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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. Before Kabuo could come forward with his story of the events on the boat with Carl Heine,

2. Carl Heine and Susan Marie Heine's marriage was a relationship based on

3. While the Sheriff reads the shorthand notes on the Coast Guard report

4. Ishmael does not feel his mother can understand his

5. Kabuo Miyamoto's demeanor as he looks out at the snow makes the jurors think that

Short Essay Questions

1. The idea of inclement weather has been woven throughout the story, including the heavy snowfall that has caused problems during the trial of Kabuo Miyamoto. What inspires Ishmael's decision to check with the coast guard about weather conditions at the time of Carl Heine's demise?

2. What does Guterson mean when he says that, "...the prosecutor, knew well the value of a Susan Marie Heine."

3. Why does Moran suspect the blow to Carl Heine's head was from a kendo stick?

4. Things are looking grim for Kabuo Miyamoto. Why does the fishing gaff appear to be the perfect weapon for Kabuo to have used to murder Carl Heine, Jr.

5. Why did Kabuo and Hatsue not inform the Sheriff of what they said really happened on the night of Carl Heine's death?

6. Why does Ishmael not take his information from the coast guard directly to Judge Fielding as he figures he father would have done?

7. What finally inspires Ishmael to take the Coast Guard report to Hatsue?

8. What scenario has prosecutor, Alvin Hooks, cooked up to try to bolster his case against Kabuo?

9. What is it that keeps Alexander Van Ness from agreeing to convict Kabuo Miyamoto?

10. Although things are looking a little better for Kabuo, his story is once again compromised by a question from Alvin Hooks. Explain how he damages his testimony in this chapter.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At one point in this story, Ishmael feels a certain strange fondness for his memories of the very worst moments of his life, as well as for the sense of chaos around him. This phenomenon has surfaced from other soldiers who have been at the front lines of battle. At the library, look find the book entitled "The World Within War" by Gerald Linderman. In Chapter 6, Linderman describes what may seem barbaric to some, but what may be familiar to some shell-shocked soldiers -- a certain delight in destruction. Read this chapter and compare with Guterman's description of Ishmael Chambers in Chapter 30 of "Snow Falling on Cedars." Teach your readers about this rather astonishing concept.

Essay Topic 2

The Japanese diet has always been considered sparse and healthy. Research today's typical diet for the typical Japanese family, both in the US and Japan. Do they have a higher or lower mortality rate? Has their diet changed considerably in the past decades? What are the predominant health problems among Japanese? Americans? Compare and contrast.

Essay Topic 3

Check out the state of the salmon fishing industry and whether it is thriving or diminishing in the Pacific Northwest. Provide your reader with information regarding the ecological conditions that are required for salmon to thrive, and whether these have changed or improved over the past several decades. In addition, determine salmon's nutritional value, its importance in the human diet and in the diets of its predators.

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