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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which of the following students scores the highest on the end-of-term exams?

2. What is the name of the man Lucia arrived at the homestead with?

3. What is Babamukuru's only expense at Tambu's new school?

4. How many people arrive at the homestead to celebrate Babamukuru's arrival?

5. Who runs back to Babamukuru to tell him that Nyasha is alone with a boy?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the family react to the news that Babamukuru has found Lucia a job?

2. What part about studying makes Nyasha most nervous, and how does she combat those nerves?

3. What is the reaction from Babamukuru's family when Tambu wins a scholarship to the Sacred Heart?

4. How does Tambu react when Lucia announces that she is leaving the homestead for good?

5. How does Maiguru react to the vicious fight that breaks out between Babamukuru and Nyasha after the dance?

6. How are the dresses for Ma'Shingayi's wedding purchased?

7. How does Ma'Shingayi feel about Lucia staying on the homestead?

8. What is the process of being "screened out" at school and why does Nyasha fear it?

9. What happens to Nyasha when she is late to the dinner table on the evening before Tambu leaves for the Sacred Heart?

10. How do Nyasha's parents react to the dress she wears to the Christmas dance?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At the opening of the novel, Tambu has a long discussion with her mother about womanhood, as Tambu's mother believes that being a woman is a burden. First, explain why Tambu's mother believes womanhood to be a burden. Then explain the advice she gives to her daughter about how to be a success in life. Do you see Tambu utilizing or ignoring this advise throughout the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Although many of the characters in the novel are black Africans, there are a few scenes in which the black characters interact with white characters. First, give examples of two scenes in which blacks and whites interact. Then describe the speech patterns of the white characters and compare/contrast that speech to the black characters. Based on their verbal interactions, how do the white characters regard the black characters?

Essay Topic 3

When the story opens, Tambu admits that she was not sorry when her brother died. First, explain the relationship Tambu had with her older brother, Nhamo. Then explain how Nhamo's death affected Tambu's life and why she might have been pleased to see him die.

(see the answer keys)

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