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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 school counselor informs Aisha that he has arranged a college interview for her in Section 4: Chapter 5?

2. What sign does Nadira's family pass in Section 2: Chapter 2 that causes Abba to rub his chest?

3. Who questions why Aisha applied to a college in Canada in Section 5: Chapter 6?

4. Where does Abba send his daughters when he is detained for having an expired visa in Section 2: Chapter 2?

5. After Abba is taken away, Nadira and Aisha help Ma buy a coat that is what color in Section 2: Chapter 2?

Short Essay Questions

1. What thoughts consume the Nadira and Aisha in Section 1: Chapter 1 as the family drives to seek asylum?

2. What scene does Aisha make publicly in Section 6: Chapter 8? Why?

3. How have Nadira's feelings about her sister changed at the end of Section 7: Chapter 9? Why?

4. What does Nadira say her father has taught her about morality in America in Section 6: Chapter 7?

5. What does Tim inform Nadira and Aisha regarding their father at the end of Section 5: Chapter 6?

6. What do Nadira and Aisha learn from Ali-uncle in Section 7: Chapter 9? What does Ali-uncle agree to do to help?

7. What Partition does Nadira describe in Section 3: Chapter 3? What was its impact on the Bengali people?

8. What does Abba's family do once he is taken away in Section 2: Chapter 2? How do they feel?

9. Why does Nadira seek her sister out at school in Section 7: Chapter 9? Where do they go after school?

10. What does Nadira relate of her sense of moral goodness in Section 6: Chapter 7? How does she relate this to her ancestry?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of family in the novel. What symbolism supports this theme? How does Nadira feel about her family, and how do these feelings progress in the narrative? How does the Hossain family evolve in the story?

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast the character development of Ma and Abba in the novel. When does Nadira first realize her mother has undergone a change? What is her reaction? What is Nadira's reaction upon seeing her father in the courtroom for the first time? How has he changed?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and discuss the Special Registration law. What did this law mean for Muslim communities? Also, describe the characters of Taslima, Tim, Auntie, and Uncle in the novel. What is the root of the arguments between Taslima and her parents?

(see the answer keys)

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