A. Determining the main idea.

   Choose the best answer. Do not refer to the text.

The main idea of the story is that a young man named Atzel ______. ( D )

(a) became ill and nearly died

(b) was very lazy and was punished

(c) went to live in paradise and then returned

(d) had a strange illness and was finally cured

B. Comprehending the text.

   Choose the best answer.

1. From his old nurse's stories Atzel learned about all the following except that _______.  

( C )

(a) in paradise people didn't have to work or study

(b) in paradise there were good food and good wine

(c) people had fewer duties in paradise than on the earth

(d) people slept late into the day in paradise

2. Atzel imagined himself dead because he ______. ( C )

(a) was seriously ill

(b) knew he would die soon

(c) was afraid of taking over his father's business

(d) thought he was dead

3. After Dr. Yoetz first looked at Atzel, he ______. ( C )

(a) thought that Atzel was really dead and should be buried at once

(b) knew at once that Atzel was too ill to be cured 

(c) ordered that preparations be made for a funeral immediately

(d) told Atzel that his illness could be cured

4. When the doctor requested Atzel's parents make arrangements for their son's funeral, they ______. ( A )

(a) were frightened because they couldn't understand why

(b) were terribly afraid that there was no hope for Atzel

(c) were willing to do accordingly

(d) were happy because the doctor meant to cure the boy's illness

5.After Atzel was told he was already in paradise, he began to enjoy ______. ( A )

(a) good food and wine

(b) ordering angels about

(c) the beautiful scenery

(d) the sunshine

6. Atzel soon found that life in paradise was not as good as he had thought because ______. ( C )

(a) there was not enough fish, meat, fruit and wine for him

(b) people still had to work hard in paradise

(c) life in paradise was very dull

(d) he was told that he would live forever in paradise

7. Atzel finally wished to kill himself because ______. ( D )

(a) he knew that one had to work hard to live a meaningful life

(b) only thus could he be able to return to his parents and Aksah

(c) it was obvious to him that he would never be able to see his parents and Aksah again

(d) he had a desire to do something but there was nothing for him to do in paradise

8. When Atzel was told that he could be brought back to earth, ______. ( B )

(a)he realized that he had made a mistake

(b) he believed that someone had sent him to paradise by mistake

(c) he thought the news was too good to be true

(d) he was very happy since his illness was cured

C. Understanding vocabulary.

   Choose the correct definition according to the context.

1.It was taken for granted that when they grew up they would marry. ( A )

(a) assumed

(b) discussed

(c) decided

(d) known

2. The family did everything possible to try to convince Atzel that he was alive, but he refused to believe them. ( B )

(a) show Atzel clearly

(b) make Atzel believe

(c) argue with Atzel

(d) talk with Atzel 

3. In despair, Kadish went to consult a great specialist, celebrated for his knowledge and wisdom ( A )

(a) seek advice from

(b) look urgently for

(c) invite sincerely

(d) bring home

4. Atzel's face lit up with a smile and he said, "You see, I was right." ( D )

(a) look prettier 

(b) turned red 

(c) burned hot

(d) became brighter

5. Although Kadish and his wife were bewildered by the doctor's words, they remembered Kadish's promise, and went immediately to make arrangements for the funeral. ( A )

(a) preparations

(b) invitations

(c) studies

(d) a show

6. The chief servant clapped his hands and in came men servants and maids, all with wings on their backs, bearing golden trays laden with meat, fish, pomegranates and persimmons, pineapples and peaches. ( B )

(a) decorated with

(b) loaded with

(c) covered with

(d) scattered with

7. Atzel ate ravenously. ( B )

(a) very quickly

(b) extremely eagerly

(c) very gladly

(d) extremely carefully

8. In paradise the dwellings are too far from each other for visiting. ( C )

(a) villages

(b) gardens

(c) houses

(d) towns

9. "Right now, she's mourning for you." ( C )

(a) talking sadly

(b) saying good-bye

(c) feeling sad

(d) remembering well

10. Atzel was beside himself with joy. ( D )

(a) very happy

(b) very calm

(c) nearly confused

(d) almost mad

D. Discussing the following topics.

1. Why did Atzel want to kill himself after a few days' stay in paradise?

2. What do you think the moral of the story is?