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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. After the marriage, Rukmani sees her new home. What is it like?
(a) It is a four-bedroom house.
(b) It is a two-room, brick house.
(c) It is a two-room, mud hut.
(d) It is a straw lean-to.

2. What fruit does Rukmani first grow that earns Nathan's praise?
(a) A pumpkin.
(b) An orange.
(c) A mango.
(d) A kiwi.

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

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

5. When the construction workers leave the village, some of the villagers are disappointed. Why?
(a) The villagers liked the excitement the men brought with them.
(b) The men spent their money lavishly.
(c) The men told great stories about foreign lands.
(d) The village is once again too quiet.

Short Answer Questions

1. Even though Rukmani has to sell her vegetables in the village, the family is still grateful. Why?

2. In Chapter 4, what is being built in the village?

3. What does Nathan do ten days after the birth of his son?

4. Right after the monsoons end, Rukmani and Nathan venture into town to purchase rice for the family. Why do they return empty handed?

5. Arjun and Thambi leave the village to work in Ceylon. Where are they working?

Short Essay Questions

1. At the beginning of Chapter 28, Rukmani is very excited. Why?

2. Why does Rukmani's mother never reproach her for the long intervals between Rukmani's visits home?

3. What deal is struck between the landlord's assistant and Nathan?

4. What is a positive consequence of the construction workers suddenly appearing in the village?

5. Why does Kenny think Selvam would be a good assistant?

6. When Rukmani and Nathan awaken from their first night's sleep in the city, why do they not eat breakfast before heading out to find their son?

7. At first, Nathan pays no attention to his new daughter. Why?

8. On his deathbed, what does Nathan tell Rukmani to comfort her?

9. When the landlord's assistant comes to collect the rent, he feels bad for Rukmani and Nathan. Why?

10. Why does Nathan refuse to eat any of the food that Ira brings into the house?

(see the answer keys)

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