View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Hong promise Fei Qun?

2. What is Shen Ding's reply?

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

4. What does the magistrate say will happen the next day?

5. What do Hong and Chen do in Chongqing?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is suspicious of the brothers, why and what does he intend to do?

2. Where and with whom do the boys live, and why is their life style less than it should be?

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

4. Why is Bao angry at Hong and to what does Hong finally agree?

5. How does Chen figure out that Shen Ding tried to ruin Chen's chances at passing the exam?

6. Where does Hong find Ye Pan and what does he do before delivering the letter? What does Ye Pan do when he sees Hong?

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

8. How does Hong's match turn out?

9. What does Zhu Tong as of Hong?

10. From where is Chen returning on a cart and on what is he thinking?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

This novel is more character driven rather than action driven, and obviously there are several characters who make the novel what it is. Discuss one of the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Hong and Chen. Include their goals, sense of honor, abilities and social skills.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Chen and Shen Ding.

3. Thoroughly analyze the character of Lao Chen discussing both his strong and weak points and how both affect the outcome of the plot.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

In the world of academia, historical fiction is often considered an inferior form of the novel compared to "classic" literature. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think historical fiction might be considered second-rate compared to the classics?

2. Do you think historical fiction has the same elements as the classics? Why or why not?

3. What are the purposes do you think for people reading "the classics"? What are the purposes for people reading historical fiction? Is one purpose better than another? Explain your response.

4. Would you read historical fiction even outside an educational setting? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,101 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample