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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. How does Jonathan suddenly feel as he is left by himself?

2. What is the Elder Gull said to soon be moving beyond?

3. Perfect speed is "being _________."

4. What is the actual speed that Jonathan reaches when he is trying to reach his new goal?

5. What do these new birds practice every day, much to the delight of Johnathan?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Chiang's response to Jonathan's question about whether this place is heaven or not?

2. What does Sullivan declare about Jonathan in relation to his approach to learning?

3. What is the best speed Jonathan can reach in this new and delightful setting in the story?

4. What is the saying Jonathan remembers about Heaven in relation to fatigue?

5. When will Jonathan touch heaven, according to Chiang's answers?

6. How many lives do most gulls need in order to come to the basic realization that there is more to life?

7. What does Jonathan remember to use his wings for, only on occasion, however?

8. Describe what happens when Chiang passes to the other world, or transfigures, as many might call it.

9. How does Chiang demonstrate touching heaven, which dazzles Jonathan and makes him want to learn more from this guru?

10. What does Jonathan's teacher say when Johnathan asks why there are so few gulls in their location?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The cycle of the story continues with Jonathan coming to Fletcher as his new guru. The story continues with Jonathan wanting to impart his knowledge to the next generation of Gulls.

Part 1: How does Jonathan contact Fletcher and become his new teacher?

Part 2: What is Fletcher's response to this occurrence?

Part 3: Why does Fletcher seem to need Jonathan's guidance? Or does he? Support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

The idea of Jonathan being a freethinker seems to be both good and bad. At times, it seems Jonathan might be making more of a mess of his life than he needs to.

Part 1: In what ways does Jonathan's freethinking benefit him in this story?

Part 2: In what ways does Jonathan's freethinking hurt him in this story?

Part 3: If you were in Jonathan's shoes, what sort of life would you choose - a freethinker or a follower? What is the reasoning behind your answer?

Essay Topic 3

Jonathan becomes a teacher of those Gulls in the Flock who genuinely want to learn more, even if they get in trouble with the rest of the Flock and its authority powers.

Part 1: Describe and name the first student of Jonathan, its progress and eventual outcome.

Part 2: Name one other student of Jonathan and describe its education.

Part 3: Do you think Jonathan is a good teacher? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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