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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 does Alisa do before beginning to play that is a small movement but that Albert notices?

2. Who does So-hyun's aunt give money to so that person can come to America after her own mother's death?

3. What does So-hyun's father use to beat Ji-ho?

4. What does So-hyun think is part of her brother's good looks?

5. What is a material that is a part of some pianos' inner-workings that surprises Albert when he finds out about it?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Albert seem to be considering at the end of the story "Solo Works for Piano"?

2. How does So-hyun's aunt work to get her mother and father back together?

3. What does Albert remember about Sasha from when they were students together?

4. In "Skinship," where do So-hyun and her family stay at first in America?

5. What disappoints Albert about how his life has turned out?

6. In Korea, where does So-hyun's mother and brother go with her when her father's actions become unbearable?

7. What does So-hyun immediately dislike about the way her aunt and uncle in America treat her mother?

8. How does Mo-sae handle things when Young-ja does not come home for hours one day, because she is very ill?

9. What does Albert think is the greatness of the Moonlight Sonata?

10. In the story "Skinship," why does So-hyun's family leave Korea?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What specific topics and tensions related to end-of-life issues does Choi explore throughout this collection, and how do caregiving responsibilities affect different family's dynamics? Write an essay explaining your answers.

Essay Topic 2

In "The Loved Ones," which conflicts and contradictions about the immigrant experience does Choi explore through describing Happy's particular immigrant experience? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 3

How does Choi describe both Albert's and Alisa's experiences with Autism in the story "Solo Works for Piano?" Why do you think Choi chooses never to actually use the words "Autism" or "Autistic" in this story? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 648 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample