1.
Why was Jing-mei taking part in the Joy Luck Club?
Correct Answer
B. Because her mother had died and she was asked by her father to be “the
fourth corner” at the game
Explanation
Jing-mei was taking part in the Joy Luck Club because her mother had died and her father asked her to be "the fourth corner" at the game. This suggests that Jing-mei's participation in the club was not solely based on her own personal desire or interest, but rather a result of her father's request and the loss of her mother. It implies that Jing-mei's involvement in the club was a way for her to honor her mother's memory and fulfill her father's wishes.
2.
What surprising information did Jing-mei finally learn from her mother’s story about leaving Kweilin?
Correct Answer
C. She realized that her mother had left her two daughters behind.
3.
In "Scar," after An-mei was burned, what did her grandmother tell her that made her get better fast?
Correct Answer
D. Her grandmother told her that she would die and that they were preparing her dying clothes for her.
4.
In "Scar," what does An-mei’s mother do to show her love and respect for her own mother?
Correct Answer
C. She returns to her family and cuts off a piece of her own flesh, puts it in a soup, and serves it to her dying mother.
Explanation
An-mei's mother shows her love and respect for her own mother by making a great sacrifice. She returns to her family and cuts off a piece of her own flesh, putting it in a soup, and serving it to her dying mother. This act demonstrates her willingness to endure immense pain and suffering for the sake of her mother's well-being, highlighting the depth of her love and devotion.
5.
In "The Red Candle," how did Lindo Jong become engaged to her future husband, Tyan-yu?
Correct Answer
B. A match was arranged through a matchmaker when Lindo was two and Tyan-yu was only one.
Explanation
Lindo Jong became engaged to her future husband, Tyan-yu, through a matchmaker when Lindo was two and Tyan-yu was only one.
6.
In "The Red Candle," what promise did Lindo make to herself on her wedding day?
Correct Answer
C. She promised herself that she would always remember her parents’ wishes but
would never forget herself.
Explanation
On her wedding day in "The Red Candle," Lindo made a promise to herself that she would always remember her parents' wishes but would never forget herself. This suggests that Lindo wanted to honor her parents' desires and expectations while also maintaining her own sense of identity and autonomy. It implies that she wanted to strike a balance between fulfilling her duty as a daughter and staying true to herself.
7.
What was the red candle’s significance and what was supposed to happen to it?
Correct Answer
A. It symbolized Lindo’s marriage to Tyan-yu, and it was supposed to be lit at
both ends and kept burning all night long.
Explanation
The red candle symbolized Lindo's marriage to Tyan-yu and was meant to be lit at both ends and kept burning all night long. This suggests that the candle represented the commitment and endurance required in their marriage. By keeping the candle burning throughout the night, Lindo was expected to demonstrate her dedication to her husband and their union.
8.
In "The Red Candle," how did Lindo escape from the marriage to Tyan-yu?
Correct Answer
A. She convinced them that the pregnant servant girl was really of imperial
Explanation
Lindo escaped from the marriage to Tyan-yu by convincing them that the pregnant servant girl was actually of imperial descent. This implies that Lindo manipulated the situation by creating a false narrative about the servant girl's background, which ultimately allowed her to avoid the marriage.
9.
In "The Moon Lady," why does the Amah tell Ying-ying that she must keep her wishes secret?
Correct Answer
D. Because if she tells her secret wish, it will no longer be a wish but a selfish desire
Explanation
The correct answer is because if she tells her secret wish, it will no longer be a wish but a selfish desire. In the story, Ying-ying's Amah tells her that she must keep her wishes secret because sharing them with others would turn them into selfish desires. By keeping her wishes secret, Ying-ying is able to preserve the purity and selflessness of her wishes.
10.
How does Ying-ying's story in "The Moon Lady" reflect her life and that of her daughter?
Correct Answer
A. She says that she and her daughters are both lost.
Explanation
In "The Moon Lady," Ying-ying's story reflects her life and that of her daughter by expressing their shared feeling of being lost. This suggests that they both struggle with a sense of direction and purpose in their lives. It implies that they may feel disconnected from their cultural heritage and uncertain about their identities. This shared experience of feeling lost deepens the bond between Ying-ying and her daughter, highlighting their emotional connection and the similar challenges they face.
11.
What was “the art of invisible strength” that Waverly’s mother taught her?
Correct Answer
C. It was a strategy for winning arguments and gaining respect from others.
Explanation
Waverly's mother taught her "the art of invisible strength," which refers to a strategy for winning arguments and gaining respect from others. This implies that Waverly's mother taught her how to effectively communicate and assert herself in order to be persuasive and gain the admiration of others. It suggests that this strength is not physical or tangible, but rather a skill or mindset that allows one to navigate social situations successfully.
12.
In "Rules of the Game," how did Waverly’s mother treat her when she returned home after running away?
Correct Answer
D. She treated her as though she didn’t exist
Explanation
Waverly's mother treated her as though she didn't exist when she returned home after running away. This suggests that her mother was angry or disappointed with her actions and chose to ignore her presence as a form of punishment or disapproval.
13.
At the end of "Rules of the Game," who is Waverly's imaginary chess opponent?
Correct Answer
D. Her mother
Explanation
In the short story "Rules of the Game," Waverly's imaginary chess opponent is her mother. Throughout the story, Waverly's mother is portrayed as a formidable and strategic player, which reflects Waverly's admiration for her. Waverly's mother teaches her the game of chess and becomes her main competitor. This imaginary opponent symbolizes the complex relationship between Waverly and her mother, as they both strive for power and dominance in their interactions.
14.
In "The Voice from the Wall," what did Lena hear through the wall of the new apartment?
Correct Answer
B. The mother and daughter next door arguing
Explanation
Lena heard the mother and daughter next door arguing through the wall of the new apartment.
15.
In "The Voice from the Wall," what hope did Lena have after watching the girl next door with her mother?
Correct Answer
D. She hoped that things could be better than they appeared.
Explanation
After watching the girl next door with her mother, Lena hoped that things could be better than they appeared. This suggests that Lena might have observed some negative aspects or difficulties in her own life or relationships, and seeing the girl next door with her mother gave her hope that her own situation could improve. This answer implies that Lena is optimistic and hopeful for a better future.
16.
In "The Voice from the Wall," why did Ying-ying continually move the furniture around in the apartment?
Correct Answer
B. She claimed the room was "unbalanced".
Explanation
In "The Voice from the Wall," Ying-ying continually moved the furniture around in the apartment because she claimed the room was "unbalanced". This suggests that Ying-ying had a belief or feeling that the arrangement of the furniture was not harmonious or lacked symmetry. Moving the furniture was her attempt to create a sense of balance and order in the room. It is not mentioned that she was a professional interior decorator or a picky person, nor is there any indication that she did it to spite her husband.
17.
In "Half and Half," what did Rose find out “faith” was?
Correct Answer
A. An illusion that somehow one is in control
Explanation
Rose found out that "faith" was an illusion that gave people the false belief that they were in control of their lives. It implies that faith is not a real power or force, but rather a deceptive belief that provides a sense of control and security.
18.
In "Half and Half," where does Rose's mother keep her Bible?
Correct Answer
C. She uses to prop up her table.
Explanation
In the story "Half and Half," Rose's mother keeps her Bible by using it to prop up her table. This suggests that Rose's mother may not hold a strong religious belief or may not prioritize reading the Bible. Instead, she sees it as a practical item that can serve a functional purpose in her daily life. This detail adds depth to Rose's mother's character and provides insight into her values and priorities.
19.
In "Half and Half," what did Rose find written in her mother's Bible?
Correct Answer
C. Her brother's name written in it in erasable pencil under "Deaths"
Explanation
Rose found her brother's name written in her mother's Bible in erasable pencil under the section labeled "Deaths."
20.
In "Two Kinds," what made Jing-mei's mother think that Jing-mei could be a prodigy?
Correct Answer
A. She thought anyone could be anything they wanted to be in America.
Explanation
Jing-mei's mother believed that anyone could be anything they wanted to be in America, which made her think that Jing-mei could be a prodigy. This suggests that her mother had high hopes and aspirations for Jing-mei's future success and believed in the limitless possibilities that America offered.
21.
In "Two Kinds," what did Jing-mei realize after she had played both “Pleading Child” and “Perfectly Contented” a few times?
Correct Answer
B. That the two pieces were two halves of the same song
Explanation
Jing-mei realized that the two pieces she played, "Pleading Child" and "Perfectly Contented," were two halves of the same song. This suggests that the two pieces were meant to be played together and complement each other.
22.
In "Rice Husband," how do Lena and Harold handle their finances?
Correct Answer
D. They split everything down the middle.
Explanation
Lena and Harold handle their finances by splitting everything down the middle. This means that they share the financial responsibilities equally, dividing the expenses and payments equally between them. They may have separate incomes or contribute equally to a joint account, but either way, they ensure that both of them are equally responsible for their financial obligations.
23.
In "Rice Husband," what does Lena think her mother will see during her visit with her and Harold?
Correct Answer
B. How wrong Lena and Harold are for each other
Explanation
Lena thinks that her mother will see how wrong Lena and Harold are for each other during her visit. This suggests that Lena is aware of the differences and conflicts in her relationship with Harold, and she anticipates her mother's disapproval or judgment regarding their compatibility.
24.
When Lena says, “I knew it would happen,” what question does her mother ask?
Correct Answer
C. "Then why don't you stop it?"
Explanation
Lena's mother asks "Then why don't you stop it?" as a response to Lena's statement "I knew it would happen." This question suggests that Lena's mother is questioning why Lena did not take any action to prevent the event from happening if she already knew it would occur.
25.
In "Four Directions," what did Waverly want to tell her mother at lunch?
Correct Answer
B. She wanted to tell her mother that she was getting married again.
26.
Why did Waverly first stop playing chess as a child?
Correct Answer
A. Because she felt her mother was trying to take all the credit for her winning
Explanation
Waverly first stopped playing chess as a child because she felt her mother was trying to take all the credit for her winning. This suggests that Waverly felt overshadowed and unappreciated, leading her to lose interest in the game.
27.
Why did Rose’s mother say that Rose was “without wood”?
Correct Answer
A. She explained that Rose was confused all of the time because she listened to too many people.
Explanation
Rose's mother said that Rose was "without wood" because she explained that Rose was confused all of the time because she listened to too many people. This suggests that Rose lacks a sense of individuality and is easily influenced by others, leading to her confusion. The phrase "without wood" is used metaphorically to imply that Rose lacks a solid foundation or a strong sense of self, similar to a house made entirely of plastic.
28.
In "Without Wood," why did Rose stay in bed for three days?
Correct Answer
A. A. because her husband had left her and she was unable to make the simplest decisions
Explanation
Rose stayed in bed for three days because her husband had left her and she was unable to make the simplest decisions.
29.
In the end of "Without Wood," what shocking decision does Rose finally make?
Correct Answer
C. She decides she will not move out of the house, despite what her husband wants.
Explanation
In the end of "Without Wood," Rose makes the shocking decision to not move out of the house, despite her husband's wishes. This decision implies that Rose is determined to hold onto her marital home and perhaps hopes to salvage her marriage. It showcases her defiance and unwillingness to give in to her husband's demands, indicating a possible turning point in their relationship.
30.
What is Jing-mei’s “life’s importance” gift from her mother?
Correct Answer
A. A jade pendant on a gold chain
Explanation
Jing-mei's "life's importance" gift from her mother is a jade pendant on a gold chain. This gift holds significance as it represents a precious and valuable item that is passed down from generation to generation. The jade pendant symbolizes Jing-mei's mother's love and hopes for her daughter's future. It is a tangible reminder of her mother's support and belief in Jing-mei's potential. The gold chain adds to the sentimental value of the gift, making it even more special and meaningful.
31.
How do Jing-mei and her mother disagree in regard to Waverly Jong?
Correct Answer
C. Jing-mei admires her while her mother says that Waverly is like a crab, always walking sideways, moving crooked.
Explanation
Jing-mei and her mother disagree in regard to Waverly Jong because Jing-mei admires Waverly, while her mother criticizes her by comparing her to a crab, suggesting that she is always moving in a sideways and crooked manner.
32.
What does it mean to An-mei to be born the "Chinese way"?
Correct Answer
A. It meant being taught to desire nothing, to swallow other people’s misery, and to eat one’s own bitterness.
Explanation
An-mei's perspective on being born the "Chinese way" is that it involves being taught to suppress personal desires and emotions, to endure the suffering of others, and to endure one's own hardships. It also includes the values of respecting and honoring one's parents, understanding the concept of sacrifice, and not needing to apologize for one's actions. This explanation highlights the cultural and societal expectations placed on individuals in Chinese culture, particularly in terms of selflessness and filial piety.
33.
In "Magpies," why did An-mei’s mother become Wu Tsing’s concubine?
Correct Answer
D. He raped her, thus giving her no choice but to stay with him as his concubine.
34.
In "Magpies," what promise did Wu Tsing make to An-mei’s mother after she died?
Correct Answer
A. He said that he would raise her son and daughter at his honored children.
Explanation
Wu Tsing promised to raise An-mei's son and daughter as his own honored children after her mother's death.
35.
In "Waiting Between the Trees," why does Ying-ying abort her first child?
Correct Answer
D. Because she hates her husband, the child’s father
Explanation
Ying-ying aborts her first child because she hates her husband, the child's father. This suggests that she does not want to bring a child into a loveless and unhappy marriage.
36.
In "Waiting Between the Trees," what does Ying-ying say she lost when she married her second husband, St. Clair?
Correct Answer
C. Her spirit
Explanation
Ying-ying says she lost her spirit when she married her second husband, St. Clair. This suggests that her marriage has caused her to lose her sense of vitality, enthusiasm, and inner strength. It implies that she feels trapped, subdued, and perhaps even emotionally drained in her relationship. Losing her spirit may also imply a loss of her true self and identity, as she feels diminished and disconnected from her own essence.
37.
At the end of "Waiting Between the Trees," what does Ying-ying want to do for her daughter?
Correct Answer
D. She wants to give her daughter her own spirit.
Explanation
In the story "Waiting Between the Trees," Ying-ying wants to give her daughter her own spirit. This means that she wants to pass on her wisdom, experiences, and inner strength to her daughter. Ying-ying wants her daughter to have the same resilience and understanding that she has gained throughout her life. This desire reflects Ying-ying's deep love and concern for her daughter's well-being and happiness.
38.
Why could Lindo’s children not have American circumstances and Chinese character?
Correct Answer
A. Because the two things do not mix
Explanation
The reason Lindo's children cannot have American circumstances and Chinese character is because the two things do not mix. This suggests that American circumstances and Chinese character are incompatible or contradictory, implying that one cannot possess both simultaneously.
39.
In "Double Face," why does Waverly like that she and her mother have crooked noses?
Correct Answer
D. She says it makes them look devious and two faced.
Explanation
Waverly likes that she and her mother have crooked noses because she believes it makes them look devious and two-faced. This suggests that she finds their unique physical feature intriguing and associates it with a sense of mystery or cunningness.
40.
Why did Jing-mei’s mother actually leave the babies?
Correct Answer
C. Because she thought she was going to die and didn't want them to die with her
Explanation
Jing-mei's mother left the babies because she thought she was going to die and didn't want them to die with her. This suggests that she wanted to ensure their survival and believed that they would have a better chance at life if she left them behind.
41.
"And when I arrived, I realized how shabby my dreams were, how poor my thoughts."What is the meaning of the word shabby?
Correct Answer
B. Of substandard quality
Explanation
The word "shabby" means of substandard quality. In the given sentence, the speaker is expressing that upon arriving somewhere, they realized that their dreams and thoughts were not up to the expected or desired standard. This suggests that their dreams and thoughts were not impressive or well-developed, indicating a lack of quality.
42.
"When the sirens cried out to warn us of bombers, my neighbors and I jumped to our feet and scurried to the deep caves to hide like wild animals."What does the word scurried mean?
Correct Answer
B. Went quickly
Explanation
The word "scurried" in this context means to move quickly or hurriedly. It implies that the speaker and their neighbors reacted swiftly and urgently to the sound of the sirens, rushing to the deep caves for safety. "Scurried" suggests a sense of urgency and haste in their movement, emphasizing the speed at which they went to hide.
43.
"What fine food we treated ourselves to with our meager allowances!"What does the word meager mean?
Correct Answer
D. Small or deficient in quantity
Explanation
The word "meager" means small or deficient in quantity. In the given sentence, the speaker is referring to their allowances as being small or insufficient.
44.
"What was worse, we asked among ourselves, to sit and wait for our own deaths with proper somber faces?"What does the word somber mean?
Correct Answer
A. Serious
Explanation
The word "somber" means serious. In the given context, the speaker is questioning whether it is worse to sit and wait for their own deaths while maintaining serious and solemn expressions on their faces. This suggests that the situation they are discussing is grave and requires a serious demeanor.
45.
"After everybody votes unanimously for the Canada gold stock, I go into the kitchen to ask Auntie An-mei why the Joy Luck Club started investing in stocks."What does the word unanimously mean?
Correct Answer
C. Completely in agreement
Explanation
Unanimously means that everyone is in complete agreement. In the given context, it suggests that all the members of the Joy Luck Club voted in favor of investing in the Canada gold stock without any disagreement or opposition.
46.
"The white chenille bedspreads are so worn they are almost translucent."What does the word translucent mean?
Correct Answer
B. Allowing some light to pass through
Explanation
Translucent means allowing some light to pass through. In the given context, it suggests that the white chenille bedspreads are so worn that they have become thin and worn out, allowing light to pass through them to some extent, but not completely.
47.
"At first my mother tried to cultivate some hidden genius in me."What does the word cultivate mean?
Correct Answer
B. Grow or encourage
Explanation
The word "cultivate" means to grow or encourage something. In the given context, the mother is trying to bring out or develop a hidden talent or ability in the speaker, indicating that she is nurturing and supporting their growth.
48.
"And I am embarassed by the end-of-the-year-banquet lie my aunties have told to mask their generosity."What does the word generosity mean?
Correct Answer
A. Willingness to give
Explanation
Generosity refers to the quality or act of being willing to give or share, usually in terms of resources, time, or kindness. In the given sentence, the speaker expresses embarrassment about their aunties' lie, which was intended to hide their generous actions. This suggests that the word "generosity" in this context means the opposite of hatred, constant bickering, or constant questioning, and instead points to the willingness to give as the correct meaning.
49.
I read ALL of The Joy Luck Club.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The given statement states that the person has read all of The Joy Luck Club. Since the statement is affirmative, it implies that the person has indeed read the entire book. Therefore, the correct answer is True.
50.
I read half or more of The Joy Luck Club.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement "I read half or more of The Joy Luck Club" implies that the person read at least half of the book. Therefore, the correct answer is True.