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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. The strings of Ersilia come in different colors. What do these colors represent?

2. The people of Baucis have:

3. In Esmeralda, people can choose to travel by:

4. When Khan tells Polo that he's dreamed of a city bathed in the light of the moon, what does Polo say?

5. Esmeralda is known as the city of what?

Short Essay Questions

1. When people get lost in Eudoxia, what do they look at to find their bearings?

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

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

4. Describe the two sides of the city of Moriana.

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

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

7. Describe Esmeralda, the city of water.

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

9. How does Polo use the game of chess to help Khan better understand the cities of his empire?

10. In what significant way is Argia different from all other cities Polo describes?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Briefly compare and contrast the type of information Polo shares with Khan with what other messengers share with the emperor. Then, address the following questions:

1) What is the goal of Khan's messengers and advisers when they share reports with Khan?

2) What does Polo wish to convey to Khan? How do his storytelling goals differ from those of the other messengers?

3) In your opinion, who is sharing information that is most useful to the emperor--Polo or the other messengers? Why?

Essay Topic 2

How does Polo reveal the disintegration of Khan's empire through his stories? Explain and support your answer with points from the book.

Essay Topic 3

When telling stories to Khan from the steps of the palace, Polo emphasizes the importance of the evening breeze they are enjoying. Explain how the breeze serves as a grounding mechanism. How does it work to imprint memories in Khan's mind? What purpose does it serve the stories Polo tells? How does the breeze affect Khan's connection to the stories and his cities?

(see the answer keys)

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