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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. Which of the following is a rumor that spread rampantly about Ho Chi Minh after his death?

2. Who was Andrew pretending to hide from underneath the dining room table?

3. In California, why was Andrew's father arrested?

4. What moral summed up Andrew's experiences in Vietnam?

5. What was Andrew most looking forward to at his grandpa's memorial?

Short Essay Questions

1. When was Andrew first introduced to adult sexuality?

2. What did Andrew and Chi talk about during their last conversation, before Chi killed herself?

3. What interaction did Andrew have with the one-legged cyclist in Ky An?

4. What argument broke out at the Pham family's memorial to their Grandfather?

5. How did Chi's life change during her fourteen years on the streets?

6. How did the Nguyen family say goodbye to Andrew when it was time for him to return to America?

7. What aspect of her life brought Chi the greatest amount of stress and sadness?

8. What opinion did the American Vietnam War vet, whom Andrew met in a coffee shop, have about the War?

9. What two images does Andrew encounter that he believes are perfect symbols for the people of Japan?

10. What animal did Andrew see get hit by a car when he was leaving Hanoi?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

The ghosts of the Vietnam War are still very present in the country when Andrew visits to make his journey. Describe the differing viewpoints about the War Andrew encounters during his trip. Be sure to include at least two contrasting views of the effects of the War and at least two different conversations (with different people) Andrew has throughout his journey.

Essay Topic 3

Andrew's journey to Vietnam represents a strong emotional journey for him as an individual. First, describe why Andrew chose to make this journey in the first place. What was he hoping to accomplish during this trip? At the end of the memoir, do you think his journey was a success? Why or why not? In what ways did this journey change his life back in the States? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

(see the answer keys)

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