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

2. After being caught having a feast, what does Grandfather ask the family to do?

3. During her first day at school, what does Sookan do at lunch?

4. What happens to the person who tries to save the factory workers form being taken away?

5. What does Captain Narita do to punish Grandfather?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do you think Mother did not want Inchun and Sookan to rub Grandfather's feet?

2. Describe Haiwon.

3. How does Sookan try to cheer up Inchun after the pine tree is cut down?

4. What does Sookan learn by rubbing Grandfather's feet?

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

6. Who is Father Carroll, and why is he important?

7. Why don't the Sock Girls run away when Mother tells them to?

8. Describe the family business.

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

10. Who is Sookan's teacher at school, and why is this significant?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain ways in which Sookan's family resisted oppression, perhaps mentioning:

1) Haiwon's birthday

2) Sookan and Inchun being taught Korean language and culture

3) Escaping Communist rule

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Sookan's education within the novel, mentioning:

1) Japanese school

2) Little Proletariat School

3) Grandfather's home lessons

4) Sookan's school in Seoul.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 658 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample