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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 is the kind of necklace that Alvord wears, in accordance with her animal totem?

2. Navajo people often want the removed _________ back after the surgery is complete, according to tradition.

3. What did Alvord never do as she was not raised in her culture to do so?

4. What is NOT one of the components of a normal Navajo diet?

5. To the students at Alvord's new college, the reservation would appear to be a ______________.

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Alvord believe her story is important for Navajo girls to hear, which is why she writes this book?

2. What does Alvord find helps her in the education process, though she had not done well in previous biology courses?

3. How does Alvord see alcohol and its impact on the Native American people?

4. What do the Navajo first think when they become ill or sick with any kind of disease?

5. What do the Navajo people think causes cancer in those who are stricken with it?

6. What happens during the surgery of Evelyn Bitsui, which leads to Alvord improving her bedside manner?

7. What is the job that Alvord takes after she graduates from Dartmouth?

8. How does Alvord continue to celebrate her animal totem and her strong sense of self?

9. What are some of the roles that a woman may play within the matriarchal society of the Navajo?

10. What does Alvord think about patient histories and how they describe the patients?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Navajo people were deeply oppressed by others, causing them to have troubles handling their lives and their feelings about their lives.

Part 1: Why were the Navajo people oppressed by others?

Part 2: How might a people become oppressed by another group of people?

Part 3: Can the Navajo people change the way that others feel about them? Is this their job to do so?

Essay Topic 2

Alvord had to make a difficult decision when she left the reservation to attend her school.

Part 1: Why is it difficult for Alvord to leave the reservation?

Part 2: How could Alvord have made the transition smoother for herself and for her family?

Part 3: Do you think it's always necessary to be uncomfortable in order to become successful or educated?

Essay Topic 3

Alvord did not do well in the sciences when she first attended college, but she changed her attitude and her grades later on.

Part 1: Why do you think Alvord was unable to do well in the sciences at first?

Part 2: How did Alvord begin to grow more confident in her knowledge of the sciences?

Part 3: Do you think a person that is not strong in sciences can become a good doctor?

(see the answer keys)

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