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 a way for her to honor her mother's memory and fulfill her father's request. It also implies that the club held significance for her family and had a special place in their lives.
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.
Explanation
Jing-mei finally learns from her mother's story about leaving Kweilin that her mother had left behind two daughters. This information comes as a surprise to Jing-mei, as she had always believed that she was her mother's only daughter. This revelation adds a new layer of complexity to their relationship and helps Jing-mei better understand her mother's past and the sacrifices she had made.
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 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 act of self-sacrifice demonstrates the depth of her love and her willingness to go to extreme 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 made a promise to herself that she would always remember her parents' wishes but would never forget herself. This suggests that Lindo was determined to honor her cultural traditions and respect her parents' desires for her, but she also wanted to maintain her own identity and not lose herself in the process. This promise reflects Lindo's struggle to balance her individuality with her obligations to her family.
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
Lindo escaped from the marriage to Tyan-yu by convincing them that the pregnant servant girl was actually of imperial descent.
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 Amah tells Ying-ying that she must keep her wishes secret because if she tells her secret wish, it will no longer be a wish but a selfish desire. This suggests that in Chinese culture, wishes are seen as pure and selfless, and sharing them with others would taint their true nature. Keeping wishes secret preserves their innocence and prevents them from becoming selfish desires.
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 through the statement that they are both lost. This suggests that both Ying-ying and her daughter have experienced feelings of confusion, disorientation, and a lack of direction in their lives. This shared sense of being lost highlights the emotional connection between Ying-ying and her daughter, as they navigate their own personal journeys and search for meaning and purpose. It also implies that Ying-ying's own experiences and struggles have influenced her daughter's life, creating a parallel between their stories.
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 the strength Waverly learned was not physical but rather a skill or tactic that allowed her to navigate social interactions effectively. It suggests that she learned how to present her ideas persuasively and assertively, ultimately gaining respect and influence in her interactions with others.
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
In the story "Rules of the Game," Waverly's mother treated her as though she didn't exist when she returned home after running away. This means that her mother completely ignored Waverly and did not acknowledge her presence or interact with her in any way. This suggests that her mother was angry or disappointed with Waverly's actions and chose to give her the silent treatment 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 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 opponent in both chess and life. Waverly's mother's strict discipline and high expectations push Waverly to become a skilled chess player. The imaginary games Waverly plays against her mother symbolize the power struggle and conflict between them. Waverly's mother serves as a constant source of challenge and competition, representing the complex dynamics of their relationship.
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. This suggests that the walls of the apartment are thin enough for Lena to hear the conversation happening in the neighboring apartment. The argument between the mother and daughter adds tension and conflict to the story, potentially foreshadowing future events or revealing the dynamics of the characters in the neighboring 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 may have noticed some difficulties or challenges in the girl's life, and she hoped that there was a possibility for improvement or a brighter future. Lena's hope indicates her optimism and desire for positive change, possibly for herself and those around her.
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 believed that the arrangement of the furniture was not harmonious or lacked symmetry. By constantly rearranging the furniture, she may have been attempting to create a sense of balance and order in her living space. This behavior could also reflect her desire for control and perfection in her surroundings.
17.
In "Half and Half," what did Rose find out “faith” was?
Correct Answer
A. An illusion that somehow one is in control
Explanation
In the story "Half and Half," Rose discovered that "faith" was an illusion that made people believe they have control over their lives. It implies that people deceive themselves into thinking they have power over their destiny, when in reality, it is just an illusion. This suggests that faith can be seen as a way for individuals to cope with the uncertainties and challenges of life by creating a sense of control and purpose.
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," it is mentioned that Rose's mother keeps her Bible to prop up her table. This implies that she does not have a special case for her Bible, nor does she sleep with it under her pillow.
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 is why she thought that Jing-mei could be a prodigy. This belief reflects the American Dream and the idea that in America, there are limitless opportunities for success and achievement.
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 realizes that the two pieces she played, "Pleading Child" and "Perfectly Contented," were actually two halves of the same song. This suggests that she had been playing them separately without realizing their connection.
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 suggests that they share the financial responsibilities equally and contribute equally to their expenses.
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 see how wrong she and Harold are for each other during their visit. This implies that Lena feels her relationship with Harold is not a good match and her mother will be able to see this as well. The other options, such as the cat's appearance, Lena's boring life, and the quality of her house, are not mentioned in the question and therefore cannot be considered as the correct answer.
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 implies that Lena's mother believes that if Lena knew something bad was going to happen, she should have taken action to prevent it. It suggests that Lena's mother is questioning Lena's ability to predict events and is also expressing frustration with Lena's inaction.
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 her mother was not giving her the recognition she deserved and this may have caused her to lose interest in 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 a clear sense of self. By listening to too many people and not forming her own opinions or making her own decisions, Rose becomes easily swayed and confused. It suggests that Rose needs to develop her own sense of identity and learn to filter out the opinions and influences of others.
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
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.
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 jade is a precious stone symbolizing wisdom, balance, and protection. The gold chain adds value and elegance to the pendant, making it a cherished and meaningful gift from her mother.
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 about Waverly's character and behavior. Jing-mei admires Waverly, while her mother criticizes her by comparing her to a crab, suggesting that she is deceitful and manipulative. This difference in perception shows a contrast in their opinions and perspectives on Waverly.
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 deeply rooted in her cultural upbringing. She believes that it means being taught to suppress one's desires and emotions, and instead, endure the suffering and hardships of others. It also entails respecting and honoring one's parents, learning the value of sacrifice, and not needing to apologize for one's actions. This explanation highlights the cultural and societal expectations placed on An-mei and emphasizes the importance of selflessness and resilience in her understanding of being "Chinese."
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
After An-mei's mother died, Wu Tsing promised to raise her son and daughter as his own honored children. This implies that he would provide them with love, care, and a privileged status within his family.
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.
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 implies that her marriage caused her to lose her sense of self and vitality. It suggests that she became subdued and perhaps even lost her passion and zest for life. This loss of spirit could indicate that Ying-ying feels trapped or unfulfilled in her marriage, and it may also reflect the sacrifices she made for the relationship.
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.
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 why 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 the children cannot possess both American circumstances and Chinese character simultaneously, indicating a clash or conflict between the two.
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 Waverly finds a sense of intrigue and mystery in their appearance, possibly reflecting her own cunning and strategic nature. It implies that she sees their crooked noses as a symbol of their ability to navigate through life with cleverness and adaptability.
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 them up in order to ensure their survival, even though it meant separating from them.
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 arrived at a place and realized that their dreams and thoughts were not as good or impressive as they had believed. The word "shabby" suggests that their dreams and thoughts were of low quality or not up to the desired standard.
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 quickly got up and rushed to the deep caves when they heard the sirens warning of bombers. Therefore, the word "scurried" in this context means "went quickly".
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 limited or insufficient. This implies that they were only able to afford a small amount of food with their limited resources. Therefore, the correct answer is "small or deficient in quantity."
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 sentence, 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 is grave and requires a serious demeanor.
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 individuals present voted in favor of the Canada gold stock without any disagreement or opposition. The protagonist goes to ask Auntie An-mei about the reason behind the Joy Luck Club's decision to invest in stocks because they want to understand the unanimous decision made by the group.
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
The word "translucent" refers to something that allows some light to pass through but is not completely see-through. In the given context, it means that the white chenille bedspreads are heavily worn to the point where they have become thin and light can partially pass through them, but they are not completely transparent.
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 nurture, develop, or promote something. In the given context, the mother is trying to bring out and enhance the hidden genius in the speaker, indicating that she is trying to grow or encourage their talents and abilities.
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" means the willingness to give. In the given sentence, the speaker is embarrassed by the lie their aunties have told to hide their generosity. This suggests that the aunties have been giving or doing something kind and generous, but they have lied about it. Therefore, the correct answer is "willingness to give."
49.
I read ALL of The Joy Luck Club.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The given statement implies that the person has 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 "I read half or more of The Joy Luck Club" implies that the person has read at least half of the book. Therefore, the correct answer is True.