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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 is NOT something Maisha had when she left for work a few days ago?

2. What is notable about the man in #39?

3. Why have the children not seen their parents for two years?

4. Where are the children kept after the motorcycle accident?

5. What does Jinga do when Maisha leaves?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who are Kotchikpa and Yewa?

2. What is the true extent of Mama's gratitude toward Maisha when she gets on her knees to thank her daughter?

3. Why do Mama and Papa encourage their children to sniff glue and drink alcohol?

4. What are the reasons that Jigana tears up his school items and runs away from the family?

5. Who is Big Guy and what is he looking for at Fofo Kpee's house?

6. Where does Fofo store his acquired goods and why are they really useless?

7. Why would Kotchikpa think that the motorcycle is a reward from God?

8. Why does Mama try to break into Maisha's trunk?

9. What real life issue in Africa does this story address?

10. What treats does Fofo Kpee give to the children and what do they think is the occasion for the goodies?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the overall setting for the stories in the book? Be sure to include geography, time period and any pertinent popular culture events. Why did Akpan choose to use these places in the stories?

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast one of Akpan's characters to someone you know in your life. Which qualities do they share? What makes them so alike? Do you like the characteristics of the two? Do they have any qualities you would like to emulate? Do you respect them? How do they differ? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of disappointment. Identify at least two characters in the stories who either embody or experience disappointment then cite an example to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,158 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample