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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. After a few good years, Lyman is gone from Mah's life and she calls him ____________ about America.

2. Leon has told Leila how he is ___________ away his life and losing his dream.

3. Leila is removing _____________ when Leon arrives home from his trip on the seas.

4. What is the name of the television show that Leon and Mah and the girls used to watch sometimes during dinner?

5. What does Mason assign Nina to do in order to prevent a fight between the two sisters from getting too heated?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do the women at the factory work night and day, pushing themselves to sew?

2. What is the advice that Soon-ping, a sewing lady, gives to Mah after the death of Ona?

3. What is the only thing Nina asks Leila to do in order to handle Mah's trip to Hong Kong?

4. Why did Mah and Leon get married in the first place, according to the both of them?

5. What are some of the things Leila does that makes Mason feel bothered, according to this chapter?

6. Why don't the sewing women play music when they are working in the sweatshop together?

7. What is the argument between Leon and Mah regarding the ashes of Ona after her death?

8. Leila wonders why Mason does not introduce her to his family. What is the reason?

9. Why does Mah believe that Lyman will make good on his promise and send for her?

10. Why did Leila have to translate between Leon and a Woolworth's manager when Ona was eight or nine?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As the family grows up, many establish their independence by moving as far away as possible - a common theme in immigrant family stories.

Part 1: Why do you think Nina feels she needs to move as far away as possible?

Part 2: Why does Leila feel as though she needs to establish her independence from her family by eloping?

Part 3: Why do you think children in this family feel they need to distance themselves from the rest of their family in the actions they take?

Essay Topic 2

The struggle between the 'normal' culture and the Chinese culture is seen throughout the novel.

Part 1: Why do you think that modern culture has trouble accepting foreigners?

Part 2: Do you think it's fair to try to push one culture into behaving in a certain way? Why or why not?

Part 3: Do you think that differing cultures can coexist peacefully and without conflict? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

The sheltered existence of Chinatown seems to have the possibility of hurting those who live there as much as it seems to help them.

Part 1: Why do you think neighborhoods like Chinatown still exist today?

Part 2: Do you think that sheltered neighborhoods are beneficial to their inhabitants? Why or why not?

Part 3: In what ways are these cultural neighborhoods making life more difficult for those who live there? Or aren't they?

(see the answer keys)

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