Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key plot points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

CHAPTERS 1-3

Reading Check

1. Where does Phillip’s father work?

2. What do people bring to those leaving on the SS Hato?

3. What navigation instrument does the captain take with him when the SS Hato is torpedoed?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why does Phillip want to go to Fort Amsterdam? What do his intentions demonstrate about his attitude toward the war?

2. Why doesn’t Phillip’s father order his wife to stay?

3. Why does Timothy say that he and Phillip are lucky?

Paired Resource

“Everyone Has an Accent”

• This article from Learning For Justice discusses the effect of accents on perception.
• This resource connects to the theme of Overcoming Racism.
• How does the author of The Cay represent Timothy’s way of speaking? How does this represented diction and sound impact your perspective of Timothy? How does it shape your perception of the author?

CHAPTERS 4-7

Reading Check

1. What does Timothy warn Phillip not to look at, besides the sun?

2. What does Timothy see in the sky?

3. What does Timothy think that they will find in the water near the island?