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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 does Ramotswe think about the past?

2. Whose maid does the engaged couple want to retain for their house?

3. In the story Matekoni learns about two orphans, who is in a camp?

4. Who does Maketoni fail to consult before taking the two orphans?

5. What enters the detective agency because the door is open?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Ramotswe reluctant to work on the Curtin case?

2. What is Tears of Giraffe centered around?

3. Why does Florence get defensive with Ramotswe?

4. When Ramotswe goes to the farm with Potsane, what does she discover?

5. What decision does Matekoni make without consulting his fiance?

6. How does Maketoni end up at the farm where the orphans are?

7. Why does Makutsi resent seeing chickens at her office?

8. How does Ramotswe discover where Ranta lives?

9. How is Michael described in Chapter 3?

10. What decision does Matekoni make that amazes the maid?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How is sexuality portrayed in Tears of the Giraffe? Which characters appear overtly sexual? Which characters are sexually appealing to others and why? What sexual taboos are broken and what issues are raised in relation to sex?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the significance of the novel's title. Why do you think Smith named the book Tears of the Giraffe? Now that you have read the book, how does that alter your understanding of the title? Are you intrigued to find a sequel or more mysteries with Ramotswe? Why or why not? Cite examples to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Who feels betrayed in Tears of the Giraffe and in what ways? Who suffers as a result of this betrayal? What emotions are evoked by betrayal? Take a closer look at the different people involved and the roles they play.

(see the answer keys)

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