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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. How does Tree-ear act towards Crane-man when he comes back to the bridge after his pack is done?

2. What did Crane-man often do when Tree-ear was coming home so late from work?

3. Why won't Min teach Tree-ear how to use the wheel?

4. How long was Kang's commission to last?

5. What was Min laughing at the first time Tree-ear ever heard him laugh?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Tree-ear feel and what does he do after the two men leave him at the Rock?

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

4. What does Min's wife request of Crane-man? What is his response? What is Tree-ear's response?

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 Min do over the next few months?

7. What does Tree-ear give Crane-man before he leaves on his journey?

8. What happens when the emissary returns to the village?

9. In Chapter 7, what does Tree-ear finally tell Min and what does Min have Tree-ear do? What does Tree-ear realize he has learned when he performs his task?

10. What does Min's wife tell Tree-ear about a possible living arrangement? What does Min tell Tree-ear to do at the end of the book?

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

Crane-man and Tree-ear are very poor and homeless.

1. Crane-man is reluctant to take help from Min's wife even though he's hungry. Discuss what might be meant by the cliche "false pride" in this situation.

2. Discuss whether you think every human being has the right to food, clothing and shelter whether they can pay for those or not. Include examples from A Single Shard and your own life to support your discussion.

3. Discuss what you think would happen to Crane-man and Tree-ear if they lived in the United States in the present day. Include in your discussion how you think their problems could be solved.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of A Single Shard, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in A Single Shard. (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not.

(see the answer keys)

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