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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Karl ask Pollunder about on the drive out to the country?
(a) His uncle.
(b) Klara.
(c) The business.
(d) American customs.

2. After dinner, what does Karl realize he finds incomprehensible?
(a) The exact nature of his uncle's business.
(b) The attitude the Pollunders are now taking toward Green.
(c) Pollunder's lack of supervision of Klara's activities.
(d) Social expectations in his new country.

3. What is the stoker's job?
(a) He makes sure the ship is on course.
(b) He assists the head chef.
(c) He carries passenger luggage.
(d) He tends the fire that powers the ship.

4. Besides the letter and his trunk, what else does Pollunder give Karl?
(a) Money.
(b) A cap.
(c) A business card.
(d) A pen.

5. When Karl tries to use some New York expressions during dinner with Green and Pollunder, what is their response?
(a) They are offended.
(b) They are impressed.
(c) They are puzzled.
(d) They are amused.

6. What item from his trunk does Karl think of giving to the stoker?
(a) A 10 Pfennig coin.
(b) A piece of salami.
(c) A cat's eye marble.
(d) A pair of woolen socks.

7. What does Klara say she would like Karl to do for her?
(a) Teach her jujitsu.
(b) Pass a message to Jakob.
(c) Play some music.
(d) Teach her German.

8. What makes Karl feel better about the early hour at which he has to get up for his riding lessons?
(a) The view of the sunrise from his balcony.
(b) The hearty breakfasts he is served.
(c) The novelty of having a valet help him dress.
(d) The luxury of his bathtub.

9. What is the attitude Green takes toward Klara that so offends Karl?
(a) He fawns on her because Pollunder is his boss.
(b) He dismisses her opinions because of her sex.
(c) He seems to barely realize Klara is in the room.
(d) He flatters her and is flirtatious.

10. Which is the most accurate description of the stoker's room?
(a) Cramped and poorly lit.
(b) Smelly and loud.
(c) Cold and damp.
(d) Dirty and disorganized.

11. Why does Pollunder drive down mostly side streets once they reach the suburbs?
(a) He wants Karl to see more of the area.
(b) The main road is blocked by striking workers.
(c) He is looking for an address.
(d) The police have set up checkpoints on the main road.

12. What sign does Karl notice that causes him to feel he needs to intervene in the stoker's explanation?
(a) The attendant has gone out to fetch someone.
(b) The stoker is becoming too upset to continue speaking.
(c) The men in the office are growing restless.
(d) The captain's face is starting to look angry.

13. What argument does Pollunder give to persuade Jakob to let Karl come for a visit?
(a) Karl will have a chance to learn more about the business.
(b) His cook has already prepared dinner for a guest.
(c) His daughter is looking forward to the visit.
(d) Karl will have an opportunity to practice his English.

14. What item of his does Karl expect to find in the dining room?
(a) His pocket watch.
(b) His hat.
(c) His gloves.
(d) His umbrella.

15. What does Jakob insist that Karl be home in the morning in time to do?
(a) Attend his music lesson.
(b) Attend his riding lesson.
(c) Attend his English lesson.
(d) Attend his etiquette lesson.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Karl almost fall from a window at the Pollunder house?

2. During the dinner with Pollunder and Green, what is their treatment of Karl compared to?

3. By the time dinner is over, how does Karl feel about Klara?

4. Who is the author of Amerika?

5. How did Jakob find out about why Karl was sent to the United States?

(see the answer keys)

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