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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Introduction, Prologue, and Part One: The Greatest Nation on Earth, Chapters 1-9.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What aspect of the songbun system is kept secret from those residing within its levels?
(a) Precise ranking.
(b) Marriage arrangements.
(c) Job assignments.
(d) The names of those within the Hostile class.

2. Why does Hyeonseo not start kindergarten in Hyesan as she had thought she would?
(a) Her mother decides to teach her at home.
(b) The family's house burns down and they are relocated to a new city.
(c) Her mother's job is transferred to a new city.
(d) Her father's job is transferred to a new city.

3. Hyeonseo's first memory consists of almost dying in what way?
(a) Almost drowning.
(b) Almost getting hit by a train.
(c) Almost being beaten to death by a soldier.
(d) Almost suffocating.

4. What example is given of a person who would inhabit the lowest level of songbun?
(a) A political prisoner with no hope of release.
(b) A heretic.
(c) A thief.
(d) A murderer whose victim is of higher status.

5. Why does Hyeonseo's mother carry a candle to the door when meeting Hyeonseo's future father and her future husband for the second time?
(a) Because she thinks it will lend a romantic air to their reunion.
(b) Because her father does not permit her to waste money on electricity at night.
(c) Because the power in the country is out.
(d) Because the power in the city is out.

Short Answer Questions

1. At the time of her writing, how many years ago does Hyeonseo say North Korea had been created?

2. What does seo mean in Korean?

3. During what activity does the author say is the only time she and her classmates called each other "comrade" (33)?

4. What does Hyeonseo say is the only "permitted outlet for spiritual fervor" (41) in North Korea?

5. What level of the caste system is made up of 10-15% of the North Korean population?

(see the answer key)

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