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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. Why do the residents of the alley think they've been suffering during the war?
(a) Due to their own wickedness.
(b) Due to random chance.
(c) Due to the wickedness of the British.
(d) Due to the malice of the gods.

2. Why does Hamida envy Jewish girls?
(a) They have nice clothes.
(b) They have boyfriends.
(c) They have automobiles.
(d) They have jobs.

3. Why does Radwan Hussainy invite Kirsha into his home?
(a) "The man who reforms a profligate is better than the man who sits with a believer."
(b) "The home of the righteous is sealed against evil."
(c) "God blesses those who serve the poor."
(d) "A good jug gives forth good water."

4. What does Salim Alwan's company sell?
(a) Produce.
(b) Perfumes.
(c) Coffee.
(d) Rugs.

5. How much older is Mrs. Afify than her prospective husband?
(a) Two years.
(b) Twenty years.
(c) Fifteen years.
(d) Ten years.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why were Zaita's parents happy when he was born?

2. How has Dr. Booshy earned his title?

3. What does Mrs. Afify want from Umm Hamida?

4. What does Hamida believe is the key to the entire world?

5. Why does Zaita never refer to himself as "doctor?"

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Zaita promise he will do to help the beggar who is too big and strong to gain people's sympathy?

2. Which of the alley residents was most affected by the news of Abbas' tragic death?

3. What does Radwan Hussainy promise Abbas will happen if he returns to work and forgets about Hamida?

4. Why does Radwan Hussainy tell Salim Alwan that he is better off with his sickness than others are with their health?

5. What does Hamida hope when the handsome stranger first talks to her - a hope that is the exact opposite of what she says?

6. When Abbas comes home to the alley on holiday, Uncle Kamil follows him to the cafe, and then asks Abbas to return to the sweet shop with him. Why is Uncle Kamil staying so close to Abbas?

7. What bad habits does Mrs. Afify have?

8. What does Hamida believe rich people eat?

9. When Umm Hamida informs Mrs. Afify that she has found a new husband for her, she tells her that she will need to prepare her own trousseau, which is not what she actually means. What does she mean?

10. What conflicting emotions does Hamida feel for the stranger who keeps staring at her?

(see the answer keys)

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