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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. Who gives most of the scholars of the final exam their diplomas?

2. What does Chen think has helped to prepare him for the exam?

3. What kind of format is the final exam?

4. What is Chen offered after his examinations?

5. Who is Meng Dafu?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is General Ma disappointed about Hong and what does he invite Hong to do?

2. What does Hong do while Chen is studying?

3. Where does Hong go when he escapes the pirates and who helps him?

4. What happens when Chen is invited out by three other scholars?

5. How did Chen do on the examination, what is he called and who gives him his diploma?

6. How does Chen answer the final question on the examination, and why is troubled by it?

7. What happens as Hong is with the army about Wang Chih and the outpost where he was held?

8. Where does the boat stop and Chen looks for Meng Dafu? What do the brothers do after that?

9. What is available to Chen for a position, what is he considering and how does Hong feel about Chen making up his mind?

10. What happens when Hong goes to deliver his letter from Ye Pan?

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 the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of "The Examination", identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in "The Examination". (They may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not.

4. Many writers and critics say there are only a few plots in the world of fiction; it's what an author does with a plot that distinguishes a mediocre book from an outstanding book. Respond to this idea, using examples from "The Examination" and other books you have read.

Essay Topic 3

Women are not equals with men in China in the 12th century. Discuss the following:

1. Define the term "gender."

2. Discuss the Chinese cultural definitions of gender gender during the era of "The Examination" and the expectations for each gender. Do any of those expectations exist today?

3. Would you like to live in a culture that has those expectations for men and women that are revealed in "The Examination"? Discuss fully with examples from the text.

4. Are women the only ones harmed by gender-based expectations? Why or why not.

(see the answer keys)

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