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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. Where is Chongquing?

2. Why is Daiyun upset with Chen?

3. What do the boys find when they arrive at Chengdu?

4. To whom does Zhu Tong ask Hong to deliver a letter?

5. What practice has Daiyun undergone?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Who visits Chen before he leaves and what does he ask?

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

5. Give a brief description of the two boys, Lao Hong and Lao Chen.

6. What concerns Hong about Chen while they are staying at Ma's home?

7. What test taker treats the brothers to tea and what does he tell Chen about the examination?

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

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

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

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

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of "The Examination" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why "The Examination" is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Chen and Hong leave their father and proceed on a journey so that Chen can take examinations and obtain a good position in life. In a number of their stops Chen and Hong are both faced with making a decision to stay or continue on the journey.

1. Do you think it is moral for both boys to leave their father alone? Why or why not? Use examples from "The Examination" and your own life to support your answer.

2. Why do you think Hong has given up time in his own life to assist his brother in his brother's quest? Use examples from "The Examination" and your own life to support your answer.

3. What do you think the decisions that Hong and Chen make in their journey says about their characters? Discuss their determination, temptations and decisions in depth. Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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