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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Kazu walked the earth around Shino-bazu Pond the last time he had to evacuate Ueno Park and recalled what of the Pond's history?
(a) It was the location of the former Imperial Palace.
(b) It was once a horse-racing track.
(c) It was where his ancestors first arrived.
(d) It was a burial ground for unknown soldiers.

2. How old did Shige tell Kazu he was when he had his only child?
(a) 55.
(b) 20.
(c) 17.
(d) 40.

3. Why did Kazu not want Shige to tell him what he had done to hurt his family?
(a) Kazu did not care about Shige.
(b) Kazu was afraid he might have to turn Shige in to the police.
(c) Kazu feared if Shige confessed a crime he will have to kill Kazu.
(d) Kazu felt he would then have to share his story with Shige.

4. What was the first sign something is unusual the morning Kazu woke up after the 49th day mourning ceremony?
(a) The house was empty.
(b) He did not hear Setsuko talking on the phone.
(c) It was still dark when he woke.
(d) He did not smell Setsuko's miso cooking.

5. How long had Kazu and his wife been married at the time Kazu stopped working in Tokyo?
(a) 37 years.
(b) 45 years.
(c) 17 years.
(d) 29 years.

Short Answer Questions

1. What did Shige ask Kazu to do with him the next day when they were in Shige's hut?

2. What temporary job could one register for if s/he had a license and a cell phone and wanted to avoid dangerous work?

3. What did Kazu urge his granddaughter not to do in the note he left for her?

4. What monument did Shige tell Kazu was initially meant to be placed near the Imperial Palace but was deemed indecent?

5. What edible product did some homeless people sell to make enough money to feed themselves?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Kazu respond to the gift Yoko and Setsuko had given him for his 60th birthday and why?

2. What type of work might homeless people do to earn money either as day laborers or regular work?

3. Why were the homeless often evacuated from Ueno Park and where would they go?

4. Describe the homeless man Kazu sees on one of the "sarcophagus-like stone benches" (100). How does he know he is homeless? Why might others not know?

5. How old is Kazu when he begins going to Shinsekai? How long after his son's death does he begin to go there? What is Shinsekai?

6. Describe the last night Kazu sees Junko.

7. Describe the conversation Kazu overhears between two women at the art exhibit.

8. What gift from Yoko and Setsuko did Kazu still wear while homeless? Why did he think about removing it when he considered dying?

9. Who does Kazu meet at Shinsekai? Describe their relationship.

10. Who is Mari? What does she do for Kazu after Setsuo's death? How does their relationship end?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 963 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample