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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. For how many years did Kazu visit Shinsekai, the cabaret?
(a) 5.
(b) 2.
(c) 23.
(d) 10.

2. What had Setsuko told Kazu not long before her death?
(a) She knew she would die while the cicadas were singing.
(b) She did not want to die before he did.
(c) She felt she had lived a full life and it was time to move on.
(d) She felt sick and should see a doctor.

3. What does the homeless man Kazu hears telling another his life story say happened after he lost his job?
(a) His house burned down.
(b) His wife filed for divorce.
(c) His wife died.
(d) His father died.

4. What does the jogger Kazu sees thank God for in his note at the temple?
(a) He thanks God for his good health.
(b) He thanks God for his father's speedy recovery.
(c) He thanks God that he finished the marathon.
(d) He thanks God he met his wife.

5. What does Kazu say the cabaret hostesses' perfume smelled like when they danced?
(a) His wife's perfume.
(b) Lavender.
(c) Baby powder.
(d) White rose.

6. Why were homeless people require to evacuate Ueno Park per the notice on November 20, 2006?
(a) The imperial family was coming.
(b) A Tsunami was heading their way.
(c) There was going to be a fair in the park.
(d) They were buildings condominiums there.

7. Kazu hears the sigh of a sobbing homeless man who is doing what, which Kazu says is unusual for a homeless person?
(a) Complaining he cannot get work.
(b) Crying that he is hungry.
(c) Pleading with a stranger to help him.
(d) Telling his life story.

8. How often did Kazu's daughter Yoko's family visit after Kazu returns home?
(a) Every other week.
(b) Every month.
(c) Twice a year.
(d) Every week.

9. How many evictions notices had Kazu received that November in 2006?
(a) 12.
(b) 1.
(c) 25.
(d) 5.

10. Where was the hostel Kazu met at the cabaret club from?
(a) Shinsekai.
(b) Fukushima.
(c) Osaka.
(d) Tokyo.

11. Kazu overhears one women tell another that their friend has not gotten out of bed since what happened?
(a) Her husband left her.
(b) Her father died.
(c) Her child was born.
(d) Her son passed away.

12. Who did Kazu think of when he and Setsuko attended the 49th day mourning ceremony for their neighbor?
(a) His wife.
(b) His mother.
(c) Koichi.
(d) His father.

13. What was the first rose Kazu says he ever held and where?
(a) A yellow rose in Shige's hut.
(b) A pink rose in Fukushima.
(c) A white rose at Shinsekai.
(d) A red rose in Tokyo.

14. What artist's work is on exhibit at the Ueno Royal Art Museum?
(a) Redoute.
(b) Gaugin.
(c) Picasso.
(d) Monet.

15. Kazu listens to two women speak of how there are fewer of which type of bird in the area?
(a) Wrens.
(b) Sparrows.
(c) Robins.
(d) Goldfinches.

Short Answer Questions

1. What did Yoko do for her father after Setsuko dies?

2. What was the name of the hostess Kazu met at the caberet club in Shinsekai?

3. What did Shige say he and Kazu needed to find shelter from the day after he invited Kazu to his hut?

4. After seeing a man emerge from his hut near Tenri Bridge, Kazu recalls several days five years after he became homeless when he searched for somewhere in the park to do what?

5. What are some other things people ask God for in the notes they leave at the temple?

(see the answer keys)

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