ACT test prep

The narrator's point of view is that of:

• A. an omniscient observer.

• B. a member of the ship's crew.

• C. another ship's captain.

• D. a person watching from shore.

It can reasonably be inferred from the passage that the crew most likely did not play dominoes because:

• F. they lacked the energy and desire.

• G. they did not get along well enough to play a game together.

• H. the Director would not have approved of game-playing.

• J. the sea was too rough.

Which of the following are explanations given by the narrator as to why the Lawyer used the ship's only cushion?

• A. I and II only

• B. I only

• C. I and III only

• D. II only

As it is used in line 32 of the passage, the word placid most nearly means:

• F. calm.

• G. straightforward.

• H. nervous.

• J. playful.

According to the passage, how was Marlow unlike typical seamen?

• A. Marlow was content to stay in one place, while most men of the sea prefer to roam and explore.

• B. Marlow believed his home was the ship, while most sailors believed their home was the sea.

• C. Marlow found the sea inexplicable and full of secrets, while a typical sailor understands the mysteries of the water.

• D. Marlow wove complicated and ambiguous tales, while most seamen prefer to tell simple and clear tales.

It can be reasonably inferred from the passage that Marlow is about to tell a story:

• F. that explains why he is now a freshwater sailor.

• G. that is short and funny, like most of the stories he tells.

• H. that is not clear and self-contained but is instead rather nebulous.

• J. about a man that he saved from drowning in a river.

According to the passage, how did the men aboard the Nellie feel about the Director?

• A. They respected and trusted him.

• B. They felt that he was lazy.

• C. They despised and rejected him.

• D. They thought that he was gloomy.

The reaction of the narrator to Marlow's story can be most accurately described as:

• F. malicious annoyance.

• G. resigned tolerance.

• H. genuine interest.

• J. sincere appreciation.

According to the passage, which of the following was NOT an effect of the "bond of the sea" (line 15)?

• A. It allowed the men to look past each other's criminal backgrounds.

• B. The men did not mind listening to each other's meandering tales.

• C. It eased the loneliness of extended periods of time away from each other.

• D. The men were able to be more tolerant of each other's beliefs.

What is the main point of the second paragraph?

• F. The ship's captain is better suited to be an aviator than a sailor.

• G. The captain is unaware of the great amount of hard work that lies ahead of him.

• H. An unqualified and inexperienced businessman is serving as the captain of the Nellie.

• J. The narrator and other crew members greatly respect their ship's captain.