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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 "Allegiance," what does Lalami says happens to Arabs and Muslims when they question the U.S. war in Afghanistan or Iraq?

2. What does Lalami say people from poor countries who immigrate are called in "Assimilation"?

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

4. Where was Lalami and what was she doing when she was handed a flyer by the Muslim Public Affairs Council to vote for George W. Bush?

5. What was George W. Bush scheduled to do the afternoon of September 11, 2001?

Short Essay Questions

1. While reading from her novel The Moor's Account, what questions do audience members ask?

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

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

4. Describe Trump's "deceitful move" in banning Muslims according to Lalami in "Allegiance."

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

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

7. In "Borders," how many U.S. border checkpoints does Lalami learn are in the country? How many Americans live in border zones?

8. Describe Lalami's thoughts on how Arabs and Muslims are expected to act after events like 9/11?

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

10. What information does Lalami provide about her mother's early life in "Faith"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay exploring the topic of assimilation in Conditional Citizens. Define assimilation. How is the definition different between nationalists and multiculturalists? What are some examples Lalami cites of American expectations that immigrants should assimilate? In what ways were people forced to assimilate in America? What does she note about French immigrants in Morocco?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze Lalami's decision to juxtapose some of the story with her experience caring for her mother-in-law after she began to show signs of dementia. Why do you think Lalami chose to incorporate this story into the narrative? Do you think it was effective? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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