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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Ted is frustrated with Lena because ___________________________.
(a) She wants to control the relationship
(b) She cannot make a decision
(c) She is still attached to her family
(d) She does not like his mother

2. An-Mei Hsu grew up with ___________________________________.
(a) Her mother and father
(b) Her grandmother and her little brother
(c) Her auntie and uncle
(d) Her father and her little brother

3. Lindo Jong is promised in marriage when she _________________________.
(a) Is twelve-years-old
(b) Is old enough to consent
(c) Reaches adolescence
(d) Is two-years-old

4. An-Mei's brother lost his happiness when _______________________________________-.
(a) His grandmother punished him for laughing
(b) His father watched him from a painting
(c) His grandmother began to die
(d) His abusive aunt told him about his mother

5. Jing-mei's mother ______________________________.
(a) Got rid of the piano music
(b) Gave the piano back to Jing-Mei
(c) Sold the piano
(d) Had the piano tuned

Short Answer Questions

1. A man on the street leers and acts threatening to Lena's mother. Her mother feels this happened because ______________________________.

2. The old woman who buys a swan eventually _____________________________.

3. Rose had to care for her brothers to learn ________________________.

4. Very few guests attended Lindo's wedding because _______________________________.

5. The Hsus find that their Chinese relatives do not want American gifts, but prefer ____________.

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss the unusual circumstances under which Lena lives.

2. This parable is loaded with symbolism. Since the old woman paid a "foolish sum" for the swan, and then loses it, what might this symbolize?

3. What is it that worries the women about Jing-Mei's visit to China?

4. An-Mei has an interesting way of storing her Bible. Discuss where the Bible is kept, and why.

5. The Moon Lady says woman is the dark yin, and man is the bright truth of yang. How did this kind of thinking affect the characters in this book over their lifetimes?

6. The soup An-Mei's mother made for her dying mother was the ultimate show of love for her mother. What does it symbolize?

7. Discuss Waverly's mother's response to Waverly's success. Why might a daughter of Lindo Jong be seen as special? Why would Lindo want to brag and grandstand her daughter?

8. What might Ying Ying have been planning to ask the Moon Lady for if she had not become lost?

9. Waverly's unusual talent becomes a reason to pamper and spoil her. Does she appreciate this treatment? How does it affect her?

10. Jing-Mei Woo's mother has great expectations of her daughter. Why is she like this?

(see the answer keys)

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