Ink & Identity
What is the traditional syllable pattern of a haiku?
A. 3-5-3
B. 5-7-5
C. 7-5-7
D. 5-5-5
It is a significant truth about life and human nature that is exhibited by words, actions and decisions of characters. This element of fiction is known as ______________________
A. Setting
B. Point of View
C. plot
D. Theme
Answer: D. Theme
Theme is the overall message of the literary text which is usually a general truth about human life.
A mechanism in which a narrative sequence of events (story) is structured and organized is called _____________
A. point of view
B. plot
C. literary device
D. denouement
Answer: B Plot
The plot involves the way the action/events are presented in fiction materials. Denouement is a part of the plot while literary device may be embedded in the plot. Point of view is the angle of the narration
Memoirs, which are first-person accounts of personally or historically significant events, may be classified under:
A. biography
B. autobiographical writing
C. fiction
D. drama
Answer: B. autobiographical writing
Memoirs are first person accounts where the writers are either participants or eyewitnesses.
What is the primary function of Rice Pounding Songs in Myanmar?
A. Religious chanting
B. Entertainment for aristocrats
C. Coordinating communal labor
D. A form of protest songs
Answer: C) Coordinating communal labor
Explanation: These songs help synchronize the physical rhythm of pounding rice, making labor more efficient and fostering community spirit.
What makes Rice Pounding Songs an example of a work song?
A. They are sung by professional and ordinary musicians.
B. They accompany manual labor, improving efficiency and morale.
C. They are composed by famous poets and recorded in history books.
D. They require formal training to perform for socialization.
Answer: B) They accompany manual labor, improving efficiency and morale.
Explanation: Work songs are traditionally used to coordinate tasks, and Rice Pounding Songs serve this function during rice preparation.
Who wrote The Canterbury Tales?
A. Geoffrey Chaucer
B. William Shakespeare
C. John Milton
D. Thomas Malory
A. Geoffrey Chaucer
How does Bashō create contrast in the poem “Silent Pond”?
A. By describing an old pond and a young frog
B. By contrasting movement with stillness
C. By comparing the frog’s size to the pond’s depth
D. By describing a storm immediately after the frog jumps
In the Taximan’s Story, what cultural value does the taximan emphasize in his complaints about young people?
A. The importance of creativity and self-expression B. The need for respect toward elders and tradition C. The rejection of Western influence
D. The encouragement of rebellion against authority
Which of the following is one of the recurring themes in Arabian Nights?
A. The power of storytelling
B. The importance of greed
C. The dangers of loyalty
D. The failure of intelligence
What does the shepherd’s offer symbolize in The Passionate Shepherd to His Love?
A. The temporary nature of material wealth
B. The idealized and eternal love in poetry
C. The realities of marriage in the countryside
D. The difficulty of true commitment
Answer: B
Explanation: The shepherd’s promises represent idealized love rather than reality.
The metaphor of the "Pilot" in "Crossing the Bar" most likely represents:
A. The speaker’s father
B. A lost sailor
C. A close friend
D. God or a divine force
Answer: D. God or a divine force
Tennyson refers to God as the "Pilot," guiding the speaker beyond life’s journey.
How does the novel Frankenstein end?
A. Victor is reunited with Elizabeth and retires C. Victor dies and the Creature disappears into the Arctic to die
B. The Creature is captured and imprisoned D. The Creature becomes the new narrator
Answer: C. Victor dies and the Creature disappears into the Arctic to die
Explanation: After Victor’s death, the Creature expresses remorse and announces his plan to end his life.
What is the significance of the Tale of Sinuhe in Egyptian literature?
A. It was the first recorded religious text
B. It is one of the earliest examples of historical fiction
C. It introduced the concept of Egyptian gods
D. It served as a legal document
How does the story, “The Crane” reflect the effects of the Korean War?
A. It shows how families and friendships were torn apart by political divisions.
B. It portrays war as a necessary evil for progress.
C. It glorifies military leaders who made difficult choices.
D. It shows how war strengthened bonds between people.
What is a major difference between the shepherd and the nymph’s perspectives?
A. The shepherd believes in destiny, while the nymph believes in free will.
B. The shepherd is concerned with material wealth, while the nymph values love.
C. The shepherd idealizes love, while the nymph is grounded in reality.
D. The shepherd wants to live in the city, while the nymph prefers nature.
Answer: C
Explanation: The shepherd views love romantically and idealistically, while the nymph takes a pragmatic and realistic approach.
. In "Because I Could Not Stop for Death", what does the setting sun symbolize?
A. A reminder of life's beauty
B. A sign of rebirth
C. The warmth and comfort of death
D. The passage of time and the end of life
Answer: D. The passage of time and the end of life
The setting sun represents the end of the speaker’s earthly existence.
What does the Ghost symbolize in the play “Hamlet”?
A. Hamlet’s madness and quest for revenge
B. Denmark’s future glory
C. The unresolved past and the demand for justice
D. Divine intervention
Answer: C. The unresolved past and the demand for justice
Explanation: The Ghost represents the lingering presence of King Hamlet and symbolizes how the sins of the past must be
A Japanese Folktale entitled “the Story of the Aged Mother” speaks about all; EXCEPT _________________.
A. the fate of the common people under a despot is grim.
B. the Daimyo’s unreasonable order is seemingly a boast of his power
C. a citizen’s disobedience toward a cruel mandate ends tragically
D. it is an exhibit of the saying: with a crown of snow, there cometh wisdom
C. “A citizen’s disobedience toward a cruel mandate ends tragically.”
❌ This is NOT TRUE (and thus, the correct answer to the question).
In the story, the son disobeys the Daimyo’s order by secretly saving his mother. However, his disobedience does not end tragically. In fact, his mother’s wisdom later helps solve a difficult problem for the Daimyo, leading the ruler to revoke his cruel law. This disobedience actually results in a positive outcome.
What lesson can be drawn from the Pardoner’s own actions after telling his tale?
A. Hypocrisy often undermines moral teachings
B. People can always change for the better
C. Greed is a virtue
D The best way to spread morality is through storytelling
Answer: A) Hypocrisy often undermines moral teachings
Explanation: The Pardoner’s attempt to sell indulgences after warning against greed highlights the hypocrisy of corrupt religious figures.
How might a reader’s personal experiences shape their interpretation of the A Road Not Taken’s final line?
A. Some may see it as triumphant, while others see it as regretful
B. Everyone agrees the speaker is happy with his choice
C. The speaker’s emotions are irrelevant to interpretation
D. The final line is a factual statement rather than an emotional one
Answer: a) Some may see it as triumphant, while others see it as regretful
Explanation: Interpretation depends on whether the reader views life choices as empowering or burdensome.
Evaluate Hawthorne's criticism of Puritan society through the novel – The Scarlet Letter. Which of the following best reflects his message?
A. Society must punish all sinners equally and make the feel guilty.
B. Individuals can redeem themselves through personal strength.
C. Religious laws are necessary for social order and avoid conflict.
D. Women must obey patriarchal rules.
Answer: B. Individuals can redeem themselves through personal strength
Explanation: Hawthorne critiques the harshness of Puritanism and elevates personal integrity over societal judgment.
How does the transformation of Scrooge suggest that people can change at any point in life?
A. It suggests change is only possible through supernatural events.
B. It shows that older people are more likely to change.
C. It proves that personal reflection and empathy can lead to change, no matter how late.
D. It implies that change is rare and unrealistic.