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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 Christian organization helped Mawi's family in immigrating in "Coming to America"?

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

3. What is the name of the church that agreed to sponsor Mawi's family in "A New Life"?

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

5. Where did Mawi's family have a house before they left to become refugees in "Memories"?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What example of foreshadowing does the author employ in "A New Life"? What did the family learn about American culture in this chapter?

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. What stories does the author say his brother told him in "Playground Warfare"? What did he later realize about these stories?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Define and identify metaphor, simile and symbolism in the narrative. What symbolism did Haileab use to describe angels in "God's Angels"? Why did Haileab bring in the stranger to their home and shelter him? What does this symbolize? What did he give them in return and why?

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 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?

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