Big Water

Question

by Andrea Curtis

I watch the men on the docks with their untamed beards and callused hands, their frayed wool pants and faded hats. They are young and old and move about like a kind of machine, few of them speaking but working together without need of words. Moving cargo, hauling wood, cleaning boats. Picking up, passing, carrying. I hear one call to another in French, someone respond in English. A thick-necked tabby cat sneaks down the dock, sniffing here and there. It rubs its long orange-and-white striped side along one burly man’s boot. The man reaches down and scratches the old cat behind its ear, and it leans in toward him.

These men pay us little attention until we are banging up against the high dock. Their faces flicker with confusion, then disbelief as Daniel calls out, “We were on the Asia. The boat is sunk. We are survivors! Help us.” He holds up the pillowcase with S.S. Asia stenciled along the hem.

Excerpt from Big Water by Andrea Curtis. Printed with permission by Orca Book Publishers

Question
Use the excerpt from “Big Water” to answer the question.

What details from the text EXPLICITY supports the analysis that the men on the dock work well together? Select the two correct
answers.
1. They pick up, pass, and carry things.
2. They move like a kind of machine.
3. They work without need of words.
4. They move cargo, haul wood, and clean boats.
5. They speak to each other in different languages.

Answer 1

The two details from the text that explicitly support the analysis that the men on the dock work well together are:

1. They pick up, pass, and carry things.
2. They work without need of words.

Answer 2

Why is it that option 4 and 2 are not a pick for you?

Answer 3

Let's take a closer look at why options 2 and 4 may not be selected as the correct answers to explicitly support the analysis that the men on the dock work well together:

2. They move like a kind of machine. - While this phrase implies efficiency and synchronization among the men, it is more metaphorical. It suggests a collective rhythm or functioning but does not directly illustrate their cooperation in the same manner as explicitly detailing collaborative actions.

3. They move cargo, haul wood, and clean boats. - This statement describes the tasks that the men are engaged in, but it does not explicitly highlight their cooperation or teamwork. It indicates what they are doing but does not emphasize how they are working together to accomplish those tasks.

In contrast, options 1 and 3 provide clearer, more direct evidence of cooperation:

1. They pick up, pass, and carry things. - This explicitly outlines collaborative actions.

2. They work without need of words. - This directly indicates that they are effectively communicating and cooperating without verbal cues.

Thus, while options 2 and 4 contribute to an understanding of their work, options 1 and 3 provide the explicit support needed to illustrate their teamwork.

Answer 4

Thanks for that. I see your point.

Answer 5

You're welcome! I'm glad the explanation helped clarify things for you. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!