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

2. Who is skeptical of Jonathan's ideas and plans for his future?

3. Most gulls scorn _________ and slowly go nowhere.

4. Where does Jonathan think he is at the beginning of this part of the book?

5. One must know that one has _______ everywhere at once across space and time, according to the Elder Gull.

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. What is the one thing Chiang thinks Jonathan needs to work on as he continues to develop his flying and his abilities?

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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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