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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. Hai and Bo took what action to keep Hai's children quiet as the patrol boats passed?

2. Bo states that "The New Economic Zones" (222) were actually what?

3. What objects do communists call "capitalist filth" (220), according to Ma's instructions?

4. Bui writes that whose "in-laws had found a boat for sale and wanted to escape the country" (227)?

5. Bo says that eventually, the land reforms resulted in the deaths of how many people?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Bui visually depict the many different perspectives about April 30, 1975?

2. What objects must the Bui family burn when the Communists begin to search the people's homes?

3. What is ironic about Ma's openness with Travis, as depicted within the setting of the car?

4. Describe the origins of Bui's memoir The Best We Could Do.

5. For what specific purpose does Bui depict Ma's dedication to her children?

6. Who was Truong Chinh and whom did he emulate?

7. What extreme action do Bo and Hai take in order to keep Hai's children quiet during the escape?

8. In what way did the Communist party leaders use language to mask their true actions?

9. What action does Bui depict in order to symbolize Ma's dedication to her children?

10. What objects do the Communists consider to be "capitalist filth" (220)?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Provide a thorough analysis of the ways in which the visual elements of the memoir amplify its emotional messages.

Essay Topic 2

How do the themes of deception and secrecy function within The Best We Could Do and what is Bui’s message regarding these themes?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Bui’s messages about guilt and responsibility within The Best We Could Do.

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