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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. What kind of tree rises out of the mound in Christopher's garden in Shanghai?

2. In chapter one Christopher remembers coming from Cambridge to London in the summer of which year?

3. What composer's music underscores Christopher and Sarah's conversation at the end of the Foundation dinner?

4. What is Christopher's initial explanation for Akira's reverence for Mrs. Banks?

5. What kind of lawn did Christopher's family have in their garden in Shanghai?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to Christopher and Sarah at David Corbett's luncheon on Lower Regent Street?

2. Describe Christopher's reunion with Colonel Chamberlain.

3. Describe two examples of what Christopher refers to as "someone disapproving him and only just managing to conceal it."

4. Describe the game Christopher and Akira invent.

5. What does Sarah tell Christopher about marriage?

6. How is Christopher put in a difficult position when Uncle Philip suggests a trip to the racecourse?

7. Describe Sir Cecil Medhurst's speech at the Meredith Foundation Dinner.

8. How is Jennifer's nanny selected?

9. What does Akira believe about Ling Tien?

10. Where is Charles Emery's body found?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In chapter sixteen, Sarah urges Christopher to run away with her to Macao. What does Macao represent? Why is Macao particularly enticing to Christopher when Sarah asks him? On an emotional level, what prevents Christopher from making it there?

Essay Topic 2

Choose three examples of Christopher's perception of himself clashing with others' perception of him. What is the effect of this perception gap? Why do you think Ishiguro uses this device?

Essay Topic 3

The motif of the outsider is featured in WHEN WE WERE ORPHANS. Choose three scenes from the novel where Ishiguro uses this motif to advance the plot and develop characters. How is this done?

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