46 pages 1 hour read

Amy Tan

Rules of the Game

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1989

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Exam Answer Key

Multiple Choice

1. B (Paragraph 1)

2. D (Paragraph 15)

3. A (Paragraph 21)

4. C (Paragraph 22)

5. B (Paragraph 33)

6. C (Paragraph 35)

7. D (Paragraph 47)

8. A (Paragraph 48)

9. B (Paragraph 55)

10. C (Paragraph 63)

Long Answer

1. The word “game” in the title refers literally to the game of chess and Waverly’s success at learning to play. Figuratively, it refers to the relationship between Waverly and her mother, a game Waverly has not yet mastered. (Various paragraphs)

2. Waverly’s mother regularly imparts wisdom to her children, such as how to get salted plums added to the groceries. In many cases, Waverly adopts these lessons. She gets the plums by not asking for them, and she gets to play in tournaments by saying she doesn’t want to play. However, Waverly fails her mother’s lesson when she asks her mother to stop bragging about Waverly’s accomplishments in public. Waverly’s mother thinks Waverly does not appreciate the sacrifices of the family to support Waverly’s chess career. In failing to show silent respect, Waverly loses her mother’s support. (Various paragraphs)