Reading Check questions are designed for in-class review on key plot points or for quick verbal or written assessments. Multiple Choice and Short Answer Quizzes create ideal summative assessments, and collectively function to convey a sense of the work’s tone and themes.

Section 1: “Kitchen”

Reading Check

1. Why does Mikage move in with Yuichi and Eriko?

2. How does Yuichi know Mikage?

3. Why did Yuichi’s maternal family disown Eriko?

4. What comforts Mikage after she breaks down crying on her bus ride?

5. Why is Yuichi so shocked by Mikage’s dream?

Multiple Choice

1. What reason does Mikage give for living with Yuichi and Eriko?

A) She is desperate for a place to stay.

B) She recognizes that she and Yuichi share a worldview on loneliness and loss.

C) She sees Eriko as a role model.

D) She longs to erase the memories of her old home.

2. Why are people at university gossiping about Mikage, according to Sotaro?

A) because they think she is in a relationship with Yuichi

B) because she has ignored her classes

C) because she is living with Eriko, a transgender woman

D) because they think she must have inherited a great deal of money

3. What concern does Eriko have about Yuichi’s temperament?

A) He’s cruel to people.

B) He’s too sensitive.

C) He’s too distant with people.

D) He’s lacking direction in life.

4. How does Mikage respond to the gift of a banana glass?