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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In Book Two: Chapter 11, "I Am So Happy Cause Today...," who is Rika Yusa, and what is her role in the story?
(a) She is Natsu's friend and party companion.
(b) She is a literary star and author known for her unconventional style.
(c) She is an editor who criticized the male novelist's behavior.
(d) She is a famous novelist who reads at the event.

2. In Book Two: Chapter 11, "I Am So Happy Cause Today...," how does Natsu describe the second reader, the novelist?
(a) He is an expert at captivating the audience with his storytelling.
(b) He has a strong stage presence and theatrical style.
(c) He reads his work with enthusiasm and passion.
(d) His reading voice is monotonous, making it difficult to understand.

3. In Book Two: Chapter 11, "I Am So Happy Cause Today...," what does Natsu find peculiar about the women in the audience during the reading?
(a) They are wearing winter clothing even though it is still autumn.
(b) They seem disinterested in the readings and look bored.
(c) They are completely engrossed in the readings and do not blink.
(d) They are laughing and chatting loudly, distracting others.

4. In Book Two: Chapter 9, "All The Little Flowers," how does Natsu spend her evening after seeing the news report on sperm donation?
(a) She goes out for a walk to clear her mind.
(b) She calls Midoriko to discuss the TV report.
(c) She spends hours researching about sperm donation online.
(d) She makes herself a late dinner and watched TV.

5. In Book Two: Chapter 12, "Merry Christmas," why does Rie plan to move to Wakayama?
(a) To be closer to her daughter.
(b) To escape depression.
(c) To start a new job.
(d) To take care of her husband's family business.

6. In Book Two: Chapter 8, "Where Is Your Ambition?", why does Natsu move to Tokyo?
(a) To become a coffee shop owner.
(b) To pursue a career as a writer.
(c) To study natural living practices.
(d) To work as a book editor.

7. In Book Two: Chapter 8, "Where Is Your Ambition?", how does Yoshikawa feel about the surgery?
(a) She will need more information before making a decision.
(b) She will do it only if it is the last resort.
(c) She will do it without hesitation for her family's sake.
(d) She will not consider giving her kidney to her husband.

8. In Book Two: Chapter 8, "Where Is Your Ambition?", what makes Natsu feel depressed and disheartened after her first book?
(a) The book did not find any real readers.
(b) The book is not well-received by TV personalities.
(c) The book receives negative reviews from critics.
(d) Natsu's editor criticizes her writing harshly.

9. In Book Two: Chapter 13, "A Tall Order," why does Aizawa's life become complicated after finding out about his conception?
(a) He decides to quit his job and pursue a career as a writer.
(b) He loses contact with his mother after moving back to Tochigi.
(c) He becomes interested in writing novels like his father.
(d) He is unable to locate his biological father due to the anonymous donation process.

10. In Book Two: Chapter 11, "I Am So Happy Cause Today...," what do the men in the smoking area do with the cigarette butts?
(a) Smokes them again.
(b) Puts them in plastic bags after squeezing out the moisture.
(c) Puts them in their pockets.
(d) Throws them away in the trash.

11. In Book Two: Chapter 10, "Choose From The Following Options," why does the woman hesitate to tell Sengawa about the idea of getting pregnant from donated sperm?
(a) She does not want Sengawa's opinion on the matter.
(b) She fears that Sengawa will think it is crazy.
(c) She wants to keep the idea to herself for now.
(d) She is embarrassed to discuss such a personal topic.

12. In Book Two: Chapter 11, "I Am So Happy Cause Today...," what is Natsu's impression of the first poet who read his work at the event?
(a) He has a soothing and melodic reading voice.
(b) He seems unwell and struggles with violent coughing fits.
(c) He is a charismatic and engaging speaker.
(d) He is a talented performer, reciting a sutra-like poem.

13. In Book Two: Chapter 12, "Merry Christmas," what is the main topic of the conversation between Natsuko and Rie?
(a) Cooking recipes.
(b) The earthquake in Sendai.
(c) Social media and online communities.
(d) Sake and alcoholic beverages.

14. In Book Two: Chapter 13, "A Tall Order," how many New Year's greetings did Natsu receive in 2017?
(a) 4.
(b) 2.
(c) 3.
(d) 1.

15. In Book Two: Chapter 13, "A Tall Order," what organization is Aizawa a member of in the chapter?
(a) Children of Donors.
(b) Children of Immigrants.
(c) Children of Writers.
(d) Children of Artists.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Book One: Chapter 7, "All That You Hold Dear," what does Natsu do at the end of the passage?

2. In Book One: Chapter 7, "All That You Hold Dear," why is Natsu worried about Makiko's absence?

3. In Book Two: Chapter 10, "Choose From The Following Options," what is the author's main challenge in writing about the yakuza in the novel?

4. In Book Two: Chapter 9, "All The Little Flowers," what challenges does Natsu face in her consideration of visiting a sperm bank for donation?

5. In Book Two: Chapter 10, "Choose From The Following Options," why does the woman in the special mention that she is glad she went through with having a child on her own?

(see the answer keys)

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