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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. In Book One: Chapter 4, "Out For Chinese," what distinguishes Kewpie's appearances at different bars?

2. In Book One: Chapter 4, "Out For Chinese," what does Midoriko decide about having children in the future?

3. In Book One: Chapter 2, "To Be More Beautiful," what type of brochure design does Makiko's preferred clinic have, according to Natsu?

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

5. In Book One: Chapter 5, "Up All Night Talking," what do the new girls, Nozomi and An, claim they have in common?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. 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?

3. 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.

4. In Book One: Chapter 3, "Whose Boobs Are They?" how does Natsu's perception of her own body differ from her sister Makiko's preoccupation with physical appearance and beauty enhancements?

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 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 2, "To Be More Beautiful," how does Natsu feel about Makiko's decision to undergo breast augmentation surgery?

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

9. 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?

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Book Two: Chapter 10, "Choose From The Following Options," explore the ethical implications of assisted reproduction, specifically focusing on the secrecy and anonymity surrounding sperm donation in Japan. Address the challenges faced by children born through donor sperm who later discover the truth about their biological parentage.

Essay Topic 2

In Book Two: Chapter 16, "Burning Up," Natsu revisits a place from her past and receives a surprising phone call from Aizawa. Analyze the significance of memory and nostalgia in Natsu's journey, and how these elements contribute to the development of the story and the relationships portrayed.

Essay Topic 3

In Book One: Chapter 6, "The Safest Place In The World," discuss how the author uses the metaphor of the map of Japan and the speech bubble to explore Natsu's feelings about her own fertility and the passing of time.

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