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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. Which of the Tallis siblings does not seem to have any ambition or any direction to his/her life?

2. The first line of Briony's story used to be: "there was an/a __________ who _________."

3. What are moths actually looking for, instead of the light, according to Emily's recollection of her education?

4. Which army is retreating during the course of this chapter, although it is euphemistically referred to as making strategic withdrawals t more previously prepared positions?

5. What can gentleman do during hot days in England, according to Leon?

Short Essay Questions

1. What has been haunting Emily lately?

2. Who are the three stragglers that are moving toward a bombed out house as they attempt to find a shortcut to the sea?

3. What has happened to Lola, according to Briony?

4. Who enters the library and catches Robbie and Cecilia?

5. Who interrupts Briony as she is trying to write a new story?

6. What is hanging high up in a tree above the three stragglers from the retreating British army?

7. What is Lola's response to the letter that Robbie has written for Cecilia, as told to her by Briony?

8. What does Leon have to say about England in hot weather?

9. Why is Briony the one who is left with the adults to tell the story?

10. When Cecilia puts on the pink dress, who does she think she looks like?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Emily Tallis is a fascinating creature who evokes pity and anger from readers who "meet" her.

Part 1: Describe the character of Emily Tallis.

Part 2: What do Emily's children think of her as a mother and as a person?

Part 3: Why do you think Emily Tallis suffers from illnesses so much? Is it purely physical or might it be psychological?

Essay Topic 2

Briony sticks to her story about Robbie and Lola, even though it's clear to the reader this might not be the right story.

Part 1: What does Briony think happened between Lola and Robbie?

Part 2: What does Lola think happened during this event?

Part 3: Why does Briony stick to her story? What might her motivations be? What might Briony gain from telling the story she tells to the police?

Essay Topic 3

The theme of imagination is one that plays out throughout this story. Many characters have dreams, while others take everyday events and turn them into fantastic stories.

Part 1: Does the introduction of imagination cause this story to be believable? In other words, can the reader trust everything he/she reads?

Part 2: Does imagination seem to create positive results or negative results? Or both?

Part 3: Describe one scene in which imagination plays a central role. What is the outcome of this situation?

(see the answer keys)

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