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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 kind of dive has been resulting in Jonathan rolling violently and tumbling?

2. The Elders hope Jonathan will live long enough to realize life is _________ and unknowable.

3. __________ is power, joy, and pure beauty.

4. What is the middle name of the gull who likes to practice flying all by himself?

5. What is Jonathan limited by, according to the strange voice he hears in his head?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Jonathan discover is the key to turning when he is flying at great speeds?

2. What does the strange voice in Jonathan's head tell him about his flying, at first?

3. Why doesn't Jonathan feel guilty about breaking the promise to the voice in his head?

4. At what height does Jonathan attempt to dive from the morning after his accident and realization?

5. As Jonathan begins his pull out during his record-setting speed, what happens?

6. What does Jonathan realize is the secret to his success in flying close to the water?

7. What is the gull speed record that Jonathan sets during his efforts to improve his flying?

8. What is the name of the morning's group of seagulls that are looking for food?

9. Who is the seagull that practices flying slowly, far apart from the others as they are searching for food and eating?

10. What are the names of the five moves Jonathan learns to do when he is practicing his flying all the time?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The meaning of life seems to be the overall theme of this book, with the introduction of the 'normal" life for the Gulls versus the life Jonathan strives to have.

Part 1: What is the meaning of life as defined by the Gulls?

Part 2: What is the meaning of life as defined by Jonathan?

Part 3: Does the idea of the meaning of life change throughout the story? How? If not, why not?

Essay Topic 2

The idea of needing 10,000 reincarnations to "get" the meaning of life seems astounding to read in this book. The Gull needs to come back to the Earth again and again in order to learn the lessons Jonathan learns.

Part 1: Why does an ordinary Gull need 10,000 reincarnations to understand the meaning of life?

Part 2: What other lessons do Gulls learn as they go through these various reincarnations?

Part 3: What makes Jonathan so special in regards to this idea of reincarnations?

Essay Topic 3

The role of the instructor in this story is one that begins with Sullivan. As one of Johnathan's first teachers, it is clear that in order to gain the knowledge he needs, Johnathan will need guidance.

Part 1: What kind of teacher is Sullivan to Jonathan?

Part 2: What facts does Sullivan reveal about being a Gull and being in heaven?

Part 3: Would you say the relationship between Sullivan and Jonathan is positive or negative? Support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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