Does My Head Look Big In This?

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

Multiple Choice

1. Which is the best description of Amal’s primary motive for wearing the hijab?

A) She wants others to know that she is modest and submissive.

B) She wants to keep herself from getting romantically involved with boys.

C) She wants to affirm her pride in and her connection to her faith.

D) She wants to be a visible counterargument to stereotypes about Muslims.

2. Which is the most reasonable interpretation of the author’s purpose in characterizing Simone as someone who struggles with issues around weight?

A) It shows that women face harsh social criticism if their appearances do not conform to arbitrary standards.

B) It shows that bullies like Tia usually target the people who are least able to defend themselves.

C) It shows that it is important not to make assumptions about why a person struggles with their weight.

D) It shows that bullying sabotages the self-esteem of the people who most need love and acceptance.

3. What is the main difference between the way Amal views the hijab and the way most of the people at her school view the hijab?

A) Others view it as religious; Amal views it as cultural.

B) Others view it as restrictive; Amal views it as liberating.

C) Others view it as attention-seeking; Amal views it as modest.

D) Others view it as a passing phase; Amal views it as a permanent change.

4. Which of her friends’ mothers does Amal feel closest to?

A) Yasmeen’s

B) Eileen’s

C) Leila’s

D) Simone’s

5. Which two mothers put the most pressure on their daughters to conform to a narrow idea of what women should be?

A) Simone’s and Amal’s

B) Amal’s and Yasmeen’s

C) Yasmeen’s and Leila’s

D) Leila’s and Simone’s

6. Which character seems to grow the least in their understanding of Muslims?

A) Mr. Pearse

B) Tia

C) Adam

D) Eileen

7. What is one lesson that Amal learns about friendship during this story?

A) Religion is a touchy subject, and it is usually better not to burden friendships by talking about it.

B) Not everyone who is her friend during the easy times will stick around to support her when things get tough.

C) Even friends who do not share her religious background can be understanding and empathetic about her religious choices.

D) Sometimes people who start out as bullies can be turned into friends with a little understanding and sympathy.

8. What is the most reasonable interpretation of Josh’s easy acceptance of Amal’s choice to wear the hijab?

A) He is hoping that being friendly toward Amal will help him with Simone.

B) He is also a new student and just wants to make some friends.

C) The cultures of Jews and Palestinians are historically intertwined.

D) He belongs to a minority culture with a similar tradition.

9. What is a lesson that Amal learns from her relationship with Mrs. Vaselli?

A) Sometimes people hide their pain and vulnerability by being rude and standoffish.

B) It is important to stand up for your values, even if it alienates people you love.

C) Refusing to assimilate after immigrating can be the cause of great loneliness.

D) As a person ages, it becomes almost impossible for them to unlearn prejudices.

10. Which does food most often symbolize in this novel?

A) Belonging and community

B) Indulgence and a lack of discipline

C) Rebellion and freedom

D) Generosity and selflessness

11. Which message is most clearly conveyed through the composition of Amal’s friend group?

A) Assimilation is what helps people get along with each other.

B) Diversity is a source of richness and strength.

C) It is natural for similar people to become friends.

D) Standing up for yourself is less important than compromise.

12. Which is the most accurate description of the majority of students at Amal’s school?

A) They are trying to be helpful but are often clumsy in the way they go about it.

B) They are selfish people who do not care at all about the feelings of other people.

C) Their insensitivity is mostly due to their age, and they do not mean to hurt others’ feelings.

D) They are often callous because their privilege makes them unaware of the struggles of others.

13. Which is the most accurate characterization of Amal’s attitude toward her religion?

A) Fearful

B) Cynical

C) Idealistic

D) Obsessive

14. What does Amal give up when she starts wearing the hijab full-time?

A) Equality with male Muslims

B) Romantic relationships

C) Some of her friendships

D) Some social privilege

15. Which statement is most clearly supported by the characterizations in this novel?

A) It is miserable to try to live in more than one culture at a time.

B) It is hypocritical to value things about cultures other than your own.

C) A complex and many-faceted identity can be very fulfilling.

D) People who are still searching for their identities are unreliable.

Long Answer

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

1. How does Cassandra’s character illustrate that there is tremendous variety within Muslim communities?

2. What is similar about the stories of Gulchin and Mrs. Vaselli?