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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. In Chapter 12, what does Parvana try to learn from Nooria?

2. In Chapter 9, how long has Parvana been going to the market dressed as a boy?

3. In Chapter 11, how long does it take Parvana and Shauzia digging bones to earn money to buy trays?

4. In Chapter 9, what does Shauzia give Parvana after work?

5. In Chapter 10, how many buildings are intact near the cemetery where Parvana and Shauzia go?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 8, what does Shauzia tell Parvana about her family and the work she is doing?

2. In Chapter 7, what will be everyone's responsibilities when Mrs. Weera moves in with Parvana's family?

3. In Chapter 11, what does Parvana do when Mother asks where she was and says that she was terrified for her safety?

4. In Chapter 7, what is Parvana asked to read, and who asks her to read?

5. In Chapter 8, where does Shauzia live and with whom?

6. In Chapter 12, what sounds does Parvana hear the window above her place in the marketplace?

7. In Chapter 10, what does the cemetery look and smell like where Parvana and Shauzia go to dig up bones?

8. In Chapter 7, what work does Mother suggest that Parvana do?

9. In Chapter 11, what do Parvana and Shauzia see in the sports stadium, and who tries to protect them?

10. In Chapter 8, what does Parvana discover an old classmate doing in the market?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Mrs. Weera becomes a part of Parvana’s family. What type of woman is Mrs. Weera? What difficulties has she faced since the Taliban took control? What is revealed about optimism through her character?

Essay Topic 2

Mother decides to sell Parvana’s red shalwar kameez. What does the outfit symbolize to Parvana at the time Mother decides to sell it? How does that symbolism change? What does the outfit symbolize by the time that Parvana sells it by bargaining with a buyer?

Essay Topic 3

In the novel, some characters are more thoroughly described than others. Who are some characters that are merely named in passing or have a minor role in the novel? What is the importance of these flat characters to the story line? In what way do these characters make the main characters more colorful or interesting? When there is conflict, what type of role do these flat characters play?

(see the answer keys)

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