Thematic Questions (2 pts each): 1. How does Avatar: The Last Airbender reflect Eastern and Western cultures? Answer: The show combines both eastern and western cultures in the way its characters and their societies are imagined and depicted. The Fire Nation follows a more military-based, hierarchical monarchy, which is often found in Western cultures, while other nations such as the Earth and Water Nations borrow from Eastern spiritual philosophies and systems of governance.

1. What is the significance of Aang’s Avatar status? Answer: As the Avatar, Aang is the physical embodiment of the cosmic energy that runs through the universe, making him the only person in the world who can manipulate all four elements of Air, Water, Earth, and Fire. His Avatar status thus gives him the power and responsibility to restore balance and justice to the world and prevent the Fire Nation from taking over the world.

Inference Questions (2 pts each): 3. Why does Aang ultimately decide to remain with the Water tribe after escaping from Zuko? Answer: Aang decides to stay with the Water tribe because he feels responsible for the lives of those protecting him and wants to protect them in return. He also has made strong connections with the people of the Water tribe and feels like he can better help protect the world from the Fire Nation while with them.

1. Why is Azula such a formidable opponent to Aang? Answer: Azula is a formidable opponent to Aang because she is an exceptionally powerful Firebender, a master of manipulation and deception, and she has the full support of the Fire Nation and its other benders. She is driven by ambition and greed and is willing to do anything to achieve her goals.

Prediction Questions (2 pts each): 5. How will Aang’s meeting with the Dragon of the Western Air Temple help him in the upcoming battles? Answer: Aang’s meeting with the Dragon of the Western Air Temple will give him important insight into how to utilize the Avatar State, a latent form of power in which he could wield the power of all four elements. His newfound understanding of the Avatar State will be a powerful tool in the upcoming battles that will allow him to more easily defeat the Fire Nation.

1. What new allies will Aang gain in the following season? Answer: In the following season, Aang will gain allies from other nations, including the Kyoshi Warriors from the Earth Nation, the Sun Warriors from the Fire Nation, and many other characters from across the world. These allies may be essential in helping him to defeat the Fire Nation and restore balance to the world.

Summarzing Questions (2 pts each): 7. How did Aang become friends with Momo and Appa in the first season? Answer: Aang found Momo and Appa while exploring the ruins at the Southern Air temple and quickly became friends with them. Momo was a playful and loyal bat-like creature while Appa was a wise and gentle sky bison that was essential in transporting Aang and his friends throughout the world.

1. How did Aang master the four elements by the end of the first season? Answer: By the end of the first season, Aang had developed his mastery of the elements, thanks to the help and friendship of characters such as the Earthbending teacher Toph and the spiritual guidance of the Waterbending masters Katara and Pakku. He had also experienced the power of his Avatar State and had learned to combine the four elements for great feats of destruction and protection.