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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. As Triton closes up the main house following the Christmas Eve dinner, who does he find together on the sofa?

2. With Mr. Salgado spending more time out of the house with his new job, Triton spends more time doing what?

3. When does Miss Nili start visiting Mr. Salgado?

4. While the group has dinner at the observatory, Mr. Salgado talks about an idea he has about creating an instrument to ___.

5. What does Miss Nili advise regarding the holiday decor?

Short Essay Questions

1. During the festive dinner party at his home with Miss Nili and several other distinguished guests, what does Mr. Salgado talk about?

2. What happens after Mr. Salgado accuses Miss Nili of sleeping with Robert?

3. How does the relationship between Mr. Salgado and Miss Nili change after the Christmas Eve party?

4. How does Triton grow and evolve from "Part I, Kolla" to "Part II, Cook's Joy" in Reef?

5. What does Mr. Salgado do on Christmas Eve?

6. What gift does Nili bring Triton on Christmas Eve after the dinner party?

7. Why is the death of Sri Lanka's "most flamboyant millionaire" a hot topic of conversation among Mr. Salgado, Miss Nili, and their circle of friends?

8. How is Triton's name a fitting choice in light of the story's theme and setting?

9. For Christmas, what does Mr. Salgado do for the first time since Triton came to work for him?

10. Describe Nili's reaction when she accompanies Triton to the fish market.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast Triton, the narrator, with Mr. Salgado, the main character. Explain their differences and similarities. How does the reader view the world through the lens of the narrator? How does the narrator become one of the story's main characters?

Essay Topic 2

Explain, in detail, why the following minor characters are important to the development of the story. What does each one contribute to the narrative?

1. Joseph.

2. Lucy-amma.

3. Wijetunga.

Essay Topic 3

Although he starts out without any cooking skills, Triton evolves into an accomplished chef. Analyze how this culinary evolution mirrors Triton's personal transformation with respect to his self-esteem, confidence, and self-perception.

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