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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. In "Borders," what example does Lalami cite of the increasingly divisive rhetoric coming from the Trump administration in regards to border walls?

2. Which United States presidential administration does Lalami say helped to fund the Mujahideen when ISIS leaders joined them in Afghanistan?

3. In "Border," Lalami writes that by 1953 the border zone was expanded from 25 miles to how may miles?

4. What administration in 1990 enacted a law that would allow more immigrants to apply for visas?

5. After Operation Hold the Line apprehensions at the border decreased, what increased?

Short Essay Questions

1. In "Faith," what does Lalami say about Muslim history in America? When did Muslim's first arrive? Why? How were they treated?

2. In "Faith," what background does Lalami provided about her mother's early life and adolescence?

3. What are some things Lalami had to do in order to become a U.S. citizen?

4. What interesting fact does Lalami note at the 5 freeway on the Canada border?

5. Who founded ISIS? With what terrorist group did he first train and in what country?

6. What are some differences Lalami highlights between how white writers are seen versus Arab and Muslim writers?

7. What year is it and why is Lalami at a ceremony at the start of "Allegiance"?

8. Describe John McCain's response to a woman who said she could not trust Obama because he was "an Arab"(18) and what is the implication according to Lalami in "Allegiance"?

9. In what ways does Lalami say she lives in the gray zone at the end of "Faith"?

10. Why did Lalami originally move to the U.S. and how long did she plan to stay?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay exploring Lalami's background in Morocco based on information in Conditional Citizens. What details of her life in Morocco does she provide? Why is this information important to the narrative?

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay about the author of Conditional Citizens. Who is she? What else has she written? How is Conditional Citizens similar or different from her previous works?

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay describing the visual images and symbols used in Conditional Citizens. Identify direct examples from the book and explore possible meanings.

(see the answer keys)

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