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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. According to Alvord, new _________ support her beliefs of how social activities and relationships are tied to lower mortality rates.

2. How old is Jon when he and Lori first meet, which causes a certain strain on their relationship?

3. Alvord says her pregnancy allows her to become closer to all of the ___________ around her.

4. What does Jon decide to ask Lori out to when he finally summons up the courage to ask her out?

5. One of Alvord's friends is worried that her ________ is stressing her out too much.

Short Essay Questions

1. What is so special to the Navajo about a baby's first laugh, according to Alvord?

2. What are some of the feelings that Alvord has during the ceremony that Thomas does for Alvord and her child?

3. What is the added problem that comes along with the larger than normal harvest on the reservation?

4. What does Alvord believe happened during Florena's surgery, which may have led to her death?

5. What does Alvord want to remember as she is experiencing the labor and its complications?

6. What does Alvord's pregnancy cause her to become reacquainted with, according to the book?

7. Why does Alvord choose the name she does for her child during her pregnancy?

8. What does a Navajo healer track, according to Alvord's findings?

9. What is the problem with Melanie Begay's appendix surgery?

10. What do the medicine men point out to Alvord and others when the deaths begin to occur in the reservation?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When a Navajo person becomes ill, they wonder what ritual or norm they broke.

Part 1: How might being out of balance in life lead to sickness?

Part 2: Why do you think the Navajo don't necessarily think of a virus or a germ causing them to be sick?

Part 3: What do you think when you first begin to show signs of illness?

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 has troubles with dissecting a cadaver as the Navajo believe the dead should not be touched.

Part 1: Why do you think it is not respectful to touch the dead, according to the Navajo tradition?

Part 2: Do you think Alvord should have dissected the cadaver anyway?

Part 3: What might you have done if you were in Alvord's position?

(see the answer keys)

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