to look at the stars while taking turns on the helm.
(c) They sing love songs and read poems to the stars.
(d) They identify the different constellation and gave a price on who can name the most.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the Western Flyer?

2. What explanation does the expedition party give to the Mexicans they meet on Espiritu Santo Island?

3. What is taking place on the day before the expedition party leaves for its journey?

4. What does the log entry of March 12 say?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Steinbeck hints at Tiny's stories of his past as being too racy to be repeated in the book. Speculate on Tiny's past. What could his stories be about and why can't it be repeated in the book?

2. Briefly discuss how Tony's personality is impressed upon the team members as they take turns manning the wheel.

3. Explain Steinbeck's theory on man's struggle for dominance. What is his theory on how one group never stays in power for a very long time?

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

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

6. What is the Log of Sea Cortez and why was it created?

7. Briefly explain how Steinbeck explains teleological and non-teleological thinking. Relate the two on the previous discussion about employment and unemployment.

8. 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?

9. What are Steinbeck's thoughts on his expedition compared to those of Charles Darwin? What are the similarities and differences?

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

(see the answer keys)

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