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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 does the author say that nature has as opposed to what the diamonds had?

2. How old is the main character of the book?

3. What is the special herbal tea drunk in celebration of?

4. What are the young man and Tribal Elder participating in that allows for them to communicate freely?

5. What does the author begin to understand she is respecting about the land and the people of Australia?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the author suggest about indigenous people?

2. What do the tribe members reveal about their names?

3. What do the Aborigines speak of doing as a desire to change the trajectory of their future?

4. Describe the beginning of each day as the author experiences several weeks of walking.

5. What happens to the author's feet as a result of the initial walkabout?

6. What does the young man who reads her palm tell the author about why she has come to Australia?

7. Why does the tribe separate into two groups?

8. What do the members of the tribe seem to be working together to create and how does the author respond?

9. What are gravy and icing a symbol of?

10. What happens to the author that spikes a feeling of horror in her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In a discussion about gravy and icing, the author realizes that the Western culture emphasizes the unnecessary over the basic. In what ways is this true? In what ways is it a misconception? Does Western society truly compromise the basics; food, sex, water, reproduction, for fame, fortune and superficiality? Provide examples of Western Culture in your response including figureheads and influential people.

Essay Topic 2

Research the Aboriginal People from the middle of the 20th century to today. What has been their major causes of societal ills and concerns? What politics have played a part in their social position? How has racism affected their very way of life? What does their future look like, even with sweeping changes (or lack thereof). Use references from the text to cross-analyze your findings with that of your research.

Essay Topic 3

Describe the use of the literary element of foreshadowing, most evident in the rock. Also discuss how the Aborigine named Tribal Elder proves to be an important link to the author's past and present. What does the author hope to gain by using this literary device? Use examples of the text to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 818 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample