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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. Polo lays assorted items at the feet of Khan and uses them for what?
(a) To pay for some of his travels.
(b) To explain the conditions of the empire.
(c) To teach him the basics of trade.
(d) To impress the emperor with gifts from afar.

2. As the two men sit smoking their pipes, does Khan actually confront Polo?
(a) The whole sequence is just Khan's dream.
(b) No, Khan never confronts Polo.
(c) It's not clear whether this actually happens or Khan only imagines it.
(d) Yes, Khan definitely confronts Polo.

3. In Chapter 8, Khan is on the verge of:
(a) Growing impatient with Polo and his stories.
(b) Understanding the rise and fall of a city.
(c) Appointing a new emperor.
(d) A nervous breakdown.

4. What do the people of Beersheba believe?
(a) Another Beersheba exists, suspended in the heavens.
(b) Their emperor favors Beersheba above all other cities.
(c) They are descended from ancient gods.
(d) They are living in a dream.

5. Octavia is full of:
(a) Ropes, chains, and catwalks.
(b) Forgotten dreams.
(c) Towers, arches, and bells.
(d) Translucent tents.

Short Answer Questions

1. When a traveler arrives at Phyllis, what does he decide to do?

2. What do the residents of Ersilia do?

3. When families in Leandra move in to new houses, who follows them?

4. How does Melania's population renew itself?

5. What is at the center of Moriana?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe Esmeralda, the city of water.

3. What are the theories regarding why the inhabitants of Baucis live up in the clouds and rarely climb down to the ground?

4. In Chapter 5, how does Polo illustrate to Khan the connections that hold cities together?

5. Describe the significance of the strings in the city of Ersilia.

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

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

8. 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?

9. How do the cities described by Polo in Chapter 8 depict confusion?

10. How do the people of Beersheba regard the heavenly version of their city?

(see the answer keys)

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