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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. Leon begins to drop by Mah's home more often to ____________.

2. What kind of class is Leila preparing for when she is told of Ona's death?

3. The cop at the scene of the suicide writes down the address for _____________ for Leila.

4. Always watching for business opportunities, Leon talks ___________ into running L.L. Grocery.

5. What does Mah want to keep open, though Leila refuses to help, so Mah is forced to ask Luday?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Ona decides to jump from the 13th floor of the building, which confuses Leila. What is the meaning of the number 13?

3. Who does Leon blame for the death of Ona and for his overall discontent with life in this chapter?

4. What do the sewing ladies do for Mah and the rest of the family after the death of Ona?

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

6. Why does Leon want to tell everyone about the death of Ona in Chinatown?

7. What have the women done by the time the S.S. Independent docks at the shore?

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

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

10. What does Mah want to do in order to prepare herself for the homecoming of Leon?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Love has a number of different definitions and examples during the course of this story.

Part 1: Do you think Leon and Mah love each other? Why or why not?

Part 2: Why do you think that Nina is looking for love within her tour group job?

Part 3: Do you think that Leila is truly in love with Mason? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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