Ground Zero

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

Chapters 1-6

Reading Check

1. Which language does Reshmina think is important to speak?

2. Where does Brandon sneak during the kitchen fire?

3. Why is Reshmina surprised to see Americans in her village?

4. What surprising information about women’s fashion does Anaa share with Reshmina?

Short Answer

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

1. Why is Brandon not attending school? What happens as a result of his absence?

2. Compare and contrast the differences between Pasoon’s and Reshmina’s daily lives. Why are their schedules different?

3. Who is Mariam? Why is Reshmina surprised to meet this person?

4. Where does Brandon become “trapped”? Summarize how he attempts to free himself.

5. Compare and contrast the meanings of badal and nanawatai. In which dilemma does Reshmina find herself with these two concepts?

Paired Resource

“Unveiled: Afghan Women Past and Present”

• CNN’s photo gallery of Afghan women’s fashions throughout the 20th century
• How did different political groups enforce different regulations on women’s fashion in Afghanistan?

“Last Elevator Down”

• NPR’s 2011 podcast and transcript of the last three patrons of the Windows on the World restaurant minutes before the 9/11 attack (Content Warning: This resource includes personal accounts of the moments before a plane hit the North Tower and the aftermath for the survivors.