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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 were destroyed to make Shinto shrines?

2. Who cries tears of joy at the birthday feast?

3. Who watches Grandfather meditate?

4. What is wrong with Grandfather's feet?

5. After Grandfather's death, why does Sookan think she is being punished?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Mother obtain gifts and food for Haiwon's party?

2. Why don't the Sock Girls run away when Mother tells them to?

3. Why does Mother give up her hairpin and what does she get for it?

4. What do the factory workers try to do to prevent being taken away to become Spirit Girls?

5. What does the family do for Haiwon's birthday?

6. How does Sookan try to cheer up Inchun after the pine tree is cut down?

7. What does Captain Narita do to punish the family for having a party?

8. Why does Sookan wonder if the Japanese have god-like powers?

9. What will probably happen if the factory workers become Spirit Girls?

10. Describe how Unhi helps Sookan at school.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain ways in which Sookan's family resisted oppression, perhaps mentioning:

1) Haiwon's birthday

2) Sookan and Inchun being taught Korean language and culture

3) Escaping Communist rule

Essay Topic 2

Explore and discuss examples of compassion exhibited by characters within "Year of Impossible Goodbyes."

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the antagonists of the story, perhaps mentioning:

1) Captain Narita

2) Narita Sensei

3) Comrade Kim

(see the answer keys)

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