View a FREE sample

This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the result of the strike for Arjun and Thambi?
(a) They receive higher wages.
(b) They receive longer breaks.
(c) They lose their jobs.
(d) They are promoted.

2. Whose hut is completely destroyed by the monsoon?
(a) Rukmani's hut.
(b) Kunthi's hut.
(c) Kenny's hut.
(d) Kali's hut.

3. As a result of the new company moving into the village, which of the women now has a plan for her sons, as she realizes that the land cannot support all the men farming?
(a) Rukmani.
(b) Ira.
(c) Janaki.
(d) Kali.

4. Rukmani and two other women take turns helping Kunthi. Why?
(a) Kunthi refuses to care for her children.
(b) Kunthi is near the end of her pregnancy and unable to do anything for herself.
(c) Kunthi is lame and cannot walk.
(d) Kunthi is quite ill.

5. How does Old Granny make her living?
(a) Prostitution.
(b) Harvesting wheat.
(c) Selling goat's milk.
(d) Selling peanuts.

6. When her parents restrict her freedom, what is Ira's reaction?
(a) She complains to her parents, but stays near the hut.
(b) She sneaks into the village when her parents are in the fields.
(c) She is confused, but doesn't complain.
(d) She understands, but refuses to listen.

7. Why does Rukmani begin selling her vegetables to Biswas instead of to Old Granny?
(a) Biswas pays more for her vegetables.
(b) Biswas's family is starving.
(c) Old Granny doesn't buy enough to be a stable income source.
(d) Old Granny complains about the quality of the vegetables.

8. What does Rukmani see as a positive result of the foreigners returning to the village?
(a) The increased traffic in the village will lead to road improvements.
(b) She can build Ira's dowry much quicker.
(c) Ira will have many options when choosing a husband.
(d) The new business will create jobs to combat the high unemployment rate.

9. What does Rukmani set aside at the end of every month?
(a) Some new writings to sell when money gets tight.
(b) Some money for Ira's dowry.
(c) Some rice to sell in the village.
(d) Some thread for Ira's wedding sari.

10. Which one of the villagers is scornful of Rukmani's writing skills?
(a) Biswas.
(b) Janaki.
(c) Kali.
(d) Kunthi.

11. What name do Rukmani and Nathan give to their son?
(a) Kennington.
(b) Nathanson.
(c) Biswas.
(d) Arjun.

12. How long does Ira's marriage last?
(a) Three years.
(b) Two years.
(c) Five years.
(d) Ten years.

13. After her mother dies, the doctor asks Rukmani what is wrong. What does Rukmani reveal to the doctor?
(a) That she has been ill.
(b) That her mother's death could have been prevented.
(c) That she has no sons.
(d) That her marriage is in trouble.

14. How old is Rukmani's daughter when her first son is finally born?
(a) Seven.
(b) Ten.
(c) Five.
(d) Three.

15. How many older sisters does Rukmani have?
(a) Two.
(b) Three.
(c) Four.
(d) One.

Short Answer Questions

1. How long is Rukmani away from the house while helping the woman in labor?

2. Why do Janaki and her husband leave the village?

3. What is the village doctor's name?

4. Ira's husband wants to divorce Ira. Why?

5. How long does it take the construction workers to build the new establishment in Nathan's village?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 552 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample