Textual Evidence
Which detail shows Amy is worried about what Robert thinks?
“What would Robert think of our shabby Chinese Christmas?”
What is one central idea of the text?
Struggling with cultural identity
What major event happens on Christmas Eve?
The minister’s family visits for dinner
What does the word “appalling” suggest about Amy’s perspective?
She finds the food disgusting
What is the purpose of the food description paragraph?
To show Amy’s embarrassment
Which quote shows Amy feels embarrassed during dinner?
“I wanted to disappear.”
Which detail helps develop the theme of embarrassment about culture?
Amy describing the food as “appalling”
How does Amy react at the beginning of the story?
She feels embarrassed and worried
What tone is created by the description of the food?
Negative / disgusted
How does the dinner scene contribute to the plot?
It is the central conflict
Which detail supports the inference that Amy feels her family lacks “American manners”?
Relatives licking chopsticks and reaching across the table
What lesson does Amy’s mother teach her?
Be proud of your cultural identity
What is a key moment that increases Amy’s discomfort?
Her father offering her the fish cheek
What does “clamor” suggest about the arrival of the guests?
Loud and chaotic
Why is the mother’s dialogue important?
It reveals the lesson/theme
Which evidence best shows Robert’s discomfort?
“Robert grimaced.”
How is the theme revealed through Amy’s experience?
Through her embarrassment → realization → appreciation
How does Amy change by the end of the story?
She learns to appreciate her culture
How does word choice reveal Amy’s internal conflict?
She uses negative descriptions for her own culture
How does the final paragraph contribute to the story?
It shows reflection and resolution
Which quote supports the idea that Amy’s perspective changes over time?
“It wasn’t until many years later… I was able to fully appreciate her lesson.”
Provide a 1–2 sentence summary of the story.
A girl feels ashamed of her Chinese culture when her crush visits, but later learns to appreciate and take pride in her identity.
Describe how Amy’s feelings evolve across the plot.
Embarrassment → shame → reflection → acceptance
How does the tone shift by the end of the story?
From embarrassment to appreciation
How does the structure (beginning → middle → end) support the theme?
It shows Amy’s growth from shame to pride