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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 does Jason tell Mia in Part II that shocks her?

2. In which state is a couple looking to give away their motel in an essay contest?

3. What does Mia see happening to Jason in Part I that makes her sympathetic to him?

4. What is the name of Mia's new elementary school?

5. What subject does Mia's mother want her to focus on?

Short Essay Questions

1. What kind of trouble does Uncle Ming tell Mia's parents he has gotten into?

2. What impresses Jason Yao about Mia in Chapter 14?

3. What do Mia's parents only use on special occasions, either for joy or distress, from China?

4. What is Mia's mother's tradition of "taking a picture" at happy or significant moments?

5. What does Hank Caleb tell Mia about Mr. Yao when she first meets Hank?

6. What happens that causes a great stir at the motel in Chapter 21?

7. Why do Mia's parents refuse to let her help them clean at the motel?

8. Why does Mia's mother get fired from her job at the Chinese restaurant in Part I?

9. What do Mia's interactions with the police in Chapter 21 make her realize?

10. In Chapter 18, what does Lupe tell Mia about the two roller coasters in America?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What do readers learn from Yang's extensive Author's Note at the end of this novel? How does reading the Author's Note potentially affect a reader's understanding of the novel and some of its major themes? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 2

What are some of the circumstances and events that lead to Mia's parents never being able to save money while they are managing the Calivista Motel? Write an essay explaining your answers.

Essay Topic 3

Why does Mia keep her tip jar at the Calivista a secret from her parents? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text.

(see the answer keys)

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