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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. What are the scarecrows?

2. What was significant about Gobind's grandmother?

3. What did Will's teachers try to do about people's differences?

4. Vijaya compares himself to what animal?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the Rani perceive Palanese education?

2. What is Shanta's opinion in regards to snakes and snakebites?

3. Describe how Dr. Robert deals with Lakshmi's death.

4. What does the mountain climb ordeal teach the youth of Pala and what happens afterwards?

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

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

7. What is Leela Rao's position on the island? What makes her important?

8. What is the most dangerous element to recognize in children and why is it the most dangerous?

9. What does Moksha-medicine do for the Palanese?

10. What does Will say about what Colonel Dipa will bring to the island?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare Palanese medicine to ours. Which do you think is more effective? What about the rant that Ms. Radha goes into about health care outside of Pala? Can you see any truth to that argument? Think of one situation in which we treat but do not cure the disease. Quote supporting text from the book or from other sources.

Essay Topic 2

Why is the use of distance regarding landscapes the most important aspects of a religious painting, in the opinion of Vijaya? Do you agree with this logic? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

What is the significance of the title of the book Murugan is reading in Chapter 10? How does this title juxtapose Murugan's beliefs against those of the citizens of Pala? Can you make a similar juxtaposition in our culture? How is this relevant to the story?

(see the answer keys)

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