The Human Experience — Test

Question 16 • English Language Arts 10

Which excerpts from "Two Kinds” show a connection between conflict and culture? Choose two correct answers.

Answer

“Three days after watching The Ed Sullivan Show , my mother told me what my schedule would be for piano lessons and piano practice.”

“My mother believed you could be anything you wanted to be in America.”

“‘Why don't you like me the way I am? I'm not a genius! I can't play the piano. And even if I could, I wouldn't go on TV if you paid me a million dollars!’ I cried.”

“My mother slapped me. ‘Who ask you be genius?’ she shouted. ‘Only ask you be your best. For you sake. You think I want you to be genius? Hnnh! What for! Who ask you!’”

“The instructor of the beauty training school had to lop off these soggy clumps to make my hair even again.”

Explanation

Both excerpts show conflict shaped by differing ideas about identity and success. In C, the daughter resists her mother’s expectations and rejects the idea that she must become a genius or perform on television. In D, the mother’s words and actions show the clash between her expectations for her daughter and the daughter’s resistance. The conflict reflects cultural beliefs about opportunity and achievement in America and the mother’s expectations for her child.

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