Ground Zero

Chapters 1-6

Reading Check

1. English (Chapter 2)

2. The underground mall of the World Trade Center (Chapter 3)

3. Because they had not visited her village since she was born 11 years ago (Chapter 4)

4. Before the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan, women wore many of the same fashions as in Europe or the US. (Chapter 5)

Short Answer

1. Brandon was suspended from school for punching another student in the nose, and no one could stay home with him. As a result, he is accompanying his dad to work at the Windows on the World restaurant in the North Tower of the World Trade Center. (Chapter 1)

2. Although they are twins, Pasoon and Reshmina lead different lives based on stereotypical gender roles. As a boy, Pasoon has minimal chores and much leisure time, while as a girl, Reshmina is responsible for most of the domestic and farming duties in addition to her schoolwork. (Chapter 2)

3. Mariam is a female Afghan translator working for the US Army. Reshmina is surprised to meet a woman translating since she has previously only seen Afghan women working in domestic settings.