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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 transition to America was particularly difficult for Mawi's mother who thought that, by culture, she was not supposed to do what?

2. According to Mawi's father, angels often appeared in what form?

3. In his native language, the author's true name means ___________________.

4. What is the name of Mawi's little brother who was born in "A New Life"?

5. What was the name of Mawi's mother?

Short Essay Questions

1. What incident does Mawi describe of being bullied terribly in "Playground Warfare"? Who saved him?

2. What symbolism is employed in describing Mawi's younger brother's birth in "A New Life"?

3. What did Mawi's parents believe about education, as described in "Playground Warfare"? Why?

4. Who agreed to sponsor Mawi's family in "A New Life"? What did Mawi's family make of the sights of Chicago?

5. What memories does the author describe of his childhood home in "Memories"? What does he question about the memories?

6. What did Mawi's family learn about American culture through television in "A New Life"? What else did they do for entertainment?

7. How does the author describe the educational system and his interaction with other children in "The Camp"?

8. Where did Mawi's family live as refugees in "The Camp"? Where did his father work?

9. Where did Mawi's family stay upon their arrival in the U.S. in "A New Life"? Who met and helped them at the airport?

10. How does Mawi describe his interactions with bullies in "The Camp"? Who came to his aid when he was attacked?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the settings of Adi Wahla, Ethiopia, and Sudan. Where did Mawi's family first encounter refugees in Sudan? What were the conditions like there? Also discuss the journey of Mawi's family across the desert to arrive in Sudan. What dangers did the family face?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the figure of Beth in the narrative. What were Mawi's impressions of Beth? How did she help the family adjust to the culture shock of America? In what way does Beth represent an "angel" thematically in the book?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Haileab's transformation in the U.S. Why was Haileab no longer qualified to work in medicine? What led to his unemployment? What health problems did Haileab develop? Also discuss the symbolism of beetles in the narrative. How does the beetle symbolize Haileab in "The Unmaking of a Man"?

(see the answer keys)

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