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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. What does the ship do in its next port?

2. What do Hong and Chen travel on towards Beijing?

3. Where does Chen rank for the last exam?

4. At what does General Ma think Hong is a natural?

5. Where does the sailing vessel that Hong and Chen are traveling go?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is available to Chen for a position, what is he considering and how does Hong feel about Chen making up his mind?

2. Why is General Ma disappointed about Hong and what does he invite Hong to do?

3. What does Hong decide to do after Chen takes a position and what does Sun Qi give Hong?

4. Where does Hong go when he escapes the pirates and who helps him?

5. How is Hong going to get a message from Tang Wangai?

6. How is Chen feeling when he starts his examination in Beijing and how does he feel at the end of it?

7. How did Chen do on the examination, what is he called and who gives him his diploma?

8. Where does the boat stop and Chen looks for Meng Dafu? What do the brothers do after that?

9. How does Hong find information about the locusts and his village?

10. What happens with Hong after he receives the message from Tang?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the world of academia, historical fiction is often considered an inferior form of the novel compared to "classic" literature. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think historical fiction might be considered second-rate compared to the classics?

2. Do you think historical fiction has the same elements as the classics? Why or why not?

3. What are the purposes do you think for people reading "the classics"? What are the purposes for people reading historical fiction? Is one purpose better than another? Explain your response.

4. Would you read historical fiction even outside an educational setting? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in "The Examination". Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Bosse chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Bosse chooses the metaphors he does?

3. Discuss Bosse's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, clifthangers, deux ex machina, etc...), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Bosse use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

Essay Topic 3

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think "The Examination" is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

(see the answer keys)

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