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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 do most Koreans eat?

2. What type of tree does Grandfather meditate under?

3. What did Grandfather used to have?

4. Who is the narrator of "Year of Impossible Goodbyes"?

5. Who tries to prevent Sookan and Inchun from washing Grandfather's feet?

Short Essay Questions

1. After Grandfather's death, why does Sookan feel that she is being punished and by who?

2. What does the family do for Haiwon's birthday?

3. What is significant about the names of Sookan's brothers?

4. What happens at lunch during Sookan's first day at school?

5. Why is Mother's hairpin significant?

6. What happens when Captain Narita finds the family having a birthday party?

7. What did Grandfather used to wear, and why did he have to get rid of it?

8. What do the factory workers try to do to prevent being taken away to become Spirit Girls?

9. Do you think that it was wise of Grandfather to meditate under the tree?

10. What will probably happen if the factory workers become Spirit Girls?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explore and discuss the ways in which the Japanese and Russians attempted to control the Koreans, being sure to mention:

1) Propaganda

2) Schoolchildren

3) Forced labor.

Essay Topic 2

Argue whether the setting in "Year of Impossible Goodbyes" is pivotal to the story.

Essay Topic 3

Explore and discuss examples of compassion exhibited by characters within "Year of Impossible Goodbyes."

(see the answer keys)

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