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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 was the name of the tobacco farm Dad was hired to manage in Chapter 32: "Malawi"?

2. Who did the narrator and her sister stay with while their father went to fetch their mother in Chapter 29: "Richard"?

3. Mum is described in Chapter 30: "Nervous Breakdown" as being as scary as what?

4. According to the narrator in Chapter 36: "Mkushi,” Zambia had been independent since October of what year?

5. Who was the first black student to arrive at Bobo’s school in Chapter 22: "Independence"?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the narrator compare the Fuller family prior to and after the death of Richard in Chapter 30: "Nervous Breakdown"?

2. What wild animal did Mum rescue in Chapter 37: "Balm in the Wounds"? How did she feed it?

3. What political changes took place after the revolution in Chapter 22: "Independence"? What interim government was formed?

4. How did Mum’s behavior change after she returned from the hospital in Chapter 29: "Richard"?

5. Where was the Fullers’ farm located in Chapter 36: "Mkushi"? How were the people described?

6. How did the Fuller family meet Charlie in Chapter 28: "Charlie Chilvers"? What relationship did she form with the family?

7. What position did Bobo’s father accept in Chapter 24: "Devuli"? How is the setting of this chapter described?

8. How does the narrator describe the political atmosphere of Zambia in Chapter 36: "Mkushi"?

9. Who became Prime Minister of Zimbabwe in Chapter 22: "Independence"? What happened at Bobo’s school after this election?

10. What action did Mum take in Chapter 31: "Moving On" that caused concern for the family? How did the action play out?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze and discuss the political history of Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Kenya as related from the narrative and research. When was the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army formed? What role did this organization have in African history? How was Bobo’s family affected by these events?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the precautions taken by the Fuller family in protecting Robandi from rebels in Chapter 10: "Chimunenga 1974.” How did this experience affect Bobo? What did the young narrator understand of the political strife around her at the time? How did her understanding evolve?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the Rhodesian Bush War and the developments in this struggle in 1976. What events led to Bobo’s parents joining the police reserves? What role did they play in the ongoing warfare? What risks did the family face at this time?

(see the answer keys)

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