This excerpt contributes to the theme of –

Question

A. the challenges of balancing family and friendship
B. misunderstandings that arise from cultural assumptions
C. humor in blending traditions
D. desires to fit into different communities
2.` Which quotation from the selection emphasizes the narrator’s conflict with their own identity?
A. “My outside doesn’t match the inside. And I can’t help that.”(paragraph 124)
B. Amina digs the toe of her boot into the cobblestone street. (paragraph 123)
C. “You think this is funny?” Amina asks. (paragraph 121)
D. I close my mouth and snort, trying so hard not to laugh. (paragraph 20)
3. Read the following paragraph.
“My family didn’t have some spread for what they assume
your [...] family likes. A green bean casserole or, like, a platter
from Panera Bread.” (paragraph 119)
Based on the paragraph, the author depicts Amina as __________________.
upset
embarrassed
thankful
amused
4. This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A
How does the characterization of Amina contribute to the theme of cultural misunderstanding in
the story?
A. By highlighting her frustration with the narrator’s family’s assumptions
B. By showing her willingness to adapt to unfamiliar traditions
C. By emphasizing her detachment from cultural identity
D. By her openness to embrace other people’s values
5 Part B
Which quotation from the story best supports the answer to Part A?
A. Amina digs the toe of her boot into the cobblestone street. (paragraph 123)
B. “Told them about me?” she asks, shoving her phone in her pocket. “That’s what they think?”
(paragraph 117)
C. “Come on, that Panera Bread joke was hilarious. You’re funny.” (paragraph 122)
D. “I’m the one who never wants to talk about why this… might be complicated and weird.”
(paragraph 124)

[115] “Hummus? Seriously?!” I look from my mom to my dad, and my mother has a deer-in-headlights look
on her face, like she can’t process what just happened. I get up and walk toward the door. “I’ll be right back.”
[116] Amina is standing in the middle of the tiny street, looking down at her phone, and catches me as I close
the front door.
[117] “Told them about me?” she asks, shoving her phone in her pocket. “That’s what they think?”
[118] “Amina, they didn’t mean anything — ”
[119] “My family didn’t have some spread for what they assume your [...] family likes. A green bean casserole
or, like, a platter from Panera Bread.”
[120] “That’s not — ” I close my mouth and snort, trying so hard not to laugh.
[121] “You think this is funny?” Amina asks.
[122] “Come on, that Panera Bread joke was hilarious. You’re funny.”
[123] Amina digs the toe of her boot into the cobblestone street.
[124] “I’m sorry,” I say, taking a few steps toward her. “They really do mean well, I swear. And I did tell them
about you. I talk about you all the time. Every day. They’re tired of it. I’m the sorry one. I’m the one who never
wants to talk about why this” — I point at myself and the house and then at her and then just gesture all over
the place — “why this might be complicated and weird. My outside doesn’t match the inside. And I can’t help
that.”
[125] Amina snorts.
[126] “Oh, now you get to laugh?” I ask.

Answer 1

Based on the provided excerpt, here are the answers:

1. This excerpt contributes to the theme of –
   B. misunderstandings that arise from cultural assumptions.
   The conversation reflects the clash of assumptions about what each other's families expect and the tensions that result from these cultural misunderstandings.

2. Which quotation from the selection emphasizes the narrator’s conflict with their own identity?
   A. “My outside doesn’t match the inside. And I can’t help that.”(paragraph 124)
   This quote directly addresses the narrator's struggle with their identity.

3. Based on the paragraph, the author depicts Amina as __________________.
   upset.
   Amina expresses disappointment regarding the misunderstandings about her cultural background.

4. Part A: How does the characterization of Amina contribute to the theme of cultural misunderstanding in the story?
   A. By highlighting her frustration with the narrator’s family’s assumptions.
   Amina's reactions showcase her discomfort and frustration over the misconceptions related to her cultural identity.

5. Part B: Which quotation from the story best supports the answer to Part A?
   B. “Told them about me?” she asks, shoving her phone in her pocket. “That’s what they think?” (paragraph 117)
   This quote illustrates Amina's bewilderment and frustration regarding the assumptions the narrator's family has made about her.