Inside Out and Back Again-Day 1&2 Assessment

In the poem “Saigon is Gone,” what major event is happening to Hà and her family?

• They are attending a wedding

• They are fleeing Vietnam during war

• They are going on vacation

• They are moving to a nearby city

Answer explanation

In the poem "Saigon is Gone," Hà and her family are fleeing Vietnam during war, highlighting the urgency and danger they face, which is a central theme of the poem.

Which line from “Saigon is Gone” shows Hà’s emotional conflict about leaving?

• The market is full of mangoes.

• Midnight. So close. So far away.

• I wear my school shirt.

• We sing together.

Answer explanation

The line "Midnight. So close. So far away." captures Hà's emotional conflict about leaving, as it reflects her feelings of longing and the paradox of being on the brink of departure yet feeling distant from her home.

What is Hà’s internal conflict in “Birthday Wishes”?

• She doesn’t want to leave Vietnam

• She is afraid of her teacher

• She misses her father and feels powerless

• She wants to stay home from school

Answer explanation

Hà's internal conflict revolves around missing her father, which leaves her feeling powerless. This emotional struggle is central to her character's development in "Birthday Wishes," highlighting her vulnerability.

Which line best reflects Hà’s feelings in “Birthday Wishes”?

• The rice is warm.

• I hate being the youngest.

• We sit under the stars.

• Mother braids my hair.

Answer explanation

Hà's statement "I hate being the youngest" directly expresses her feelings of frustration and isolation, highlighting her struggle with her position in the family, making it the best reflection of her emotions in "Birthday Wishes."

In “Feel Dumb,” why does Hà feel ashamed?

• She didn’t bring her homework

• She is praised for basic English skills, even though she’s smart

• She laughs in class

• She doesn’t like school lunch

Answer explanation

Hà feels ashamed because she is praised for her basic English skills, which makes her feel underestimated despite her intelligence. This contrast highlights her struggle with identity and self-worth in a new environment.

What does the line “So this is what dumb feels like” reveal about Hà?

• She is excited to learn

• She feels confident

• She is being treated unfairly and begins to doubt herself

• She wants to drop out of school

Answer explanation

The line indicates Hà's feelings of inadequacy and unfair treatment, leading her to doubt her abilities. This reflects her struggle with self-esteem rather than excitement or confidence.

How does Hà’s identity change in “Feel Dumb” compared to “Birthday Wishes”?

• She becomes more hopeful

• She feels more accepted

• She begins to question her self-worth

• She becomes angry at her family

Answer explanation

In "Feel Dumb," Hà's identity shifts as she grapples with feelings of inadequacy and begins to question her self-worth, contrasting with the more positive sentiments expressed in "Birthday Wishes."

What internal conflict do the poems “Birthday Wishes” and “Feel Dumb” share?

• Hà has no friends

• Hà feels invisible and misunderstood

• Hà wants to go shopping

• Hà wants to learn French

Answer explanation

Both poems express Hà's feelings of invisibility and being misunderstood, highlighting her internal struggle with identity and connection, making this the shared internal conflict.

In the poem “Alabama,” what is Hà’s first impression of her new home?

• She feels excited to be in a big house

• She thinks it feels like a punishment

• She wants to go back to school

• She loves the weather

Answer explanation

Hà's first impression of her new home in "Alabama" is that it feels like a punishment, indicating her discomfort and negative feelings about the change in her environment.

How do Hà’s relationships (family dynamics) influence her identity?

• Her brothers help her speak English

• Her family makes her feel strong and supported in school

• Feeling left out or unsupported shapes how she sees herself

• Her family makes her popular

Answer explanation

Hà's feelings of being left out or unsupported by her family significantly shape her self-perception and identity. This choice highlights how negative family dynamics can impact her view of herself.