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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. Kino's father says that living in the midst of danger _______________________.

2. Jiya points out that there is no _________________ for those who live on the islands.

3. How often do Kino and Jiya visit the deserted beach?

4. How does Kino feel after Jiya and Setsu move to the beach?

5. How does Kino's family feel when Jiya returns to be part of their family?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Jiya feel initially when he sees the new house being built on the beach?

2. What does Jiya tell the Old Gentleman about why the villagers are brave?

3. Why is Kino's father open to the offer that the Old Gentleman makes regarding Jiya?

4. How does Jiya introduce the fact to Kino that he loves Setsu?

5. Why is the Old Gentleman frustrated with the young men building the house on the beach?

6. What is Jiya's rationale for why the Old Gentleman's castle is no safer than a house on the beach?

7. How do people in the village measure time now?

8. How does Kino show his selflessness regarding Jiya's decision and why does Jiya refuse to stay at the Old Gentleman's castle?

9. How does Kino's father compare the gateway of death to the gateway of life so that Kino will have a better understanding?

10. How does Kino spend his time during the days when Jiya is healing?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Buck uses more than one instance of irony in the book. Cite at least two examples you can identify in the story and note why they are examples of irony.

Essay Topic 2

Create a brief character study of the Old Gentleman. What does he look like? What are his positive personality traits? What are some of his negative characteristics? What are his hopes and fears? What motivates him--if anything--at this point in his life?

Essay Topic 3

THE BIG WAVE is a classic coming of age story. What does that classification entail? Why does this book fit into this category? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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