Call Me American

Multiple Choice and Long Answer questions create ideal opportunities for whole-book review, unit exam, or summative assessments.

Multiple Choice

1. What is the most likely reason other Somalis looked down on Abdi’s parents for being nomads?

A) They saw nomads as loyal to Italy since they were trying to reach Europe in their travels across Somalia.

B) They saw nomads as unable to care for themselves and incapable of being educated.

C) They saw nomads as uninteresting and as not being true Somalis.

D) They saw nomads as being beggars and lower class because they didn’t own land or a home.

2. How does Abdi’s family’s nomadic history affect their ability to survive when civil war breaks out?

A) They lack tribal or familial connections that their neighbors use to get out of Somalia.

B) They draw on their skills at avoiding conflict to quickly escape to safety.

C) They are caught up in the chaos when leaving Mogadishu.

D) They use public roads to leave Mogadishu rather than trying to sneak out.

3. When fleeing after the civil war breaks out, what is the most likely reason behind Abdi’s vow to “always survive like [his mother]”?

A) Madinah is able to survive even after Nur leaves his family, and she becomes their leader.

B) Madinah uses her knowledge of the environment to hide from the militia and animals and create medical remedies.

C) Madinah never experiences any setbacks, drawing on her knowledge of the environment to survive.

D) Madinah never second-guesses her faith, despite all the hardships she endures.

4. How have droughts shaped the life of Abdi’s family?

A) Droughts have caused moments of unification in Abdi’s family, bringing them together when times get tough.

B) Droughts give Abdi an excuse to wander the city looking for food.

C Droughts worsen conditions for Abdi’s family, causing them to come to Mogadishu and then threatening to increase food shortages.

D) Droughts killed Abdi’s grandparents.

5. Why might the UN’s involvement in Somalia be described as “double-sided”?

A) The UN’s presence causes more conflict but also provides food to Somalis in need.

B) The UN quells political tensions but doesn’t improve the lives of everyday Somalis.

C) The UN claims that Somalis have access to aid but does nothing to end the conflict.

D) The UN recruits children to join the army but also works to end the conflict.

6. Why is film important in Abdi’s development?

A) It is a way for him to escape the chaos of his life.

B) It fosters a fascination with America.

C) It provides him with a job because he sells movie tickets.

D) It offers him male role models in the absence of his father.

7. Why might Abdi’s hobbies in Mogadishu be considered dangerous?

A) They cause his family to splinter.

B) They make him abandon his family.

C) They cause him to disobey his mother.

D) They are considered “American” and sinful.

8. Which of the following best describes why Abdi ultimately decides to leave Somalia?

A) His favorite pastimes and loves are either banned or not doing well.

B) He chases Faisa, as she promised to marry him if he follows her to Kenya.

C) He goes to save Hassan, who is being extorted for money in Kenya.

D) His father summons him to the United States, having settled there himself.

9. What can be learned from the fact that only one third of green card lottery winners finally qualify for green cards?

A) Applying for a visa does not necessarily mean that people want to leave their country.

B) Applying for a visa requires that applicants pay close attention to detail.

C) Applying for a visa is not the only way to get into the United States.

D) Applying for a visa in the United States is a difficult process with many barriers.

10. How does his community in Portland make Abdi realize that culture is more difficult to learn than language?

A) He feels he does not entirely understand American culture, especially when it comes to gender and religion.

B) He feels caught between worlds because some of those he meets wish to integrate into American society while others resist it.

C) He feels like there are no downsides to American society, but many of his coworkers disagree.

D) He feels that, as long as he associates with other Somalis, he will never be accepted.

11. Why might the election of Donald Trump have been difficult for Somalis suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder?

A) It brings back memories of sneaking into the United States.

B) It brings back memories of being targeted for their beliefs.

C) It makes them feel like their lives are in danger.

D) It makes them feel like they will be forced to leave the country.

12. What does it suggest about Abdi that, even though he lives in America, his dream is to be Somalia’s first Rahanweyn president?

A) His first loyalty is to Somalia and he wishes to honor where he came from.

B) He is hoping to make Somalia just like the United States.

C) He is hoping to prove that Somali culture is better than American culture.

D) His love for the United States has been replaced by his love for Somalia.

13. What might Abdi’s friend’s dog symbolize?

A) The difference between pets in Somalia and pets in the United States

B) The love that Abdi has for his niece

C) The hopes that Abdi has for his life in America

D) The clash between Abdi’s life in Somalia and his life in the United States

14. What does Abdi’s nickname, Abdi American, imply about him?

A) It is a constant reminder of where he came from.

B) It symbolizes how Abdi wishes to leave his life in Somalia behind.

C) It shows that he is part of two worlds.

D) It shows how he is his father’s son.

15. Which of the following best describes the role that tribal clans play in Call Me American?

A) They are the reason that Abdi decides to leave Somalia.

B) They structure Somali society, and when Abdi arrives in America, they help him understand American society.

C) They cause Abdi to be persecuted, and when he arrives in America, other Somalis ostracize him because of his tribal identity.

D) They structure politics in Somalia, and Abdi believes that America should follow this model.

Long Answer

Compose a response of 2-3 sentences, incorporating text details to support your response.

1. What role does Hassan play in Abdi’s life? How is he responsible for Abdi’s ability to get out of Somalia?

2. How has Abdi’s affection for America been dangerous?