Assessment

After reading Chapters 1, 2 and 3, what have you learnt

about Adeline Yen Mahs family? Include at least one
quote for each of the bullet points.
Begin with Adelines age at the start of her
autobiography and explain that her family treats her
very badly and with reasons why. Then move on to
her relationship with Aunt Baba and why theyre so
close.
Discuss how many brothers and sisters she has
altogether and why the younger ones are special.
Give a description of Niang, her personality and
appearance, nationality etc.
Explain why her grandmother is in pain
Give some examples of how her brothers and sisters
treat her badly.

Answer the following comprehension questions on Chapter 4 of

the novel:
1. What happens when Big Sister complains about walking her
to and from school?
2. Why did her father buy the rickshaw?
3. What are the brothers always begging for?
4. What does the beggar woman say and how do the children
react?
5. List the things she likes about her school.
6. Why do they always have to wait for the sister?
7. How can we tell that Ah Mao sympathises with her?
8. Why is she so happy she keeps winning the medal despite
the fact that it annoys her siblings?
9. Why do you think Big Sister was off school on the day of
the prize giving?
10.
What would happen if they didnt show respect to
Japanese soldiers?
11. Describe the Japanese body guards who come to the house.
12.
How does their home-life improve when her father and
step mother leave the house?
13.
Why did Nai Nai have her feet bound?
14.
Which simile is used to describe the end of Nai Nais
life?
15.
Why cant she sleep that night?
16.
How do they dress for the funeral?
17.
What do they burn and why?