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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. For what purpose is jute NOT said to be used?
(a) Paper.
(b) Twine.
(c) Sandbags.
(d) Rope.

2. Who is Travis?
(a) Bui's husband.
(b) Bui's uncle.
(c) Bui's nephew.
(d) Bui's father.

3. Bui tells Nguyen that she had done what it took to get out of what California city?
(a) Sacramento.
(b) San Diego.
(c) San Francisco.
(d) Los Angeles.

4. Bui names Viet Thanh Nguyen as the winner of what sort of award?
(a) An Emmy.
(b) A Pulitzer.
(c) A Tony.
(d) An Oscar.

5. Thi witnesses which person get spat on as he is called a racial slur?
(a) Tam.
(b) Ma.
(c) Bo.
(d) Lan.

Short Answer Questions

1. How many young children are still in the home when Bo takes over most of the parenting?

2. Bui states in the Preface that she helped to open what sort of high school?

3. Bo recalls how in the midst of starvation, his mother had sometimes been able to buy a small piece of what type of meat to share only with Bo?

4. Ma's first job in America requires putting what objects together?

5. Ma alleges that Bo had been taking what action during the birth of one of their children?

Short Essay Questions

1. As a young child, Thi imagines the lights of the cars on the highway as what other objects?

2. In what time and place does the opening scene of The Best We Could Do begin?

3. Thi likens the way she feels at the sight of the surgical instruments to what scene from her childhood?

4. For what purpose are allusions to heaven and hell included in Chapter 3?

5. Explain the nature of the present-day relationship between Bo and Ma.

6. What event within her adolescence does Thi describe as "living the dream" "for an immigrant kid" (24)?

7. What food always brings comfort to Thi and why?

8. How does the doctor respond to Thi's question about her child's birth?

9. What is one element of Ma's parenting that Bui depicts as being different for each one of her children?

10. What event causes a very young Bo to mentally disown his father?

(see the answer keys)

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