Jing-mei's Mother's Motivations and Actions

What tragedy from her past in China motivates Jing-mei's mother to push her daughter so hard?

• She lost her job and became poor

• She lost her parents in the war

• She lost her twin baby daughters

• She lost her husband in the revolution

Answer explanation

Jing-mei's mother pushes her daughter hard because she lost her twin baby daughters in China. This tragedy deeply affects her, driving her to ensure Jing-mei achieves the success she could not provide for her lost children.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

What does Jing-mei's mother believe about America that drives her expectations?

• Only rich people can succeed here

• You can be anything you want to be in America

• America is just like China

• Success comes easily without hard work

Answer explanation

Jing-mei's mother believes that in America, anyone can achieve their dreams regardless of their background. This belief drives her high expectations for Jing-mei, as she thinks opportunities are limitless.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

How does the mother view talent and ability in children?

• Children are born with fixed abilities that can't be changed

• Only some children have special gifts

• Every child has hidden talent that needs to be discovered

• Talent doesn't matter as much as hard work

Answer explanation

The mother believes that every child possesses hidden talents that can be uncovered, emphasizing the potential for growth and discovery rather than fixed abilities or limited gifts.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

What does watching Shirley Temple on TV represent to Jing-mei's mother?

• Entertainment and fun

• A waste of time

• Proof that a child can achieve great success

• Something only American children can do

Answer explanation

For Jing-mei's mother, watching Shirley Temple symbolizes the potential for children to achieve great success, reflecting her aspirations for her own daughter to excel and be recognized, much like Temple was.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.1

How does the mother respond to Jing-mei's failures during the various tests and lessons?

• She gives up and stops trying

• She gets angry and punishes Jing-mei

• She keeps trying new things to find Jing-mei's talent

• She blames herself for not being a good mother

Answer explanation

The mother responds to Jing-mei's failures by continuously trying new activities to discover her talent, demonstrating her determination and support rather than giving up or blaming herself.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

What does the mother sacrifice to pay for Jing-mei's piano lessons?

• Her jewelry and personal belongings

• Money meant for food

• Her job to stay home with Jing-mei

• Cleaning services in exchange for lessons

Answer explanation

The mother sacrifices cleaning services to pay for Jing-mei's piano lessons, allowing her to provide lessons without spending money directly. This choice highlights her commitment to Jing-mei's musical education.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

How does the mother react immediately after Jing-mei's disastrous piano recital?

• She cries and apologizes to everyone

• She acts as if nothing embarrassing happened

• She gets angry and scolds Jing-mei publicly

• She immediately takes Jing-mei home

Answer explanation

After Jing-mei's recital, her mother maintains a calm demeanor, acting as if nothing embarrassing occurred. This reaction highlights her desire to support Jing-mei despite the performance's failure.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

What does the mother mean when she says there are 'two kinds of daughters'?

• Smart daughters and average daughters

• American daughters and Chinese daughters

• Obedient daughters and rebellious daughters

• Talented daughters and untalented daughters

Answer explanation

The mother refers to 'two kinds of daughters' to highlight the distinction between obedient daughters, who follow expectations, and rebellious daughters, who challenge them. This reflects cultural values regarding obedience.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.7

CCSS.RI.8.7

CCSS.RL.7.7

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.8.7

How does the mother's experience as an immigrant affect her parenting?

• She wants Jing-mei to remember Chinese culture

• She pushes Jing-mei to prove their family can succeed in America

• She doesn't care about American success

• She wants to return to China

Answer explanation

The mother's immigrant experience drives her to push Jing-mei to succeed in America, reflecting her desire for their family to thrive and overcome challenges, rather than focusing solely on cultural heritage or returning to China.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

What does the mother's decision to keep the piano after the argument reveal about her character?

• She has given up on her dreams but still hopes

• She wants to sell it for money

• She plans to learn to play it herself

• She forgot about their fight

Answer explanation

The mother's choice to keep the piano indicates that, despite having given up on her dreams of playing, she still holds onto a glimmer of hope for the future. This reflects her resilience and emotional attachment to her aspirations.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.1