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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. In the novel, the word “besieged” most nearly means which of the following?
(a) Judged.
(b) Defended.
(c) Ignored.
(d) Attacked.

2. Of which of the following does Leigh remind Seema?
(a) Nafeesa.
(b) Tahera.
(c) Divya.
(d) Reshmi.

3. To which of the following does Seema compare Bill?
(a) Librarian.
(b) Architect.
(c) Archivist.
(d) Professor.

4. Which potential name for Seema’s child does Leigh oppose?
(a) Armin.
(b) Ishraaq.
(c) Jibreel.
(d) Faqr.

5. Which of the following appears on protest signs outside the fundraising venue where Obama is scheduled to appear?
(a) Obama bin Laden.
(b) Obamanator.
(c) Obamaramalamadingdong.
(d) No-bama.

Short Answer Questions

1. With which of the following groups is Seema associated?

2. How old is Nafeesa when she visits Seema?

3. To which of the following landmarks does Fiaz take Seema, Tahera, and Nafeesa?

4. Which of the following spices does Seema note having bought to facilitate her mother?

5. Which of the following roles does Seema play?

Short Essay Questions

1. What reasons does Seema have for lying long abed the morning after Tahera arrives in San Francisco?

2. How does Nafeesa prepare special chai for her daughters?

3. What rumors about Seema does Leigh uncover before meeting her?

4. In what context do Leigh and Seema first meet?

5. Why does Seema note she and Tahera used to walk to school hand in hand?

6. What paradox of mourning his mother does the narrator note?

7. To what kitchen tasks does Tahera put Amina?

8. To what does Naeemullah ascribe his desire to wed Nafeesa?

9. Why does Seema disbelieve the initial report of her mother’s diagnosis?

10. How does Nafeesa attempt to hide her worsening condition from her daughters?

(see the answer keys)

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