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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. After the monsoon, what does the family gather when they drain the rice terraces?
(a) Leaves for the roof repairs.
(b) Worms.
(c) Fish.
(d) Fresh soil.

2. What is the roof on Nathan's hut made from?
(a) Coconut fronds.
(b) Dried wheat shafts.
(c) Bamboo shoots.
(d) Rice leaves.

3. As the story opens, what is Rukmani dreaming of?
(a) Moving back to the city.
(b) Nathan being with her.
(c) Seeing her new grandchildren.
(d) Ira's upcoming wedding.

4. After the monsoon, rice is scarce. Who are Rukmani and Nathan forced to buy rice from?
(a) Biswas.
(b) Kunthi.
(c) Hanuman.
(d) Janaki.

5. Which one of the villagers is scornful of Rukmani's writing skills?
(a) Biswas.
(b) Kunthi.
(c) Kali.
(d) Janaki.

6. What is Rukmani doing when she first meets the other women in Nathan's village?
(a) Carrying water.
(b) Reading.
(c) Working in the fields.
(d) Laundry.

7. After learning that Nathan killed a cobra, Kali disagrees with his action. Why?
(a) Kali believes that cobras are sacred.
(b) Cobras are good luck.
(c) Cobras are territorial and now many more will come to the garden.
(d) Kali belives that killed cobras are reincarnated as evil people.

8. Why do Rukmani's parents arrange her marriage to Nathan?
(a) Nathan is a member of the ruling class.
(b) Nathan lives in the same town.
(c) Rukmani is in love with Nathan.
(d) Nathan requires no dowry.

9. In Chapter 12, Rukmani also learns that Selvam is leaving the village. What is his new job?
(a) He is a brick layer.
(b) He is a farmer.
(c) He is a servant.
(d) He is a tannery official.

10. What do Nathan's sons do on their one day off from the tannery each week?
(a) They work with Nathan in the fields.
(b) They help their mother with household chores.
(c) They spend their time in the local tavern.
(d) They travel to the nearby village to see their friends.

11. What is the result of the strike for Arjun and Thambi?
(a) They receive longer breaks.
(b) They lose their jobs.
(c) They receive higher wages.
(d) They are promoted.

12. Why does Rukmani stay until her friend's baby is delivered?
(a) Rukmani is asked to stay.
(b) The midwife never shows up.
(c) Rukmani is preparing a celebratory feast.
(d) Rukmani is the woman's best friend.

13. Which of Rukmani's sons always has a book or two nearby and has learned to read and write to a far greater level that what his mother taught him?
(a) Thambi.
(b) Selvam.
(c) Irawaddy.
(d) Arjun.

14. At the beginning of Chapter 11, why does Nathan leave the village?
(a) He is going to the city to buy new rice seed.
(b) He is going to attend a relative's funeral.
(c) He is searching for Arjun.
(d) He is searching for a new husband for Ira.

15. What does Nathan do ten days after the birth of his son?
(a) Baptizes his son.
(b) Offers sacrifices to the fertility gods.
(c) Holds a celebratory feast.
(d) Has the child circumsized.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Rukmani set aside at the end of every month?

2. How does Rukmani address Nathan?

3. Why is Rukmani's mother upset with the choice of Nathan as Rukmani's husband?

4. When does Nathan accompany Rukmani into the village?

5. What fruit does Rukmani first grow that earns Nathan's praise?

(see the answer keys)

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