1a. How does the Antarctic ice become clean enough to drink even though it has come from salty seawater?
2a. What does Shackleton write in his diary when the crew of the expedition is forced to abandon ship? What is "the task that lies ahead"?
3a. What is the weight limit that Shackleton places on the items each member of the expedition can carry?
1b. What does the author mean when she writes, "...a shipwreck on the frozen sea does not necessarily mean certain death"? In addition to understanding that they can melt the ice for drinking water, what else will the men need to do in order to avoid death?
2b. How does Shackleton come to this conclusion? What other options do the men have? Do you think Shackleton has chosen the best option available?
3b. What is the purpose of this weight limit? How do the men decide what's important and what's not important? What does the author mean when she writes that the men must "harden their hearts against sentimental keepsakes"? Why does Shackleton leave his gold in the snow?
4a. Examine the character of Ernest Shackleton by his words and actions. What are the qualities that make him a good leader?
4b. Why do you think the members of the crew follow the guidance of Shackleton? Is there any guarantee that they will survive if they follow his orders? What about his character helps you understand why the members of the crew want to follow his lead?
5a. How do the words from the Book of Job reflect the situation of Shackleton and his expedition? Why does Shackleton find these words comforting? Who is the passage referring to when it asks, "Out of whose womb came the ice"? Why does Shackleton keep this page from his Bible?
5b. If the men are only allowed to carry with them those things essential to their survival, why do you think Shackleton carries this page from the Book of Job? How is this essential to his survival? If you were the leader of this expedition, what would you take that would be essential to your survival?
Setting and Description. Now that you have read the selection, summarize the setting in your own words.
1. Imagine that you are one of the crewmembers on the expedition. You decide to write a message, put it in a bottle, and drop the bottle into the water, hoping that if you don't reach land, at least the bottle with your message will. Write what you would say in your message.
2. A news flash has just come in that Ernest Shackleton and his crew from the lost ship, Endurance, have just been found off Elephant Island. Write a brief news report to be read on the radio announcing this discovery.
3. Imagine that you are Ernest Shackleton on the eve before you are to lead your expedition on the perilous journey across snow and ice. Write a brief inspirational speech to deliver to the crew just before depature.
Matching. Write the letter of the vocabulary word that best matches the definition below.
1. to join together into one whole click to select answer a. abrupt b. atmospheric c. cache d. compression e. congeal f. consolidate g. dense h. dire i. erode j. improviser k. trek
2. unexpected click to select answer a. abrupt b. atmospheric c. cache d. compression e. congeal f. consolidate g. dense h. dire i. erode j. improviser k. trek
3. to travel click to select answer a. abrupt b. atmospheric c. cache d. compression e. congeal f. consolidate g. dense h. dire i. erode j. improviser k. trek
4. a person who does things without preparing beforehand click to select answer a. abrupt b. atmospheric c. cache d. compression e. congeal f. consolidate g. dense h. dire i. erode j. improviser k. trek
5. relating to the atmosphere click to select answer a. abrupt b. atmospheric c. cache d. compression e. congeal f. consolidate g. dense h. dire i. erode j. improviser k. trek
6. to wear away click to select answer a. abrupt b. atmospheric c. cache d. compression e. congeal f. consolidate g. dense h. dire i. erode j. improviser k. trek
7. to turn fluid into a more solid state; to solidify click to select answer a. abrupt b. atmospheric c. cache d. compression e. congeal f. consolidate g. dense h. dire i. erode j. improviser k. trek
8. desperately urgent click to select answer a. abrupt b. atmospheric c. cache d. compression e. congeal f. consolidate g. dense h. dire i. erode j. improviser k. trek
9. compact click to select answer a. abrupt b. atmospheric c. cache d. compression e. congeal f. consolidate g. dense h. dire i. erode j. improviser k. trek
10. secret place for stashing necessities click to select answer a. abrupt b. atmospheric c. cache d. compression e. congeal f. consolidate g. dense h. dire i. erode j. improviser k. trek
Commas. Review the Language Arts Survey 3.77, "Commas." Then correct any usage problems you find.
1. The dance was finally scheduled to take place on Friday June 2.
2. I'm going to a track meet on Saturday and Dana is coming with me.
3. Our new address is 555 Franklin Road, Sealy New York, 13214.
4. Before mixing the ingredients remember to preheat the oven.
5. I couldn't decide between a blue, gray or lavender dress.
6. Ralph the star of the basketball team, scored 32 points.
7. What event took place on September 29 1988?
8. Mrs. Rowan passed out pencils, paper and, books.
9. Barb studied hard for the exam but, she's worried she didn't do well.
10. We're going to Miami Florida for spring break.
