A Single Shard

Multiple Choice and Long Answer questions create ideal opportunities for whole-book review, unit exam, or summative assessments.

Multiple Choice

1. How is Tree-ear’s reaction to Min’s shattered samples an example of foreshadowing?

A) The pottery is broken just as the two vases later will be.

B) He feels despair in both cases.

C) He thinks the broken shards would have been enough to convince the emissary.

D) He collects both sets of fragments and throws them away.

2. Compare Ajima’s temperament to Min’s. Which pair of qualities below best describes the couple? 

A) Ajima is fearful, and Min is courageous.

B) Ajima is kind, and Min is impatient.

C) Ajima is clever, and Min is slow-witted.

D) Ajima dislikes Tree-ear while Min accepts him.

3. Tree-ear describes multiple steps in the pottery-making process. Which activity gives him the best understanding of the potter’s art? 

A) Chopping wood

B) Rinsing clay

C) Firing pots

D) Carrying back clay from the riverbank

4. Incised designs are an innovative feature of celadon pottery. What sort of work do they entail?

A) Scraping glaze off a fired pot

B) Painting a design on a glazed pot

C) Firing a pot in the kiln at a specific temperature

D) Carving a recessed design into unfired clay

5. Crane-man has very strong views about honorable ways to make a living. Which of these options comes closest to what he says on the subject in the novel?

A) Foraging and scavenging give dignity.

B) Thievery is the best way to survive.

C) One should always accept a handout.

D) Food is limited and should not be shared with others.

6. Tree-ear sees a similar expression in the eyes of three separate figures. Who are they?

A) Ajima, Crane-man, Emissary Kim

B) Min, the two bandits

C) Kang, Ajima, the fox

D) Min, Crane-man, Ajima

7. Min is the only potter in town who works outdoors, in public view. What conclusion does Tree-ear draw about Min’s character from this activity?

A) Fresh air inspires him.

B) He likes to show off in front of others.

C) He wants others to copy his work.

D) He is confident in his skill.

8. Tree-ear sees celadon pottery-making as a fusion of various elements, both tangible and intangible. What are they?

A) Toil and hope

B) Human ingenuity and nature

C) The rarest clay and new techniques

D) Water and earth

9. What does the Rock of the Falling Flowers symbolize in terms of the novel’s themes?

A) Forgiveness

B) Wistfulness

C) Courage

D) Pride

10. Describe Crane-man’s reaction to seeing a fox.

A) He drives it away.

B) He befriends and feeds it.

C) He runs from it and hides.

D) He continues on his journey.

Long Answer

Compose a response of 2-3 sentences, incorporating text details to support your response.

1. Tree-ear’s journey to Songdo changes him. How is he different after completing his mission from who he was at the beginning of the story?

2. Min’s perception of Tree-ear changes over the course of the novel. Describe how his attitude toward the boy transforms.