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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. Why does it take Abul Khaizarun so long to get back to the lorry?

2. Where does Assad stay in Basra?

3. In "If You Were a Horse," who killed the horse?

4. When does the family reach Sidon?

5. What kind of unique trait did Barq have?

Short Essay Questions

1. In "The Land of Sad Oranges," how does the army affect the father's mental state in two extremes?

2. In "If You Were a Horse," why does the father wish his son were a horse?

3. What does the relinquishing of the weapons at Ras Naquora foreshadow?

4. What foreshadows the importance of the river in "Men in the Sun"?

5. In "If You Were a Horse," what does the black notebook reveal?

6. What is ironic about Abul Khaizarun confirming the bad reputation of smugglers?

7. What does the orange look like at the end of "The Land of Sad Oranges," and what does it represent at the end?

8. In "If You Were a Horse," why is the son's belief that his father hates him and horses ironic?

9. Why does the father resent Abu Muhammad?

10. Why is Abul Khaizarun delayed when he passes through customs?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The mother in "The Land of the Sad Oranges" seems to play a background role in the story, but she still plays an important one. What role does the mother play in the story, and how is she portrayed throughout the story? How does she act for the family in their time of need? Remember to answer each question thoroughly with evidence from the story.

Essay Topic 2

"The Falcon" employs various themes, including love, beauty, and death. Many of these themes interact with each other, adding to the complexity and symbolism of the story. What theme is the strongest? What character representation reflects this theme most strongly? What themes complement each other or interact together most often? Remember to answer each question with evidence from the story.

Essay Topic 3

"Umm Saad" may be the best example in this collection of stories to show the trials of motherhood. How does Umm Saad feel the trials of motherhood? How does she respond to her trials? Which traits help her most in her trials in motherhood? Remember to answer each question with evidence from the story.

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This section contains 700 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample