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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In Book One: Chapter 1, "Are You Poor?," how old is Makiko at the time of the story?
(a) 29.
(b) 45.
(c) 35.
(d) 39.

2. In Book One: Chapter 2, "To Be More Beautiful," how often does Makiko call Natsu after their initial conversation about breast augmentation surgery?
(a) Once a week.
(b) Three nights a week.
(c) Once a month.
(d) Every morning.

3. In Book One: Chapter 6, "The Safest Place in the World," what does Natsu reveal about her relationship with Maki?
(a) She owes a lot to Maki for taking care of him after his mom and Komi died.
(b) She used to fight a lot with Maki when they were younger.
(c) She rarely sees or talks to Maki.
(d) She is not on good terms with Maki.

4. In Book One: Chapter 2, "To Be More Beautiful," what is Makiko's main topic of discussion during her late-night calls with Natsu?
(a) Her decision to undergo breast augmentation surgery.
(b) Her daughter Midoriko's achievements at school.
(c) Her plans to move to a different city.
(d) Her upcoming vacation plans.

5. In Book One: Chapter 1, "Are You Poor?," where does Natsu's father go when he leaves the family?
(a) He passes away due to an illness.
(b) He abandons them and is never seen again.
(c) He moves to another city for work.
(d) He goes on a trip and never returns.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Book One: Chapter 5, "Up All Night Talking," why does Natsu tiptoe through the kitchen to the peephole when the bell rang?

2. In Book One: Chapter 1, "Are You Poor?," what happens when Natsu tries to call Makiko when she is late?

3. In Book One: Chapter 2, "To Be More Beautiful," what are the two main refrains in Makiko's speeches about breast augmentation?

4. In Book One: Chapter 2, "To Be More Beautiful," what is Makiko's preferred option for breast augmentation surgery?

5. In Book One: Chapter 4, "Out For Chinese," what impresses Makiko about the Chinese restaurant?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Book One: Chapter 2, "To Be More Beautiful," how does Natsu feel about Makiko's decision to consider welfare as a potential financial support option, and why does Makiko hesitate to consider it?

2. In Book One: Chapter 1, "Are You Poor?," how does Natsu gauge someone's past poverty based on the number of windows they had in their childhood home? What is the significance of this observation?

3. In Book One: Chapter 3, "Whose Boobs Are They?" who is Yamagu, and what memories does Natsu associate with her?

4. In Book One: Chapter 1, "Are You Poor?," how does Natsu describe her current life in Tokyo? What aspects of her life and career contribute to her feelings of stagnation and isolation?

5. In Book One: Chapter 5, "Up All Night Talking," how does the conversation between Makiko and Natsu about Kewpie, the local legend in Shobashi, highlight the complexities of human behavior and the ambiguous moral dilemmas faced by individuals in difficult situations?

6. In Book One: Chapter 6, "The Safest Place In The World," what is the significance of Natsu's irregular menstrual cycle, and how does it reflect her changing perspective on life and time passing by?

7. In Book One: Chapter 4, "Out For Chinese," who is Kewpie, and what role does he play in the community of Shobashi? Describe his appearance, personality, and the unusual way he makes a living.

8. In Book One: Chapter 6, "The Safest Place In The World," in Midoriko's journal entry, she contemplates the process of fertilization and the development of eggs. How does this reflection reveal her anxieties and concerns about womanhood, and what does it imply about societal expectations?

9. In Book One: Chapter 2, "To Be More Beautiful," how does Natsu feel about Makiko's decision to undergo breast augmentation surgery?

10. In Book One: Chapter 3, "Whose Boobs Are They?" how does Natsu's relationship with her sister Makiko and her niece Midoriko influence her perspective on life and her own dreams?

(see the answer keys)

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