View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How did Yusuf die?
(a) He had a terminal illness.
(b) He drowned.
(c) He was stoned to death.
(d) He was stabbed.

2. What does the chief drop into Jubril's lap?
(a) A rosary.
(b) A bottle of water.
(c) Crackers.
(d) A magazine.

3. What candy do the two friends like to eat?
(a) Red licorice.
(b) Gummy bears.
(c) Smiling Cow toffees.
(d) Peanut butter cups.

4. Which of the following is NOT something the soldier threatens to do if he is forced off the bus?
(a) Light himself on fire.
(b) Threatens to kill someone.
(c) Curses the passengers.
(d) Shoots imaginary machine guns into the air.

5. Whom does Jubril ask to come on the bus to settle the matter about his seat?
(a) A priest.
(b) A city official.
(c) The bus terminal manager.
(d) The police.

Short Answer Questions

1. The narrator is happy because __________________________.

2. How many days does the narrator watch Selam's apartment building?

3. Why do two policeman enter the Luxurious Bus?

4. How old are the girls in the story?

5. What had a girl named Hadiya told Selam at school one day?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Jubril and why must he disguise his religious identity aboard a bus headed out of the city?i

2. How is the story, "What Language is That"? different from the other stories in this book?

3. What ban by the Nigerian government takes place just prior to the opening of the story, "Luxurious Hearses"?

4. How does Akpan's choice of second person narration affect the reader?

5. What is notable about the story "What Language is That?"

6. What does the narrator do during the days after being restricted from playing with Selam?

7. How do the narrator and Selam find a way to communicate with each other when they are not allowed to play together?

8. Why does Akpan choose second person narration for the story?

9. What does the narrator experience on the day her parents inform her she can no longer play with Selam?

10. What elements of Western life are uncomfortable for Jubril while on the bus?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 860 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample