View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In the Author's Note, he states that his true name was what?

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

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

4. The author describes a visit from two people from their country who brought the family ______________.

5. Mawi's little brother was given a name which meant ___________ in English.

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the author describe his origins in the Author's Note? What is the political history of this region?

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

3. 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?

4. How did the children in Mawi's new home perceive his family, as described in "Playground Warfare"? How did they treat them?

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

6. 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?

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

8. 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?

9. What did Mawi's father teach his children about strangers in "God's Angels"?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of sacrifice in the narrative, and examine the reasons for Haileab's sacrifice in leaving his homeland. What dangers did his family face in staying where they were? Why did Haileab leave behind his wealth and everything he owned? How many others faced the same perils in order to escape?

Essay Topic 2

Describe the English meaning of "Libee Migbar" and the actions of Tewolde in the chapter by the same name. How does the author describe Tewolde's transformation? How is this illustrated through Tewolde's actions? What caused Tewolde to change in "Libee Migbar"?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the correlations between food and culture. How is local cuisine relative to an individual's cultural identity? What did obtaining their native foods mean for Mawi's family? How does the relationship between food and culture differ within different communities and regions?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,047 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample