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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 were the last guests at Tiller and Val's home that led to the scuffle and ended their food hosting?

2. What feeling did Lucky say he got when he played roulette in Chapter 15?

3. What did Pong buy for Tiller after Tiller drew his spirit animal in Chapter 12?

4. What did one of the popular kids at a new school dub Tiller, according to his narrative in Chapter 15?

5. How old was Tiller when he was sent to a shrink due to difficulties at school, according to his narrative in Chapter 12?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Tiller's performance at the karaoke club described in Chapter 14?

2. What story did Pong tell Tiller in Chapter 18?

3. What led to Pong buying Tiller the knife in Chapter 12?

4. What uncomfortable encounter does Tiller describe involving Lucky's mother in Chapter 12?

5. Who is Chilies and how is he described?

6. What foreshadowing can be seen in Chapter 13?

7. What kind of yoga event was taking place at the Kappagoda estate when Tiller visited?

8. What does "20 Whet" refer to and why is it important to the story?

9. What did Drum reveal about his plans with Pong in Chapter 21?

10. How old was Tiller when his mother left? How does he describe her leaving?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the timeline of events and narrative structure in My Year Abroad. How does the author distinguish between the different timelines in the novel? What are the main timelines? What stories step beyond those timelines? How does this structure lend itself to the story? How does it create tension?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the themes of capitalism and worker exploitation in My Year Abroad. How are these themes developed through the character of Chilies? What Marxist ideals does Chilies promote? How do his actions go against those ideals?

Essay Topic 3

Identify and discuss three examples of imagery in the novel. What different literary devices comprise imagery? How are they employed in this narrative? How extensive are the author's depictions of imagery throughout the book?

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