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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. Whose diary did Darling find and read in the house where she cleans in "My America"?

2. To whom does Darling describe her mother taking her get her to smoke from a gourd before she left for America in "Destroyedmichygen"?

3. Who worked the fields of Botswana for nine months in order to emigrate from his home country?

4. What does the woman in the blue dress ask Darling to do in "Wedding"?

5. What does Darling call Uncle Kojo behind his back in "My America"?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the narrative style of the novel change in "How They Left"?

2. What is the relationship between the groom and Aunt Fostalina in "Wedding"?

3. Where are Darling and her family going to attend a wedding in "Wedding"? How is this setting described?

4. How would you describe the household where Darling works as a housecleaner in "My America"?

5. How would you describe Darling's circumstances in "My America"?

6. How is the character of Kristal described in the novel?

7. What is illuminated through Darling's conversation with the white woman in the restroom in "Wedding"?

8. Whose funeral is observed by Darling and her friends in "For Real"? Why is the funeral significant?

9. How is the character of Marina described in the novel?

10. What "close call" do Darling and her friends encounter in the car in "Hitting Crossroads"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What events led to Darling's family living in a shack in Paradise? What was their home like before? How does Darling recall the events surrounding losing her childhood home?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss Darling's family in the novel. What is Darling's relationship like with her mother? What is her relationship like with her father? How do these relationships evolve in the story?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the theme of coming-of-age in We Need New Names. How is this theme developed through character, setting, and action? How does the author contribute to this theme through symbolism and imagery?

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