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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. What does Santiago find out is the Language of the World?

2. About what does Santiago learn as he reads the Englishman's books?

3. Who seems to be the only one in the caravan not afraid of the war talk?

4. What does the Englishman plan on using the object he built outside of his tent for?

5. Where does the Alchemist take Santiago the day after he makes his trade?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the tribal chief order the members to carry weapons?

2. What does the Alchemist suggest will happen if Santiago does not pursue his destiny?

3. What does the Alchemist say needs to happen in order for them to realize their destiny?

4. In Part 6, what does Santiago promise his heart?

5. What does it mean when Santiago tells the Englishman that all the teachings in his books could be "written on the surface of an emerald?"

6. What is the only way to stay happy according to the camel driver, who is a friend to Santiago?

7. What do Santiago and the Alchemist discuss at the beginning of their journey in Part 6?

8. Santiago realizes that both he and the Englishman are seeking their destinies. How does their process differ?

9. In Part 5, why does Santiago resist the idea of continuing his journey to the pyramids?

10. What does the tribal chief assure Santiago that the tribe always does?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Santiago describes his love for Fatima as true love. Write about what you believe to be the characteristics of true love and use examples from the text to support or defy Fatima and Santiago's love as true love.

Essay Topic 2

If you were Santiago, what steps would you have taken differently and why? If you believe you would have followed the exact path of Santiago, describe in detail why you would make those same choices faced with the same struggles.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the concepts of evolution and conflict in this story. Use examples from the story to support your discussion. Then make a personal connection to the discussion in your own life.

(see the answer keys)

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