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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 3, "Whose Boobs Are They?", what is Natsu's initial reaction when she recognizes the tomboy from her past?
(a) She ignores the tomboy and tries to avoid eye contact.
(b) She wonders if the tomboy has undergone a gender transition.
(c) She feels nostalgic and wants to reconnect with her.
(d) She becomes angry and confronts the tomboy immediately.

2. In Book One: Chapter 2, "To Be More Beautiful," why does Makiko refuse Natsu's suggestion of applying for welfare assistance?
(a) She thinks it will be a sign of failure and shame.
(b) She does not want to accept help from the government.
(c) She believes she can find a better job on her own.
(d) She believes it will be a burden on society.

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

4. In Book One: Chapter 6, "The Safest Place in the World," what do the lights in the distance remind Natsu of?
(a) The grape-picking trip they missed as a child.
(b) The city lights at night.
(c) The port town they used to live in.
(d) Fireworks.

5. In Book One: Chapter 6, "The Safest Place in the World," why does Midoriko want Natsu to ride the ferris wheel?
(a) She wants to see the city from the top.
(b) She wants to share the experience with her.
(c) She wants Natsu to overcome their fear.
(d) She thinks it will be fun.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Book One: Chapter 5, "Up All Night Talking," what happens to Nozomi that result in the police getting involved?

2. In Book One: Chapter 1, "Are You Poor?," what communication method does Midoriko use to talk to her mother after they stop speaking?

3. In Book One: Chapter 1, "Are You Poor?," what does Natsu find out from the dictionary about the word disgusting?

4. In Book One: Chapter 4, "Out For Chinese," what realization does Midoriko have about her mother during their fight?

5. In Book One: Chapter 3, "Whose Boobs Are They?", what does Natsu notice about Makiko's appearance in the bathhouse?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Book One: Chapter 1, "Are You Poor?," how does Natsu and her sister manage to survive after their mother's death, and what do they do to support themselves financially during their teenage years?

2. In Book One: Chapter 1, "Are You Poor?," what unusual communication method has emerged between Makiko and her daughter, Midoriko? How long has this been going on, and what are Makiko's thoughts and feelings about it?

3. 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?

4. 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.

5. In Book One: Chapter 4, "Out For Chinese," describe the atmosphere and setting of the Chinese restaurant where the characters are dining. How does the environment reflect the restaurant's reputation?

6. In Book One: Chapter 5, "Up All Night Talking," how does the conversation between Makiko and Natsu about the man whose ex-wife returns after 20 years reflect the theme of societal expectations?

7. In Book One: Chapter 5, "Up All Night Talking," how does Natsu's contemplation of the books on her bookshelf reflect her evolving perspective on literature and the canonical works she once revered?

8. In Book One: Chapter 4, "Out For Chinese," how does the Chinese restaurant in the story symbolize a sense of community and inclusivity in Shobashi?

9. In Book One: Chapter 6, "The Safest Place In The World," how does the act of cleaning the blood-stained sheets and the exchange with Midoriko in the bathroom underscore the mother-daughter dynamic in the story?

10. In Book One: Chapter 2, "To Be More Beautiful," how does Natsu feel about the concept of menstruation and the idea of becoming a woman with reproductive capabilities?

(see the answer keys)

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