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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. Alex Van Ness is

2. Carl Heine and Susan Marie Heine's marriage was a relationship based on

3. When recess is called, Judge Fielding asks

4. At the trial, Susan Marie's demeanor inspires

5. When Ishmael begged Hatsue to hold him

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Ishmael not take his information from the coast guard directly to Judge Fielding as he figures he father would have done?

2. Things are looking grim for Kabuo Miyamoto. Why does the fishing gaff appear to be the perfect weapon for Kabuo to have used to murder Carl Heine, Jr.

3. Why does Moran suspect the blow to Carl Heine's head was from a kendo stick?

4. What scenario has prosecutor, Alvin Hooks, cooked up to try to bolster his case against Kabuo?

5. What is Alvin Hooks' motivation in trying to convict Kabuo? How would winning the case benefit Nels Gudmundsson?

6. What is it that keeps Alexander Van Ness from agreeing to convict Kabuo Miyamoto?

7. What is peculiar about islanders and their relationships?

8. The idea of inclement weather has been woven throughout the story, including the heavy snowfall that has caused problems during the trial of Kabuo Miyamoto. What inspires Ishmael's decision to check with the coast guard about weather conditions at the time of Carl Heine's demise?

9. Describe what Ishmael discovered in the Coast Guard radioman's notes.

10. Explain how Carl's blood ended up on the handle of Kabuo's fishing gaff.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At one point in this story, Ishmael feels a certain strange fondness for his memories of the very worst moments of his life, as well as for the sense of chaos around him. This phenomenon has surfaced from other soldiers who have been at the front lines of battle. At the library, look find the book entitled "The World Within War" by Gerald Linderman. In Chapter 6, Linderman describes what may seem barbaric to some, but what may be familiar to some shell-shocked soldiers -- a certain delight in destruction. Read this chapter and compare with Guterman's description of Ishmael Chambers in Chapter 30 of "Snow Falling on Cedars." Teach your readers about this rather astonishing concept.

Essay Topic 2

Cedar trees are some of the most magical, aromatic trees on earth. Research cedars and report on where they thrive, their size and environment, their uses and their native habitats. Include photos and, if you live near cedars, a small frond of the fragrant tree. Include any threats to cedars, as well as what conditions make them thrive. Let your imagination help you better understand the atmosphere in the hollow cedar tree, and write about that, as well.

Essay Topic 3

The Japanese diet has always been considered sparse and healthy. Research today's typical diet for the typical Japanese family, both in the US and Japan. Do they have a higher or lower mortality rate? Has their diet changed considerably in the past decades? What are the predominant health problems among Japanese? Americans? Compare and contrast.

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