Selection Test 'Two Kinds' from The Joy Luck Club

In 'Two Kinds,' what does the mother hope for her daughter?

• a meeting with Ed Sullivan

• way to happiness

• a good career

• a special talent

Which statement best explains why the daughter in 'Two Kinds' develops a negative attitude toward her mother's quizzes?

• She finds the tests getting harder and harder.

• She is not interested in geography or math.

• She sees herself disappointing her mother.

• She wants to play piano instead of taking tests.

In 'Two Kinds,' what does the daughter realize when she becomes angry at her reflection in the mirror?

• If she does not become a prodigy, she will not succeed at anything.

• If she becomes a prodigy, she will be a sad, unpleasant girl.

• She has the power to decide for herself who she will be.

• She can be the prodigy her mother wants her to be.

In 'Two Kinds,' which of the following are reasons that the daughter plays badly at the talent show? Choose two options.

• She has not been taught well by her teacher, who is deaf.

• She wants Waverly, not herself, to win the talent show.

• She does not sincerely try to learn her selected piece.

• She does not wish to play well at the talent show.

• She is too nervous to play well in front of an audience.

Which of the following is the best definition for lamented?

• expressed sorrow about

• showed appreciation for

• expressed annoyance at

• showed anger about

Which scenario best illustrates the concept of bickering? Make your selection based on the definition of bickering.

• John asks Sarah for guidance on how to repair his computer.

• Amy and Alex argue about who gets to use the bathroom first in the morning.

• Mike annoys his friends with tales of his successful fishing trips.

• Sam and Robert share their contrasting views on sports.

Which situation would most likely cause a person to feel heartbroken? Base your choice on the meaning of heartbroken.

• Sam's younger brother doesn't understand his explanation of physics.

• Riya graduates as the valedictorian of her high school class.

• Nobody attends Emily's sweet sixteen birthday party.

• John has to complete his assignment before playing video games.

In 'Two Kinds,' the mother insists on the daughter taking piano lessons. The daughter retorts with the following. 'Why can't you accept me as I am? I'm not a prodigy!' Based on this quotation, select what the daughter most likely thinks.

• If her mother insists on her developing a skill, then her mother probably doesn't appreciate her as she is.

• If her mother insists on her developing a skill, then her mother must acknowledge that she is not a prodigy.

• Since she is not a prodigy, she must put in more effort than others to achieve success.

• Since she is not a prodigy, she doesn't merit her mother's attempts to enhance her.

Which other quote from 'Two Kinds' best supports the response to Part A?

• In all my dreams, I was overwhelmed with the feeling that I was about to become flawless.

• It felt like I was certain, without any doubt, that the genius part of me truly existed. I had no fear at all, no anxiety.

• I experienced the embarrassment of my parents as they sat rigidly for the remainder of the performance.

• 'You want me to be someone I'm not!' I cried. 'I'll never be the type of daughter you wish for!'

Which statement best sums up the theme, or message, of 'Two Kinds'?

• Determination is more important than genius.

• A happy family requires obedient children.

• Accepting oneself can be more important than success.

• A parent's expectations inspire a child's achievements.