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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. Why did Andrew feel ashamed when, as an adult, he was reunited with his Vietnamese family?

2. What are taxi dancers?

3. What part of California did Andrew visit during his big adventure?

4. When Thong was drafted into the Vietnamese army, what did he hope would earn him a good post?

5. What is the overall emotion of the opening quote?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happened to Andrew when the Indonesian freighter intercepted the fishing boat?

2. What was symbolic about Andrew's determination to ride his motorcycle through Vietnam?

3. What happened when Andrew's uncles took him to their local bar?

4. With whom did Andrew spend his time while he was staying in Vung Tao?

5. What did Andrew do on his first morning in Saigon after being reunited with his family?

6. What happened to Andrew while on the bus headed toward Mihn Luong Prison?

7. Why wasn't Andrew's mother worried during the family's escape by fishing boat from Vietnam?

8. What conflicts did Andrew face in American school after immigrating from Vietnam?

9. What memories did Andrew recount when he took a cup of tea to the roof of the Nguyen's house?

10. In what way did violence enter the Pham family after they moved to America?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the memoir, it becomes clear that appearances are very important. First, describe how appearances are important in America, and compare / contrast that to how appearances are important in Vietnam. Then, choose one person from the memoir whom you think was most affected by societies expectations for appearance, and explain how those expectations affected the person's life. Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

When Andrew and his family moved to America, Andrew's life was suddenly overwhelmed with two characteristics: religion and violence. First, describe how these two elements were introduced into Andrew's life upon moving to America. Then, explain what symbolism can be found in these two elements when considering the stereotypes of American life to foreigners. If Andrew were to move to America today, do you think his experiences would be the same? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the memoir, it becomes clear that Andrew experiences an extreme rift between himself and his parents. First, describe Andrew's relationship with his parents at the opening of the memoir. What does Andrew describe as "the gulf" between them? Then, describe the expectations Andrew's parents have for him as he reaches adulthood. Why does Andrew feel unable to meet those goals? Finally, describe how Andrew's experiences in Vietnam alter his relationship with his parents - for better or for worse. Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

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