Answering a range of comprehension questions on 'Shackleton's Journey' | Exit Quiz | Oak National Academy

Match the following keywords to their definitions.

• evidence

• to use clues from within the text to draw conclusions

• inferences

• information from a text that can support reasoning

• impression

• initial feelings about a person, place or thing

Answer explanation

Using evidence from the text can support answers and develop greater understanding.

Which of the following contributed to Shackleton making the decision to evacuate the ship?

• Endurance had tilted at a 30-degree angle.

• Ice continued to pressure the ship.

• The men required more exercise.

• It would be more comfortable living on the ice floe.

• It was growing harder and harder to repair.

Answer explanation

There were several contributing factors that may have influenced Shackleton's decision to abandon the Endurance. Pressure from the ice played a significant role in this.

After abandoning the Endurance, which two camps did the crew set up on the ice floe?

• Ocean and Determination

• Determination and Patience

• Ocean and Patience

• Patience and Lake

Answer explanation

Life in camp was challenging. As food was becoming scarce, the crew had to hunt in order to survive.

Why did Shackleton and his crew have to leave the ice floe?

• There were lots of passing ships that could offer to help the crew.

• The ice was breaking up and it was becoming less stable.

• The waves were very high and dangerous.

Answer explanation

The crew had spent six months on the ice. In order to stand any chance of rescue, Shackleton knew he needed to find assistance.

What were the names of the lifeboats that the crew sailed to Elephant Island in?

• James Caird

• Frank Worsley

• Dudley Docker

• Stancomb Wills

• Charles Green

Answer explanation

The lifeboats were named after significant people who helped fund the expedition.

What were some of the dangers the crew faced as they sailed?

• Penguins nudged the boats off course.

• They had to row against 60 foot sprays of icy cold water.

• Food supplies were now very limited.

• Camping on smaller sections of ice meant crew might fall into the water.

• The navigational equipment did not work.

Answer explanation

The dangers, alongside the conditions and effort involved in rowing, made the crew exhausted as they reached Elephant Island.