Context Clues from The Voyage of the James Caird

What does the word “caulked” most likely mean in the following sentence?

"With each blow, her bow planks opened, and water squirted in; caulked with oil paints and seal blood, the Caird was straining every joint."

• Repaired with glue

• Filled with sand

• Strengthened with metal

• B. Sealed to prevent leaks

What does “reefed” most likely mean in the sentence below?

"The mainsail, reefed to a rag, was already set."

• Completely destroyed

• A. Reduced in size

• Dismantled from the boat

• Increased in size

What does the term “ballast” most likely refer to here?

"The men crammed the hold with ballast to stabilize the ship."

• Cargo for trade

• Fishing equipment

• Navigation tools

• A. Weight added for stability

What does “stern” mean in this context?

"The stern of the ship was battered by the waves."

• D. The deck of the ship

• B. Back part of the ship

• C. Middle section of the ship

• A. Front part of the ship

What does “hull” refer to in the following sentence?

"The hull was damaged after the storm, requiring immediate repairs."

• B. The outer shell of the ship

• D. The navigation system of the ship

• C. The anchor of the ship

• A. The engine of the ship

What does “furl” mean in this context?

"They had to furl the sails quickly as the storm approached."

• To adjust the angle

• To decorate

• To anchor down

• B. To roll up or secure

What does “keel” refer to in the sentence?

"The keel of the ship provided the necessary balance in rough seas."

• B. The bottom structure of the ship

• C. The sails

• D. The crew area

• A. The top of the ship

What does “scurvy” mean in the following context?

"The crew suffered from scurvy due to a lack of fresh food."

• A type of fish

• A type of ship

• A storm

• B. A disease caused by vitamin deficiency

What does “navigate” mean in this sentence?

"They had to navigate through treacherous waters to find land."

• C. To anchor the ship

• B. To steer or direct a course

• D. To repair the ship

• A. To travel aimlessly

What does “provisions” refer to here?

"The ship was stocked with provisions for the long journey ahead."

• C. Navigation equipment

• B. Food and supplies

• D. Crew members

• A. Tools for repairs