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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. Why does Yewa not want to go to school?

2. What does Mama suggest giving the neighbors for Christmas?

3. What treats does Fofo Kpee give to the children?

4. How old is Yewa?

5. What do the twins drink until they get sick?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Mama give her children glue to sniff on Christmas morning?

2. What treats does Fofo Kpee give to the children and what do they think is the occasion for the goodies?

3. Who are Kotchikpa and Yewa?

4. What is the true extent of Mama's gratitude toward Maisha when she gets on her knees to thank her daughter?

5. Who is Big Guy and what is he looking for at Fofo Kpee's house?

6. Where are the parents of the children and why do they live with Fofo Kpee?

7. Why does Jigana get special treatment in the family?

8. What real life issue in Africa does this story address?

9. Why would Kotchikpa think that the motorcycle is a reward from God?

10. What does the motorcycle symbolize in the story?

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

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of disappointment. Identify at least two characters in the stories who either embody or experience disappointment then cite an example to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

Create a character study of the narrator in "What Language is That? (Ethiopia)". What are her physical characteristics? What are her motivations? What are her fears? What are her dreams? What else can you say about the little narrator?

(see the answer keys)

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