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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. As Polo studies the wood of Khan's chessboard, what does he point out?
(a) That it's getting late.
(b) Its natural flaws.
(c) Its rich red color.
(d) That they've not had dinner yet.

2. What does the hidden side of Moriana look like?
(a) An expanse of rusting sheet metal and pipes black with soot.
(b) A golden altar to the gods of light and darkness.
(c) A giant warehouse filled with travelers' broken dreams.
(d) A wasteland of jagged rocks and tortured souls.

3. In Esmeralda, who moves through the sewers with the rats?
(a) The cleaning crew.
(b) Lepers.
(c) Conspirators and smugglers.
(d) Prisoners.

4. How does Polo describe the city of Olinda?
(a) Like the billowing clouds of summer.
(b) Like trees, it grows in concentric circles.
(c) Lonely, lovely, and lost.
(d) Longing for a renewed version of itself.

5. What is at the center of Moriana?
(a) It is hard to tell--there is too much smoke everywhere.
(b) Nothing--the city only has front and back sides.
(c) A strange contraption that controls the thoughts of its residents.
(d) An enormous hole plunging into the depths of the earth.

Short Answer Questions

1. The people of Lenia awaken each day and:

2. What do the residents of Ersilia do?

3. Polo says that Clarice is:

4. After the people of Ersilia move and the city is in ruins, what are left?

5. If someone wants to see the blueprint for the city of Thekla, what will he be told?

Short Essay Questions

1. It's not always clear in the story if Khan is speaking to Polo or merely imagining a conversation, such as when he supposedly confronts Polo regarding Venice. Whether the conversation happened or was imagined, what does Khan accuse Polo of regarding Venice?

2. When Polo sees familiar faces in the city of Adelma, what does he start to wonder?

3. Describe the dialogue that Khan and Polo have regarding the arched bridge made of stone.

4. Why is it that someone arriving at Thekla will see very little of the city?

5. Who lives in the underground city of Eusapia, and who has access to it?

6. What does Polo say to Khan when the emperor points out that he never speaks of Venice?

7. When Polo speaks of imperfections in the wood of Khan's chessboard, how does the emperor respond?

8. As Khan visualizes the growth of his empire, what are some of the concerns he has?

9. Leonia, the city that reinvents itself daily, is in danger of what?

10. How does the perception of the city of Irene change depending on whether it's viewed by passersby or by inhabitants?

(see the answer keys)

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