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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 does the Elder Gull tell Jonathan to keep working on right before the Elder Gull vanishes?

2. What does Jonathan apparently not need in order to learn the lessons he's learned?

3. Jonathan now has new wings of polished _________.

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

5. Perfect speed is "being _________."

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What does Jonathan want to do once his Guru has vanished and left his side?

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

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

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

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

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

9. Where does Jonathan believe he is in this section of the book?

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

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 an Outcast is one that is feared by the Gulls. To be deemed as such, a Gull becomes an outsider of its Flock, sent to the Far Cliffs to spend their days.

Part 1: What qualifies someone to become an Outcast? Can they ever escape their title?

Part 2: Who are some of the Outcasts in this story? Why are they deemed Outcasts?

Part 3: What do you think the purpose of having Outcasts is, as related to this story? How does this help the Flock? Or does it hurt the Flock? Why?

Essay Topic 3

In the end, Fletcher is the teacher of the Gulls, but they seem to be interested in other things besides what he wants to teach. And thus the story continues as it began.

Part 1: What does Fletcher have to master first before he can absorb the lofty philosophy of Jonathan?

Part 2: What do the students want from Fletcher now that he is the teacher?

Part 3: Do you think Fletcher is ready to be a teacher? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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