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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. What numerical term does Yanek use to describe the number of people who have died during the long train trip to Birkenau?
(a) Several dozen.
(b) Hundreds.
(c) Scores.
(d) One dozen.

2. What name do the prisoners at Birkenau bestow upon the new addition to camp that is officially called "new camp B III" (136)?
(a) Baja.
(b) Hawaii.
(c) Haiti.
(d) Mexico.

3. The radio tower Yanek sees as he and the other prisoners approach the Sachsenhausen concentration camp is located in what city?
(a) Brussels.
(b) Berlin.
(c) Amsterdam.
(d) Paris.

4. What location does every prisoner at Auschwitz do their best to avoid?
(a) The camp kitchens.
(b) The rock quarry.
(c) The latrines.
(d) The camp clinic.

5. Yanek is able to obtain what item of clothing at Birkenau that he considers crucial for his survival?
(a) A coat.
(b) A hat.
(c) A scarf.
(d) A pair of shoes.

Short Answer Questions

1. How old is the younger Polish boy on the train platform who shouts at the passing train passengers that they will be transformed into a particular substance?

2. At the start of Chapter 19, Yanek states that when he gets to Auschwitz, he is how old?

3. For how many hours does Yanek remain inside the motionless cattle car while the other cars are loaded with Jewish people?

4. What is NOT a smell Yanek detects when he is placed into a cattle car at the beginning of Chapter 15?

5. At the end of Chapter 14, a young boy is punished in what way when he is falsely accused of trying to escape?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to the men and boys accused of plotting escape from the Trzebinia and what proof does Yanek have of their innocence?

2. What happens to the prisoner who is recognized by the others at the salt mine as a former member of the Judenrat?

3. How does the theme of altruism arise within the journey from Auschwitz to Sachsenhausen?

4. What morning routine does Yanek develop during his time imprisoned in Birkenau and why does he consider the routine important?

5. What distinction does Yanek make between the Trzebinia concentration camp and the other camps in which he has been imprisoned?

6. Discuss an instance when Gratz uses a literary device to indicate the preciousness of food.

7. Discuss an instance in the novel when Yanek's determination to survive is apparent.

8. How does the theme of collectivism arise within Yanek's arrival at Auschwitz?

9. On which two occasions does Yanek vow to take every step he can "never to forget" (161) the atrocities committed during the Holocaust?

10. Which qualities of new prisoners help Yanek to qualify certain individuals as such?

(see the answer keys)

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