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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What did Tree-ear decide about not being allowed to use the potter's wheel?

2. Why was the bandit angry at Tree-ear?

3. How many replicates of the inlay vase did Min make?

4. How did Min vary the etching work?

5. What does Crane-man tell Tree-ear the first potters did?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Tree-ear first do at the Rock of Falling Flowers?

2. What does Min tell Tree-ear when he finds him upon returning home?

3. What does Min do over the next few months?

4. What happens with the pots that Tree-ear has guarded?

5. What is the story behind the place called Rock of the Falling Flowers and what has Tree-ear promised Crane-man about the place?

6. What does the man first do to Tree-ear and how does Tree-ear respond?

7. How does Crane-man feel when Tree-ear tells him of his proposal? What does Crane-man do for the trip? How does Min upset Tree-ear?

8. What does Tree-ear realize he can do?

9. How does Tree-ear feel about what Min said to him?

10. What does Min do about the problem with the pots?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Tree-ear from the beginning of the book to who he is at the end of the book. How are they similar? How are they different? Which person do you like more? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Crane-man and Min. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in A Single Shard help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss A Single Shard based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if A Single Shard is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for young teens versus adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider A Single Shard a successful novel? What about young teens?

Essay Topic 3

Tree-ear begins to bring half of his mid-day lunch home to Crane-man and eventually a whole bowl as Min's wife begins to fill the bowl after the midday. Crane-man is always excited and grateful for the food.

1. Do you think it would be difficult to be grateful in Crane-man's shoes since he is homeless, crippled, and often has little to eat? Why or why not? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. What are some of the ways in which Crane-man manages to have a good outlook on life in spite of his hardships? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 987 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample