70 pages 2 hours read

Lensey Namioka

Ties That Bind, Ties That Break

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1999

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During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

PROLOGUE-CHAPTER 3

Reading Check

1. Why is Ailin, as a young woman and wife of a restaurant owner, struggling to walk?

2. Why could Ailin outrun her amah?

3. Who are “Big Noses”?

4. What emotion does Ailin see in both Second Sister and Father’s eyes in the discussion of bound feet?

5. What does Second Sister invite Ailin to see?

6. Which word is used frequently by the adults during this time in Ailin’s life?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Describe Hanwei and Ailin’s re-encounter in San Francisco. What does Ailin learn that has changed in Hanwei’s life?

2. What issue does Mrs. Liu raise with Ailin’s grandmother? How does her grandmother respond to this issue?

3. Compare and contrast Ailin’s and Hanwei’s education. Why does Hanwei reveal that he is taking an interest in Ailin’s education?

4. How do Big Uncle and Father disagree on contemporary issues? Describe what matters they discuss while at dinner.

5. What political changes are occurring during Ailin’s childhood? How does this link with the idea of foot binding?

6.