View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the narrator say Kihika's biggest concern was as a teenager?

2. What do the Thompsons do after their going away party?

3. In "Chapter 12," how do Gikonyo's co-investors plan on finding enough money for the farm?

4. What does Mugo do in "Chapter 8" when Gikonyo tells him about Mumbi?

5. In "Chapter 10," what does General R. call Karanja?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Githua talk to Mugo about in "Chapter 8"?

2. How does Mr. Thompson feel at his going away party?

3. What happens when Gikonyo meets Karanja on the street in "Chapter 7"?

4. Who is Gato?

5. In "Chapter 13," what worries Mumbi about the coming celebration?

6. How does Gikonyo feel after talking to Mugo about his problems in "Chapter 8"?

7. What does General R. say about Githua in "Chapter 9"?

8. What happens when Gikonyo and Warui visit Mugo in "Chapter 12"?

9. What happens to Gikonyo the day he is released from the concentration camp?

10. In "Chapter 8," how does Gikonyo decide to solve his marital problems with Mumbi?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the role of religion in "A Grain of Wheat"? Especially consider the Christianity white men bring to Kenya.

Essay Topic 2

Research Kenyan independence and analyze the historical accuracy in this novel.

Essay Topic 3

Consider the romantic relationships in "A Grain of Wheat." How are they influenced by politics?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 597 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample