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 she was asked by her father to be "the fourth corner" at the game. This suggests that Jing-mei's participation in the club was a way for her to honor her mother's memory and fulfill her father's request.
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.
Explanation
An-mei's grandmother told her that she would die and that they were preparing her dying clothes for her. This statement suggests that her grandmother believed that An-mei's condition was severe and that she did not have much time left. It could have served as a wake-up call for An-mei, motivating her to fight for her life and get better quickly. The thought of death and the preparation of dying clothes might have instilled a sense of urgency and determination in An-mei, leading to her speedy recovery.
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 returning to her family and cutting off a piece of her own flesh. She then puts it in a soup and serves it to her dying mother. This extreme act of self-sacrifice demonstrates the depth of her love and her willingness to go to any lengths to care for her mother in her time of need.
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, because a match was arranged 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 promised herself that she would always remember her parents' wishes but would never forget herself. This implies that she would strive to honor her parents' expectations and desires while also maintaining her own identity and sense of self. This promise highlights Lindo's determination to navigate the complexities of her marriage and cultural expectations while 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's significance was that it symbolized Lindo's marriage to Tyan-yu. It was supposed to be lit at both ends and kept burning all night long as a representation of their union and commitment to each other.
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
In "The Red Candle," Lindo managed to escape from her marriage to Tyan-yu by convincing them that the pregnant servant girl was actually of imperial blood. By doing so, Lindo cleverly manipulated the situation and used the servant girl's pregnancy as a way to create doubt and uncertainty, ultimately allowing her to escape 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 that if Ying-ying tells her secret wish, it will no longer be a wish but a selfish desire. This implies that keeping her wishes secret maintains the purity and innocence of the wish, as sharing it would change the nature of the wish.
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 highlighting their shared sense of feeling lost. This suggests that both Ying-ying and her daughter have experienced a lack of direction or purpose in their lives. This feeling of being lost could stem from their struggles with their cultural identity, their relationships, or their own personal journeys. By expressing this sentiment, Ying-ying implies that she and her daughter share a common experience of searching for meaning and belonging in their lives.
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 navigate social situations effectively, using her intelligence and wit to assert herself and gain recognition from others. It suggests that this strength is not overt or visible, but rather a subtle and strategic approach to interactions.
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
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 adversary in both chess and life. Waverly's mother's strict parenting style and high expectations are symbolized through their intense chess matches, where Waverly must constantly strategize and outwit her mother to gain her approval. The imaginary chess games serve as a metaphor for the power dynamics and complex relationship between Waverly and her mother, highlighting the theme of the generational and cultural clash between them.
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
In "The Voice from the Wall," Lena hears the mother and daughter next door arguing through the wall of the new apartment. This is evident from the context of the story, where Lena describes hearing a constant stream of shouting and bickering coming from the neighboring apartment. The author emphasizes the intensity of the argument, indicating that Lena can clearly hear the voices through the wall.
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 may have observed something troubling or difficult between the girl and her mother. Despite this, Lena remains hopeful that there is potential for improvement or resolution in their situation.
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
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 a sense of equilibrium. By constantly rearranging the furniture, she may have been attempting to create a better sense of balance and harmony in the space. This behavior could also reflect her attention to detail and desire for a visually pleasing environment.
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 made people believe they have control over certain aspects of their lives. It implies that faith gives a false sense of control, suggesting that individuals may believe they have power or influence over events or outcomes when, in reality, they do not.
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 implies that she does not hold the Bible in high regard or use it for religious purposes.
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 titled "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 is why she thought Jing-mei could be a prodigy. This suggests that her mother had high hopes and expectations for Jing-mei's potential and believed that she had the ability to excel in any field she chose. This belief reflects the American Dream and the idea of limitless possibilities and opportunities in the United States.
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, "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. It implies a deeper connection between the two pieces and highlights the idea that contrasting emotions can coexist within a single experience or relationship.
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 between them. They may take turns paying for different expenses or contribute an equal amount towards their joint expenses. This approach ensures fairness and equal financial involvement from both partners.
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 believes that her mother will perceive how incompatible she and Harold are for each other during their visit. This suggests that Lena is aware of the differences and issues in their relationship, and she anticipates her mother's disapproval or judgment.
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 of "I knew it would happen." This question implies that if Lena had knowledge of the event occurring, she could have taken action to prevent it from happening. It suggests a sense of frustration or disbelief on her mother's part, questioning why Lena didn't intervene if she was aware of the outcome.
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 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's mother was overshadowing her achievements and not giving her the recognition she deserved, which led to her decision to stop playing chess.
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 phrase is a metaphorical way of saying that Rose lacks a solid foundation or direction in her life, as wood is often associated with stability and strength. By listening to too many people and their conflicting opinions, Rose's mother believes that Rose is unable to make her own decisions and is easily swayed, leading to her constant confusion.
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 shows her determination and unwillingness to give up on her marriage. It also suggests that she is willing to fight for her own happiness and stand up for herself, even if it means going against her husband's desires.
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 symbolizes her mother's love and the importance she places on Jing-mei's life. The jade pendant represents protection, good luck, and prosperity, while the gold chain adds value and elegance to the gift. This gift serves as a tangible reminder of her mother's affection and serves as a cherished keepsake for Jing-mei.
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's character and behavior. Jing-mei admires Waverly, while her mother criticizes her by comparing her to a crab, implying that she is deceitful and manipulative. This difference in perception suggests a conflict between Jing-mei's positive view of Waverly and her mother's negative opinion of her.
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 understanding of being born the "Chinese way" is that it involves being taught to suppress one's desires and emotions, and instead, take on the burden of others' suffering. It also entails learning to respect and prioritize one's parents, being willing to make sacrifices for the family, and not needing to apologize for one's actions or choices. This suggests that An-mei perceives being born the "Chinese way" as a cultural upbringing that emphasizes selflessness, endurance, 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.
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 relationship that is filled with negativity and resentment. It implies that she believes it would not be fair to the child to be born into such a troubled environment.
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 that she lost her spirit when she married her second husband, St. Clair. This implies that she feels like she has lost her sense of self, her vitality, and her inner strength. It suggests that her marriage has taken a toll on her emotional well-being and has made her feel disconnected from her true self.
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
Ying-ying wants to give her daughter her own spirit because she feels that her daughter has lost her sense of self and identity. She wants to pass on her wisdom and experiences to her daughter so that she can regain her inner strength and confidence. By giving her daughter her own spirit, Ying-ying hopes to empower her and help her find her true self.
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 could not 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 to each other. It implies that one cannot fully embrace both American culture and Chinese values 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.
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 actually left the babies because she thought she was going to die and didn't want them to die with her. This suggests that she made the difficult decision to give up her children in order to ensure their survival.
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 context, the speaker is expressing that upon arriving at a certain place, they realized that their dreams and thoughts were not as impressive or well-developed as they had previously believed. This suggests that their dreams and thoughts were of a lower or inferior quality, hence the correct answer is "of substandard 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" means to move quickly and hurriedly. In the given sentence, the narrator and their neighbors jumped to their feet and quickly moved to the deep caves in response to the warning sirens. Therefore, "went quickly" is the correct meaning of the word "scurried" in this context.
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 they are contemplating the gravity and seriousness of the situation they are in.
45.
"After everybody votes unamimously 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 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 sentence, it suggests that the white chenille bedspreads are extremely worn out to the point that they have become almost see-through, allowing light to pass through them partially.
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" in this context means to nurture or develop. The sentence suggests that the speaker's mother initially attempted to bring out a hidden talent or intelligence in them. This implies that the mother tried to encourage and foster the growth of this potential, rather than hindering or stopping it, ridiculing or mocking the speaker, or demanding or requiring anything specific.
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
The word "generosity" refers to the quality or act of being willing to give or share. It implies a selfless and giving nature, where someone is willing to offer help, support, or resources to others without expecting anything in return. In the given context, the speaker is embarrassed by the lie their aunties have told to hide their generous actions, suggesting that the aunties have been willingly giving or sharing something with others.
49.
I read ALL of The Joy Luck Club.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement indicates that the person read the entire book "The Joy Luck Club." Therefore, the correct answer is "True."
50.
I read half or more of The Joy Luck Club.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The given statement indicates that the person has read at least half of the book "The Joy Luck Club." Since the statement does not specify the exact percentage, it can be assumed that the person has read more than 50% of the book. Therefore, the answer is true.