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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 does Kazu suggest that Kiyoshi should get for his wife's birthday?
(a) A vase.
(b) A jewelry box.
(c) A book.
(d) A necklace.

2. Who is the author of Tales from the Café?
(a) Hiromi Kawakami.
(b) Toshikazu Kawaguchi.
(c) Haruki Murakami.
(d) Junichiro Tanizaki.

3. What is Kazu's relationship to Miki's father?
(a) They are siblings.
(b) They are business partners.
(c) They are married.
(d) They are cousins.

4. According to Chapter I, "Best Friends," what do most lies have in common?
(a) They lead to regret.
(b) They prevent hurt feelings.
(c) They bolster the ego.
(d) They ruin relationships.

5. During the conversation between Kazu and Kyoko, what is Kiyoshi doing?
(a) Staring at his notebook.
(b) Watching the ghost uneasily.
(c) Dozing over a novel.
(d) Trying to get Kazu's attention.

Short Answer Questions

1. In her lyrics on page 56, to what does Miki compare Nagare?

2. What lie does Gohtaro tell Shuichi about his reason for coming into the past?

3. Besides Japanese culture, which other culture does the narrator say is especially fond of insects?

4. What is the first thing that Shuichi wants to know once he understands that Gohtaro has come from the future?

5. What is a "mimetic expression" (47)?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the rules of the time-traveling café?

2. What details at the beginning of the story convey to the reader that Kyoto is a regular customer at the café?

3. How does the subject of Kyoko's son Yohsuke come up in conversation?

4. How does the exchange between Kyoko and Kazu about Kazu's boyfriend characterize both women?

5. What item does Kazu offer the ghost, and how do her emotions change during this encounter?

6. What causes the narrator to suggest that Kyoko might be thinking, "Saved by Miki" when Kyoko suddenly bursts out laughing on page 53?

7. What happens to Gohtaro physically when Kazu pours the coffee?

8. Why is Kazu especially concerned with whether Kyoko's brother understands the rule about not being able to change the present?

9. Which element of Gohtaro and Shuichi's relationship in college foreshadows their relationship outside of college?

10. Describe the atmosphere of the time-traveling café.

(see the answer keys)

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