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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. Who is meeting Will and Vijaya upon their arrival at the school?

2. How does WIll react to the Rani's letter?

3. What color is Leela Rao wearing?

4. Why did Shanta send Tom to talk to Vijaya?

5. How old is the baby Shanta is nursing?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does AI contribute to a better destiny for the people of Pala?

2. Why does Murugan believe that the people of Pala won't accept the lure of consumer goods?

3. How are animals treated on Pala versus the rest of the world?

4. What is the symbolism of the Scarecrows? Quote from the book and then simplify.

5. Why does Mrs. Rao believe that Pala is the place for stupid people?

6. Why do the Palanese accept the use of symbolism in religion, though don't encourage it?

7. What does Will notice about the women on the island?

8. How does the Rani perceive Palanese education?

9. How does Murugan's interest in consumer goods benefit Colonel Dipa?

10. What, in Shanta's words, makes Pala a nice place? Repeat in your own words.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How do the Palanese justify Artificial Insemination? What is your opinion about the way the people of Pala reproduce selectively? Do you think that it is justifiable in their logic? Does this cater to your religious standpoints or not? How do you feel personally about selective breeding in this sense?

Essay Topic 2

The people of Pala deal with pain and fear far differently than we do. How is it different? Compare and then contrast it to the way we handle these two emotions. Which do you think is more productive? Which do you think is psychologically more beneficial? Which do you think would expedite the healing process? Which is easier?

Essay Topic 3

"Which is better? To be born stupid into an intelligent society, or intelligent into an insane one?" Why is it better? Support your argument with at least three major points and three supporting statements for each major point.

(see the answer keys)

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