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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 the Elder Gull?

2. Jonathan now has new wings of polished _________.

3. Is Jonathan disappointed that he didn't reach his goal?

4. What does Jonathan feel even though none of the gulls he sees greet him?

5. Only on occasion does Jonathan remember using wings in the fight for _________.

Short Essay Questions

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

2. When does Jonathan make the first sound since leaving Earth?

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

4. What are people saying about the Elder Gull, Chiang, as he is introduced in the story?

5. What does Chiang tell Jonathan to forget about as he attempts to learn how to transport himself?

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

7. What does Jonathan believe Heaven should do in terms of limits?

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

9. What does Jonathan notice about the other gulls, but he falls asleep before he can try out this technique?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Flock Elders seem to be quite set in their ways, establishing an authoritarian body that doesn't take into consideration the individual needs and desires of the Gulls.

Part 1: In what ways do the Flock Elders control the other Gulls?

Part 2: How does the power of the Flock Elders affect the Gulls in the Flock?

Part 3: Does it seem as though the Flock Elders need to change their ideas? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

The existence of an afterlife is something that becomes a crucial part of the knowledge and the development of some of the Gulls in this book. But the definition of this afterlife is a little harder to grasp.

Part 1: How does the knowledge of the afterlife affect Johnathan?

Part 2: What does Jonathan learn about the idea of the afterlife? How is it described to him?

Part 3: Why does Jonathan simply accept the idea of an afterlife as it is given to him?

Essay Topic 3

Jonathan really wants to share what he has learned with the other Gulls, but he is prevented from doing so. His sharing could promote great changes, he thinks.

Part 1: What are some of the lessons Jonathan wants to share with the rest of the Gulls?

Part 2: How is Jonathan prevented from sharing his knowledge with others?

Part 3: Is this situation harmful or helpful to the other Gulls in the Flock? Support your answer with examples from the book.

(see the answer keys)

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