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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. What is Jubril's religion?

2. What differences do the two friends have?

3. During the Christian and Muslim riots, Jubril was beaten and _________________________.

4. Who has taken Jubril's reserved seat on the bus?

5. One day, the narrator smells ________________ in the apartment.

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does the Chief signify in the story?

3. How do the policemen who take the sick man off the bus represent the corruption that exists in the country?

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

5. What is the message of the story at the end?

6. What is the narrator's father's advice to Selam regarding eating pork?

7. Why are the passengers on the bus infused with a sense of urgency?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain why Akpan decided to tell these stories from the point of view of children. Are the events in the stories especially horrifying because the innocence of children is involved?

Essay Topic 2

Who are two of Akpan's characters in this book who appeal to you the most? What is it about these characters that you like? What are their weaknesses? How about redeeming qualities? Are Akpan's characters believable in your opinion? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

What is the significance of the book's title? What are some other possible titles for the book. List at least five and cite your reasons for each.

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