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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. The woman's daughter speaks _______________________.

2. A Chinese Santa Claus asked Waverly ______________________________________.

3. Lindo was able to convince her in-laws to end her marriage by ______________________________.

4. When Ying-Ying got dirty with turtle blood, Amah was afraid Ying-Ying's mother would _______________________________.

5. Jing Mei is afraid that if she does not find the prodigy in herself she will _________________________-.

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Is Ying-Ying a neglected child?

3. Discuss the "scar" reference. How did it happen and why?

4. Discuss Ying-Ying's mental state and some of its origins.

5. Rose's mother, An-Mei Hsu, has raised quite a large family in America. What might have made her want so many children?

6. Why did An-Mei's mother return to her sister's home where she was so unwanted and rejected? Was her mother the person An-Mei had thought she was?

7. Discuss the reason that An-Mei's mother is considered a "ghost" and does not live with her children.

8. 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?

9. Why is Waverly disrespectful of her mother?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many Chinese people settled in San Francisco during the 1800s. What was it about San Francisco that drew them during that particular period of time? Write an essay and describe the impetus for coming to California. Did the Chinese generally stay and make homes here? Were they readily accepted in the U.S. What were their particular challenges here?

Essay Topic 2

Research and write a biography on the author, Amy Tan. In addition to general information about Tan, draw some conclusions as to how and why she knows so much about a time before she was alive. Is her material all from personal experience or is it researched?

Essay Topic 3

Finding out the truth about the Moon Lady was a disappointment for young Ying-Ying St. Clair that may have set the tone for her life. Write a personal essay about a disappointment you have experienced that has had some lasting impact on your life. Could it have been avoided? Do you have a better understanding of the event now?

(see the answer keys)

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