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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. What remark does Steinbeck makes about cannibalism?
2. What new species does the crew unsuccessfully try to collect in San Carlos Bay?
3. How does the expedition party feel about Puerto Refugio?
4. How does Steinbeck see the history of the human race?
5. What does the expedition party catch in Concepcion Bay?
Short Essay Questions
1. In Marcial Point around noon on Easter Sunday, Steinbeck and Ricketts manage to catch a big, beautiful lobster despite the difficulties they have encountered. How do you think Steinbeck and Ricketts managed to catch this lobster? Speculate on the efforts of the team.
2. Discuss Steinbeck's theory on how societal restrictions dictate what is acceptable behavior and what is not. What introduced this discussion?
3. Steinbeck and Ricketts willingly accept the offer to go on a big sheep-hunting expedition even though it is apparent that they do not have the desires to hunt any creature. Give a probable explanation as to why the two readily agreed to the invitation in the first place.
4. Near Guaymas, the crew feel a little contempt over the fact that the fishermen they see are too spotless in their white outfits. Explain briefly the circumstances and why the crew feel such contempt.
5. Discuss on Steinbeck's theory on how relaxation and laziness can lead to greater productivity.
6. It is mentioned that Tex is getting married and therefore should be watching his weight very keenly. Speculate on Tex's marriage. Why did he agree to sail even when he is getting married? Why can't he stay on a diet to look good on his wedding day?
7. How do the members of the expedition party pass the night of March 29? What discussions are happening and what are the revelations of this night?
8. At the port city of Laredo, the members of the expedition team serve as merriment to the local girls. Speculate on the reasons on why this is so and give probable explanations to this happening.
9. Describe the profile of the specimens the expedition party collects. Provide details about the group's interest in all of these specimens, as explained by Steinbeck himself.
10. Describe Steinbeck and Ricketts' encounter with the ranchers and vacationers, and their consequent big sheep-hunting expedition.
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
The Log from the Sea of Cortez contains not only information on marine biology but also discussions on philosophy, biology and spirituality, among others. Discuss whether sea voyage or any voyage in particular prompts analytical thinking on life and other sublime topics. Support your answers with examples from the story.
Essay Topic 2
Steinbeck describes how a certain task such as collecting specimen can seem to be so enjoyable and exciting in the beginning, and later turn boring simply because the one performing the task has been at it for a long time. What can be the cause of this change? Is it really man's nature to be "mechanical" over time? Why or why not? Support your answer with instances from the story.
Essay Topic 3
Steinbeck and Ricketts ponder on the two types of biologists - those who study dead, preserved animals and those who study life in all its complexity. Compare the two types, identify the strengths and weaknesses of the two, and identify the situations where they will excel. What advantages will one have over the other? If you were to become a biologist, which type would you be? Why?
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This section contains 1,509 words (approx. 6 pages at 300 words per page) |
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