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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Sassouma feel about young Djata and the fact that he is seemingly slow?
(a) She is pleased.
(b) She is apathetic.
(c) She is confused.
(d) She is worried.

2. How does Fakoli react to Kanty's theft?
(a) He forgives him.
(b) He curses him.
(c) He ignores him.
(d) He kills him.

3. How long does Sassouma decide to wait until she finishes her plot against Sogolon?
(a) Until the baby reaches manhood.
(b) Until the baby is born.
(c) Until the naming ceremony.
(d) Until the baby is three-years-old.

4. What does Kanty's magical instrument alert him of?
(a) When someone has broken into his chambers.
(b) Which women are most interested in him.
(c) When there is a traitor in the room.
(d) When is good time to go and hunt.

5. Whose responsibility is it to track the history of African families?
(a) The sons.
(b) The wives.
(c) The griot.
(d) The king.

6. What appears in the sky at the moment that Sagolon's baby is born?
(a) A storm cloud.
(b) A flash of lightning.
(c) A ray of sunshine.
(d) A rainbow.

7. What type of tree is Maghan Kon Fatta's favorite type of tree to rest under?
(a) A pomegranate tree.
(b) A magnolia tree.
(c) A silk-cotton tree.
(d) An ash tree.

8. What do the Malian people believe is the most definitive characteristic of the heavenly God?
(a) He is mysterious.
(b) He is vengeful.
(c) He is trustworthy.
(d) He is powerful.

9. How old does Sassouma claim Dankaran was when he first began to collect baobob?
(a) Twelve years old.
(b) Seven years old.
(c) Fifteen years old.
(d) Ten years old.

10. Why does Sogolon believe Djata does not speak with other children?
(a) Because he is too slow.
(b) Because he is intimidated by other children.
(c) Because he is more advanced than they are.
(d) Because he does not understand human language.

11. How does the room respond when Fassyky plays Kanty's magical musical instrument?
(a) The room is transfixed.
(b) There is no reaction from the room.
(c) The room becomes violent.
(d) The room falls asleep.

12. Which of the following is the most important task for a griot to accomplish?
(a) To remember.
(b) To judge.
(c) To predict.
(d) To interpret.

13. How is Kanty related to Fakoli?
(a) Fakoli is his brother.
(b) Fakoli is his nephew.
(c) Fakoli is his son.
(d) Fakoli is his father.

14. How many names is the new baby given at his naming ceremony?
(a) Two.
(b) Three.
(c) Four.
(d) One.

15. Who first spreads the gossip that Sundiata has sworn to stand up and walk?
(a) Dankaran.
(b) Sogolon.
(c) Sassouma.
(d) Manding Bory.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the role of a griot?

2. Which of the following actions is Djata most often seen doing by the villagers?

3. Which of the following adjectives best describes Djata's physicality as a boy?

4. How do the people of Mali treat Sundiata after the king dies?

5. Why do ancient African kings want griots?

(see the answer keys)

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