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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. Why does Chen stay outside the hall after Ding leaves?

2. With what does Lao Chen show a remarkable ability when very young?

3. Why did Chen go to from where he is returning?

4. What did Lao Chen learn by age four?

5. Who is Lin Shi?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens as the brothers leave Ma's home?

2. How does Hong eventually feel about Lin Shi and what happens to Lin Shi?

3. How does Hong's match turn out?

4. What happens after Chen is shown to his testing cubicle?

5. What talent does Chen have and at what age does this talent show?

6. What does Zhu Tong as of Hong?

7. What has Hong heard about locust, what is his concern and how does Chen respond to that concern?

8. What do Hong and Chen announce to their father and what is his reaction?

9. What town do the brothers reach after leaving Ma's home, what do they do and of what does Hong make certain?

10. What surprises Hong when the boys leave on their journey and how does Chen feel about it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think "The Examination" is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of growth in "The Examination". Consider the following questions as you write: What characters most need to grow as humans? Why? Give examples. Why characters seem to have reached close to their full emotional/mental growth? Why? Give examples What are some symbols of growth? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem rigid?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of immaturity in "The Examination". Which characters struggle with immaturity? Why? Which characters seem really healthy emotionally/mentally? Why?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of tradition in "The Examination". What is Chen's view of tradition? Hong's? Pan? Ma? Why is tradition important to some characters? Is anyone willing to abandon traditional viewpoints? Who? What are the positive and negative aspects to tradition?

Essay Topic 3

At the conclusion of a novel, most readers either consciously or unconsciously engage in processing the book and usually come to a conclusion as to whether they like the book or not. Discuss one of the following:

1. Would you consider "The Examination" a "good" book? An interesting or enlightening book? Why or why not? Use examples to illustrate your stance.

2. What do you think are the elements of an outstanding novel? Analyze one of your favorite novels to see if those elements are present.

3. What are some reasons you might consider a novel a failure? Analyze a novel you think is a failure and see if those elements are in that novel.

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