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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 was the name of Mawi's younger sister?

2. What place did Mawi's father tell his family was the land of paradise in "The Camp"?

3. Mawi's father told his children that they should always treat _________________well because they could turn out to be angels.

4. During what years did Mawi's family remain living in the refugee camp in "The Camp"?

5. In the Author's Note, he states that since he came to the United States, he became known by what name?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Mawi describe his memories of his family as refugees in "The Camp"?

3. Who helped Mawi's family in "Coming to America"? What does this organization do?

4. What woman helped Mawi's family find a sponsor in "A New Life"? How did the family adjust to the culture shock of the new country?

5. How does the author explain the meaning of his name in the Author's Note? Whose story does he assert Of Beetles and Angels tells in this preface?

6. Who led the author's family across the desert in "Memories"? How is she described?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe Haileab's life and career in Ethiopia. What caused the rebel forces to want Haileab's assistance in their fight? Why did he refuse? Discuss the decisions and actions made by Haileab in leaving for Sudan. How did the author's mother feel about her husband's dangerous departure?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Mawi's mischief with his brother in "Days of Mischief." Do these stories make the protagonist less likeable? Why or why not? How do you relate to Mawi's adventures with his brother during his youth? In what ways did Tewolde influence his brother?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Mawi's father's sense of morality and the morality he instilled in his sons. Was the story told by Mawi's father about the boy stealing realistic for the time and place in which it occurred? What punishment did the boys face for their actions after stealing the parking meter? Why did they fear their father more than the police officer?

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