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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. How does Christopher feel about his chances of bringing his case in Shanghai to a happy conclusion?

2. According to Sir Cecil, for what do people often mistake Sarah?

3. What killings does Christopher ask MacDonald about?

4. What landmark is Christopher looking for?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Uncle Philip offer Christopher at the end of their meeting?

2. Describe Christopher's reunion with his mother.

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

4. How does Christopher feel about his reunion with Akira?

5. How is Christopher treated at the police station?

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

7. What happens to Christopher as he is finishing his lunch on the day he is to leave for Macao?

8. What odd habit does Christopher observe in the people of Shanghai?

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

10. What is Jennifer's proposal for herself and Christopher?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is Jennifer's role in the story? What does she represent for Christopher? Why is Christopher so eager to adopt her?

Essay Topic 2

What role does detection play in WHEN WE WERE ORPHANS? What inherent qualities in Christopher's character do you think lead him to this career choice? How do his family circumstances shape him as a detective?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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