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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. After taking care of his car, what does the narrator do at the start of the story?
(a) Assists another driver.
(b) Drops his wallet.
(c) Buys an ice cream cone.
(d) Records data in a logbook.

2. What does the cashier confirm to the narrator?
(a) His cousin teaches him a few words spoken in Sri Lanka.
(b) There is a good Sri Lankan restaurant thirty miles away.
(c) He is from Sri Lanka.
(d) There is a huge community of Sri Lankans in London.

3. When the narrator and the cashier strike up a conversation, what does the narrator want to know?
(a) If there are many Sri Lankans living in London.
(b) If the cashier is from Sri Lanka.
(c) If there's a good Sri Lankan restaurant nearby.
(d) If the cashier knows what language is spoken in Sri Lanka.

4. What is the narrator doing as the story opens?
(a) Painting his car.
(b) Washing his car.
(c) Replacing the battery of his car.
(d) Filling the tank of his car.

5. What is the cashier's immigration status?
(a) Refugee.
(b) Dual citizen.
(c) Illegal immigrant.
(d) Naturalized citizen.

6. With Joseph gone, Triton goes from being houseboy to being ___.
(a) Errand boy.
(b) Housekeeper.
(c) Gardener.
(d) Butler.

7. Among the many new tasks Mr. Salgado gives Joseph in preparation for his absence due to a trip, the most significant is ___.
(a) Baking cookies.
(b) Digging an irrigation ditch.
(c) Raking leaves.
(d) Taking inventories.

8. After recording information about his car, what does the narrator do?
(a) Goes to pay for the gasoline.
(b) Takes his old battery in for recycling.
(c) Waxes his car.
(d) Closes his cans of paint.

9. Who stumbles towards the narrator and the cashier as the two are engrossed in conversation?
(a) Drunk man.
(b) Mutual friend.
(c) Police officer.
(d) Distraught child.

10. As Triton waits to meet Mr. Salgado, he:
(a) Chats with a friend.
(b) Plays his guitar.
(c) Sits on the floor.
(d) Paces in the courtyard.

11. How does Joseph react when Triton shortens the broom handle?
(a) Locks him in the basement.
(b) Complains bitterly.
(c) Buys a new broom.
(d) Laughs good-naturedly.

12. How does Joseph feel and act towards Triton?
(a) He resents him.
(b) He treats him kindly.
(c) He largely ignores him.
(d) He takes him under his wing.

13. When the cashier experiences technical difficulties, what does he consider doing?
(a) Throwing the unit away.
(b) Quitting his job.
(c) Rummaging through the shed.
(d) Calling for help.

14. What does the word "kolla" mean in Sinhala?
(a) Boy.
(b) Reef.
(c) Soda.
(d) Beginnings.

15. Does the cashier understand the suggestions the narrator gives him in a Sri Lankan language?
(a) He understands some.
(b) He pretends he does not understand.
(c) No, he doesn't.
(d) No, but he pretends he understands.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Triton run away from home?

2. When Mr. Salgado returns from his trip and finds Joseph first missing and later drunk, what does he do?

3. When the cashier mentions the part of Sri Lanka that he's from, what does the narrator think of?

4. Where does the cashier invite the narrator to?

5. What is Triton worried about, regarding being under Joseph's rule?

(see the answer keys)

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