View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does Christopher ask his driver to point him?

2. What does Uncle Philip say happened to Christopher's father?

3. Where is Christopher told he may find Sir Cecil and Sarah?

4. Where does Christopher meet Sarah on the day they are to leave?

5. What do the Japanese soldiers tell Christopher about Akira?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Christopher's encounter with Sarah and Sir Cecil at the Lucky Chance Club.

2. What happens at the consulate when Christopher asks to meet with Mr. MacDonald?

3. What does Uncle Philip say happened to Christopher's parents?

4. Describe Christopher and Akira's entry into Yeh Chen's house.

5. Describe the Inn of Morning Happiness.

6. What happens when the lieutenant tells Christopher that they must wait before continuing to Yeh Chen's house?

7. How does the man driving Christopher to meet Sarah prove to be very useful?

8. Describe Christopher's return to his childhood home.

9. What vital clue does Kung reveal to Christopher?

10. What does Christopher learn about Inspector Kung from Morgan?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As a child Christopher revered the great Inspector Kung. As a grown man Christopher meets the Inspector and discovers he has become a disheveled old drunk. How is this a turning point for Christopher? How is Christopher's meeting with Kung a warning to him? How does it drive him forward?

Essay Topic 2

What role does Christopher's relationship with Akira play in the story? How does it evolve? How does it shape the man Christopher becomes?

Essay Topic 3

Social distinctions play a prominent role in WHEN WE WERE ORPHANS. Discuss how Ishiguro uses social distinctions to advance the plot and to define relationships between characters. Use examples from Shanghai and Britain.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 838 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample