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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What kind of landscape does Camara see that he has never seen before while on the train to Conakry?
(a) Deserts.
(b) Foothills.
(c) Rivers.
(d) Waterfalls.

2. Why does Camara get hospitalized during his first year in Conakry?
(a) Because of a seizure.
(b) Because of an infection.
(c) Because of a disease.
(d) Because of a car accident.

3. How long will the boys stay in a special hut after the circumcision?
(a) A month.
(b) Two months.
(c) A week.
(d) Two weeks.

4. What is Camara worried about when he returns home after his final exams in Conakry?
(a) How his parents will react to his decision to study abroad.
(b) Being away from Marie.
(c) His parents' reaction to his school results.
(d) His parents' health.

5. Why does Camara's father give Camara a gift when he leaves home?
(a) To call on the good spirits.
(b) To protect him against evil spirits.
(c) So he can play music.
(d) To wish him happiness.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why do the boys stay in a special hut after their circumcision?

2. How does Camara feel about Konden Diara?

3. What is the long tunic that reaches to the heels but is split up the sides called?

4. How long do Camara, Kouyate, and Check sometimes disappear together during holidays?

5. In which month does Camara return to Conakry?

Short Essay Questions

1. Following their encounter with Konden Diara, the young boys face the real test of circumcision. How does the ceremony in Kouroussa proceed?

2. Describe the character of Marie.

3. When Camara is a teenager, he must prepare for his culture's important rite of passage: circumcision. How and when does his ritual begin? How does Camara feel about it?

4. How do Camara and Marie spend time together as teenagers?

5. What happens at the airport and on the plane to France?

6. What happens in the special hut where the young men are gathered before the actual circumcision takes place?

7. What do the guests of the circumcision ceremony do to the teenage boys and how is this manifested to Camara? What is his reaction?

8. What happens on the way to and at the train station before fifteen year old Camara sets off to Conakry?

9. How has Camara's hut in Kouroussa changed when he comes home for vacation?

10. How do Camara's parents initially react to his news about going to Paris?

(see the answer keys)

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