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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 is steerage class on a steamship?

2. What is a word that the lady from HIAS has taught Rifka?

3. How does Rifka get to America after the ship is disabled?

4. What parting gift does Rifka buy for Sister Katrina?

5. What must Rifka do at Ellis Island before she can go home with her parents?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Rifka feel after the storm in which Pieter died?

2. What sailing arrangements are made for Rifka to go to America when she is cured?

3. How does Rifka prepare herself for going to America?

4. What does Rifka's brief friendship with Pieter mean, and how is she able to move on past his death?

5. What does this section of the book show about Rifka's burgeoning maturity?

6. How is Rifka's thirteenth birthday celebrated and what does she recall about a doll she received for her ninth birthday?

7. What do Mama and Papa give to Rifka before they leave for the United States and she goes to Belgium?

8. What role does Rifka's Judaism play as a way of staying connected to her family?

9. What are the passengers on board the ship fascinated by as they enter the New York harbor?

10. Who rescues Rifka when she gets lost while out exploring Antwerp?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a character sketch of Rifka. Be sure to include both physical and emotional characteristics as well as personal motivations, fears, etc.

Essay Topic 2

"Letters from Rifka" is a letter-based novel. Explain the concept of what a letter-based novel is and cite examples that support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Write a character sketch of Saul. Be sure to include both physical and emotional characteristics as well as personal motivations, fears, etc.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 779 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample