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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 is Wijetunga?

2. What is the Mahaweli Scheme?

3. What does Miss Nili drop during the Christmas Eve dinner?

4. How does Mr. Salgado feel whenever Miss Nili is not around?

5. When Triton takes towels to Miss Nili's and Mr. Salgado's room, what does he accidentally see?

Short Essay Questions

1. For Christmas, what does Mr. Salgado do for the first time since Triton came to work for him?

2. How does Triton grow and evolve from "Part I, Kolla" to "Part II, Cook's Joy" in Reef?

3. Describe Nili's reaction when she accompanies Triton to the fish market.

4. Why is the death of Sri Lanka's "most flamboyant millionaire" a hot topic of conversation among Mr. Salgado, Miss Nili, and their circle of friends?

5. How does Triton prepare for Nili's move to Mr. Salgado's house?

6. Describe Triton's experience at the Christmas Eve dinner.

7. When his friend, Mr. Dias Liyanage, offers Mr. Salgado a job with a foundation interested in the coral business, why is Mr. Salgado reluctant to take this job?

8. How is Triton's name a fitting choice in light of the story's theme and setting?

9. What gift does Nili bring Triton on Christmas Eve after the dinner party?

10. What transformations does the household undergo after Miss Nili moves into Mr. Salgado's house?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze and determine the importance to the story of the following recurring points:

1. The making of lists.

2. The changing reefs.

3. The dreams of opening up new establishments.

Essay Topic 2

Explain what makes this a "coming of age" story about Triton, the narrator. Cite specific examples. Analyze three important lessons Triton learns as he grows up in Mr. Salgado's unique household. Do you feel he learns these lessons if he instead stays home with his family? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

A prominent symbol used throughout this book is the ocean. Explain what the ocean represents in terms of:

1. The main characters' lives.

2. The changing social and political climate of Sri Lanka.

3. Personal growth and transformation.

(see the answer keys)

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