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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the difference between the writing Kien performs during the day and that which he writes at night?
(a) The day time writing is more compassionate
(b) The day time ideas appear contrived and artificial
(c) The day time writing is more legible
(d) The day time writing is more factually accurate

2. Where did Kien meet Phuong?
(a) After the war
(b) At school
(c) In army training
(d) On the battlefield

3. Why does Kien almost kill himself?
(a) Because he cannot bear the thought of losing Phuong
(b) Out of grief for his father
(c) Because he cannot bear the thought of war
(d) Because he sees how far removed he and Phuong have become

4. What does Kien discover about his fathers painting when he goes to warn him?
(a) That he was rich
(b) That he burnt them all
(c) That he faked them
(d) That he sold them

5. What was Kien planning before the air raid sirens were called?
(a) To go home
(b) To go to a movie
(c) To go to a bar
(d) A romantic dinner with Phuong

6. Why does Kien write in the post war period?
(a) It’s the only job he can get
(b) It’s Phuong’s wish
(c) To exorcise his feelings
(d) To become famous

7. Why can Toan be considered a 'rival'?
(a) Because Toan is also a writer
(b) Because Toan and Kien were always gambling
(c) Because their army superior liked Toan more
(d) Because he also vied for Phuong's affections when they were younger

8. What stops this from happening?
(a) Kien suddenly feels a pang of guilt
(b) Kien suddenly has a headache
(c) Kien suddenly gets cramp
(d) Kien suddenly feels sick

9. Before Kien started frequenting the Cafe, how many times in his life had he been drunk before?
(a) Three times
(b) Four times
(c) Fourteen times
(d) Twice

10. How did Kien's friend Tam die?
(a) He fell into the swamp
(b) He died defending Kien from a paratrooper
(c) He was covered in Agent Orange
(d) He was shot in the back

11. Where do Kien and Phuong go when they first hear about the outbreak of war?
(a) The school
(b) The barracks
(c) The beach
(d) The train station

12. Who does Kien dream about in hospital?
(a) His pet dog
(b) His childhood friend
(c) His mother
(d) His lover, Phuong

13. What does Kien do the next day?
(a) Returns to Hanoi
(b) Reports for duty and begins his war service
(c) Deserts into the Jungle
(d) Joins with the South Vietnamese.

14. What did Phuong have to do during the war in order to survive?
(a) Become a prostitute
(b) Become a thief
(c) Become a killer
(d) Become a smuggler

15. What did one particular friend think was the worst thing that could happen to a soldier?
(a) A bad relationship
(b) Venereal disease
(c) Having a small house
(d) Having no money

Short Answer Questions

1. At what times of the day does Kien write?

2. Who is Hoa?

3. What did this skill reveal to Kien?

4. Where do Phuong and Kien run off to whilst they are at school?

5. What does Kien often wonder about his past colleagues?

(see the answer keys)

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