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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 "Don't Cross the Cook," Lakshmi says she learned a new Hindi phrase today which is "Don't cross the cook or she will" do what?

2. What does the tea vendor gain in exchange for putting extra sugar in the cook's tea at Happiness House?

3. What brought Pushpa to Happiness House?

4. What symbol is on the card that the American gives to Lakshmi in "A Strange Customer"?

5. What is lassi made from?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Shahanna respond when Lakshmi tells her about her encounter with the American?

2. How are children perceived at Happiness House? How many of the prostitutes have children?

3. How is Lakshmi's encounter with her first American customer described in Section 4?

4. How does Lakshmi's relationship with Harish develop in Section 3?

5. What is referred to in the title of "A Small Danger"? What does Lakshmi do with this danger?

6. How does Monica describe her "accomplishments" at Happiness House in "Understanding Monica"?

7. How is Western culture presented in Section 3? How do the characters in the story perceive Western culture?

8. How is Lakshmi's new room described in "In My New Room"? With whom does she share the room?

9. How do the girls at Happiness House react to Shahanna's disappearance in Section 4?

10. How is Lakshmi's situation explained to her by Shahanna in "Everything I Need to Know Now"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the realities of the child sex slave trade in India and worldwide. How many children are estimated to be involved in India’s sex trade? How many of these children are involved against their will? What is the draw for customers in India (and other nations) to have sexual relations with children, particularly virgins?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze and discuss the character of Lakshmi’s stepfather in the narrative. Why does Lakshmi’s stepfather not work in the factories like the other men his age? How long has Ama been married to Lakshmi’s stepfather? Why is Lakshmi’s stepfather a hindrance to the family financially?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the themes of sexism, disgrace, and humiliation in Sold. What are Lakshmi’s impressions when she observes the woman whose head has been publicly shamed upon arriving in India? How much do you think culture and religion play a role in gender equality in the narrative?

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