from the Breadwinner

Which of the following sentences best shows the problem that Parvana’s family is trying to solve?

• There was no one to ask about Parvana.

• Someone has to go to the market to buy food and supplies.

• Hossain’s clothes do not fit Parvana.

• Mother misses her son Hossain.

Which statement best expresses a theme of the selection?

• The enduring love of family makes anything seem possible.

• It can be difficult to have courage in the face of challenges.

• People often use food to show their love for each other.

• Supporting the community is as important as supporting family.

What is Parvana’s primary concern about assuming the role of a boy?

• She is worried that she will be teased.

• She believes what she is doing is wrong.

• She is afraid that she will be recognized.

• She resents having to do her sister’s job.

In paragraph 30, why does Mother most likely ask Parvana if she wants to watch while she cuts her hair?

• To punish Parvana for resisting the idea

• To force Parvana to demonstrate her obedience

• To help Parvana to accept the idea

• To reassure Parvana that the haircut will look nice

The description of Mother’s behavior while she cuts Parvana’s hair helps the reader understand that Mother —

• favors Nooria over Parvana

• cannot understand Nooria’s position

• does not understand Parvana’s resistance

• cares about how Parvana feels

Read the thesaurus entry.

gingerly
adv: warily, guardedly, safely, hesitantly

Which adverb best matches the use of gingerly as it is used in paragraph 43?

• Warily, because Parvana feels unfamiliar with her hair

• Guardedly, because Parvana feels protective of her hair

• Safely, because Parvana does not want to mess up her hair

• Hesitantly, because Parvana does not want to see her hair

In the last paragraph of the story, why does Mother say, “Go to sleep, my son”?

• She misses Hossain and confuses Ali with him.

• She is tired and wishes the day would end.

• She is worrying about all her children.

• She is accepting Parvana’s new role.

In the story, Parvana’s haircut represents —

• happier times

• new responsibilities

• abandoned beliefs

• cultural traditions

In paragraphs 37–40, the writer describes Parvana’s experience of the haircut in order to —

• show how Nooria is envious of Parvana

• describe a traumatic event

• give directions on how to cut hair

• show how Parvana’s changing appearance is beginning to affect her outlook

Which one of the following ideas is true?

• Parvana feels proud that she bought food at the market.

• Mother is delighted that Parvana reminds her of Hossain.

• The family forces Parvana to disguise herself as a boy.

• Parvana treasures her long hair after Mother cuts it off.