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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 was special about the bicyclist Andrew met and stayed with on his way to Ky An?

2. Which city in Vietnam was Andrew's mother's favorite city?

3. What dreams did Andrew's parents have for him before moving to America?

4. Where did Andrew's father tape the newspaper article that he saved for over a decade?

5. Who did Andrew think about most during the final scene in the sea?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is a gape fish?

2. How did the Nguyen family say goodbye to Andrew when it was time for him to return to America?

3. What interaction did Andrew have with the one-legged cyclist in Ky An?

4. How did Chi's life change during her fourteen years on the streets?

5. What did Andrew and Chi talk about during their last conversation, before Chi killed herself?

6. When was Andrew first introduced to adult sexuality?

7. What memories does Andrew have about the way his family made money in Vietnam?

8. What argument broke out at the Pham family's memorial to their Grandfather?

9. What two images does Andrew encounter that he believes are perfect symbols for the people of Japan?

10. What opinion did the American Vietnam War vet, whom Andrew met in a coffee shop, have about the War?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The ghosts of the Vietnam War are still very present in the country when Andrew visits to make his journey. Describe the differing viewpoints about the War Andrew encounters during his trip. Be sure to include at least two contrasting views of the effects of the War and at least two different conversations (with different people) Andrew has throughout his journey.

Essay Topic 2

All of Andrew's siblings live/d lives that involve some level of sexual deviance. What events from their upbringing do you think psychologically prompted these behaviors. Had the Pham children grown up in a more stable household, do you think the children's lives would be different as adults? If so, how? If not, why? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

One of the most traumatic memories for the Pham family during their time in Vietnam was the time when Andrew's father was imprisoned in a work camp. First, describe the circumstances surrounding Andrew's father's arrest, imprisonment, and eventual release. How did his imprisonment affect his family? Then, describe Andrew's visit as an adult to the labor camp where his father was imprisoned. What did Andrew learn about his history - both personal and cultural - through this journey? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

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