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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. Which of the women is thrilled that the village has gone from being a simple group of mud huts to a small town?
(a) Kunthi.
(b) Janaki.
(c) Ira.
(d) Kali.

2. At the beginning of Chapter 11, why does Nathan leave the village?
(a) He is searching for Arjun.
(b) He is going to attend a relative's funeral.
(c) He is going to the city to buy new rice seed.
(d) He is searching for a new husband for Ira.

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

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

5. Why do Janaki and her husband leave the village?
(a) Her husband is opening a new shop in a neighboring village.
(b) Her husband's shop is forced to close.
(c) They are going to care for Janaki's ill father.
(d) They are evicted by their landlord.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why are some people surprised when they look at Nathan and Rukmani's daughter?

2. After the villagers watch the construction workers for a while, what does the overseer do?

3. What do Nathan's sons do on their one day off from the tannery each week?

4. Why does Rukmani take Ira to see Kenny?

5. When the villagers learn that Rukmani can write, there are mixed reactions. Which one of the villagers marvels at Rukmani's writing skill?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 14, why does Rukmani give Kunthi what she has demanded?

2. At the beginning of Chapter 21, Rukmani says that Selvam has ceased to belong to her and Nathan. Why?

3. What realization does Rukmani find ironic as she mourns for Old Granny?

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

5. When Arjun and Thambi return home from the tannery after Rukmani and Nathan could not find them for lunch, what do Rukmani and Nathan learn about the day's trouble?

6. Why does Rukmani feel ashamed after learning from the three women at the river about her new home?

7. What does Rukmani learn from the three women she met at the river about her new home?

8. Why are Rukmani and Nathan shocked when they discover their bundles have been stolen?

9. Why does Rukmani begin selling her vegetables in the village?

10. When does Rukmani realize that Nathan is sick?

(see the answer keys)

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