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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 social condition does Darwin argue against at the end of his book?

2. Where does Darwin prepare to cross the Andes Mountains through the Portillo pass?

3. What does Darwin see on the way to a saltpeter mine?

4. What does Darwin see from the Blue Mountains?

5. What is at the center of the atoll called Keeling Island?

Short Essay Questions

1. Summarize Darwin's classification of coral reefs.

2. Describe Darwin's exploration of the interior of the Tahitian Island.

3. What is Darwin's journal entry as they leave New Zealand?

4. How does Darwin describe the dress of the Chilean miner?

5. How does Darwin sum up his voyage at its end?

6. Describe Darwin's disappointment at the saltpeter mine.

7. Explain the problem of distance perception and atmospheric effects in the mountains.

8. Tell something about the island of Chiloe.

9. Explain what Darwin sees at Concepcion and why the houses are still standing.

10. What evidence does Darwin find that sea beds are raised by nature to great heights?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay about trying different kinds of food. Using Darwin's experiences of eating things like puma meat and tree fungus, discuss how different cultures have different culinary habits. Include any experience you have had in trying a food you had never eaten before. Explain in your essay how adventurous you are (or are not) in trying unusual foods.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay about the contribution to scientific knowledge that came out of the voyage of the Beagle. In your essay discuss how Darwin's inquisitive mind led him to draw certain conclusions from observations he made during the 5-year circumnavigation of the world. Notice that it was his 5-week survey of the Galapagos Islands that later led to his writing THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES and his idea of mutability of species.

Essay Topic 3

Write a critique of THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE. In the critique discuss the writer's style, use of language, and ability to make the reading interesting. End the critique by your recommendation for people to read or not read this book.

(see the answer keys)

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