Fish Cheeks

When the Amy (the narrator) saw the food the mother was cooking, she most likely felt

• amused.

• surprised.

• excited.

• ashamed.

Why is Amy nervous about having guests over for dinner?

• She lives in an apartment, and the guests live in a house.

• She worries the food will not taste good.

• Her mom is embarrassing and will tell a story about her childhood.

• She is embarrassed about her family's Chinese customs.

Why did Amy want to "disappear" during the meal?

• She was embarrassed because she accidentally belched in front of Robert.

• She was embarrassed about the way her family members were eating.

• She did not like the outfit that she has to wear to dinner.

• She dropped her plate on Robert while serving food.

Which of the following quotes BEST supports the theme of the story?

• "For Christmas Eve that year, she had chosen all my favorite foods."

• "My relatives licked the ends of their chopsticks and reached across the table..."

• "You must be proud you are different."

• "I fell in love with the minister's son when I turned fourteen."

How does the narrator's description of the cod (fish) in paragraph 3 impact the tone of the passage?

• A. She describes it as “slimy” and pathetic, which contributes to the angry tone of the passage.

• B. She describes it as “slimy” with “bulging eyes,” which contributes to the horrified tone of the passage.

• C. She describes it as pleading with big “bulging eyes,” which contributes to the pitying tone of the passage.

• D. She describes it as pleading not to be cooked, which contributes to the mocking tone of the passage.

What does paragraph 8 reveal about the narrator’s character development?

• A. After the dinner, she realizes that the minister’s son is not as friendly as she thought.
• B. As an adult, she regrets trying to fit in with other Americans and losing her identity.
• C. Years later, she learns to appreciate her family and her Chinese American identity.
• D. Years later, she learns to love her mother’s cooking, which she previously hated.

Why does Mother say "you want to be American girl on the outside"?

• She knows her daughter is struggling with her culture.

• She knows her daughter loves American clothing.

• She knows her daughter is in love with an American boy.

• She knows her daughter likes to eat Chinese food.

What is meant by "Your only shame is to have shame"?

• Be proud of who you are.

• You cannot be responsible for actions of others.

• Accept others for what they are.

• You only find true love once.

What lesson did the author learn from the dinner experience?

• It helps to befriend people who are different from you.
• Food can be used as a conversation starter whenmeeting someone new.
• Never be ashamed of your family culture.
• Dating outside of your race can bring shame and dishonor to your family.

What is a polite custom after a meal in Chinese culture?

• belching (burping)

• clapping

• standing up

• cleaning the dishes