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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. Why does Jai's boss sometimes pay him less than they agreed?

2. Where do Jai, Pari and Faiz find out Naina works?

3. What are the two things Jai's Ma removes from her bundle of valuable possessions?

4. Which friend lied and told Aanchal's family she had been with her the day she disappeared?

5. What does one of the Muslim children who is snatched wear because he thinks it makes him look cool?

Short Essay Questions

1. What news does Shanti-Chachi bring to Jai's household early in Part III that upsets everyone?

2. Why does Khadifa resent her brother Kabir in Part IV?

3. What does Runu-Didi tell Jai about why someone is stealing so many children, and how does he react?

4. In the section in Part III that explains what happened to Aanchal, what made her very uncomfortable on the night she disappeared?

5. Who does Jai's Ma work for and how is she treated at her work?

6. What do some Hindus, including the pradhan, say about Muslims in Part IV?

7. What problem do the basti residents have with the police as more children are disappearing?

8. What do Pari, Jai, and Faiz think about Djinns?

9. Why are Jai's and Runu-Didi's parents angry with them towards the end of Part III?

10. Who does Jai notice asking Duttaram about child labor and why does he notice this person?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Anappara writes this novel with a great degree of humor and empathy, but ultimately, its plot points and characters lead to heartbreaking conclusions. How does her main protagonist, Jai, change over the course of the novel, particularly after the disappearance of his sister Runi-Didi? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 2

In what specific situations and contexts do young female characters in this novel feel that they are disadvantaged, treated unfairly, and/or discriminated against because of their gender? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 3

Seen through Jai's eyes, there are still many unanswered questions about the motives and aftermath of the kidnappings and of the confessed perpetrator, Varun. Why do you think Anappara maintains this ambiguity concerning the details of the kidnappings and suspected murders? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

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