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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 does Ko make for breakfast, "the only decent breakfast" they've eaten in five months?

2. Who is Yoko's only friend at school?

3. Who is Mrs. Masuda?

4. What was father's name seal made of?

5. In addition to "trash picker," what do Yoko's classmates call her?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Yoko and Ko carry out the Japanese death ritual and show respect for mother?

2. How would you characterize Yoko's classmates' experience during the final months of the war based on the way she is received?

3. What role do Ko and Yoko play in Mother's death ritual?

4. At this point in the story, what defines "normal" for Yoko and Ko?

5. What motivates Hideyo to press on as he struggles through the storm?

6. Describe Yoko's friendship with Mr. Naido.

7. Do you think the geese Hideyo sees flying are a symbol of anything? If so, what?

8. What are the physical and psychological obstacles facing Hideyo in Chapter 6?

9. Why does Hideyo not want to part with the clothes he gtes from the Lees?

10. Why do you think Yoko titled her essay, "Understanding?"

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the portrayal of the Korean Communists in the book. Compare and contrast this with historic research and primary documents.

Essay Topic 2

Although the Kawashima family loses virtually all of their possessions including their home, what do they never lose despite their circumstances? Cite three examples and explain.

Essay Topic 3

How do the main characters deal with the tragedies and atrocities inherently related to war?

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