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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. Where was Ngũgĩ’s brother being held after his capture?

2. What book does math teacher Peter Abrahams hold which intrigues Ngũgĩ?

3. What town do many Alliance students go to shop on Saturdays?

4. Who does Ngũgĩ run into at a tailor shop in Kikuyi?

5. During an English Lesson, Principal Smith guided students on the use of simple words claiming that who spoke simple English?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Ngũgĩ “pass” the screening in Limuru?

2. What were some of the differences Ngũgĩ notes from when Edward Carey Francis was not on campus to when he returned?

3. Describe the significance of the Mugumo tree at the end of Chapter 31.

4. What did they learn of E.K. that gravely disappoints and ultimately disbands the cabal?

5. In what ways did Edward Carey Francis change the education model of Alliance?

6. How does Ngũgĩ describe the homes of the loyal vs. those of the disloyal in Chapter 13?

7. Who were the Acrossians and why were they called that?

8. Why is Charity arrested? What is she accused of doing? Does Ngũgĩ think she did it? Why or why not?

9. What are the big changes Ngũgĩ describes at the beginning of Chapter 32?

10. What did Kenneth and Ngũgĩ decide to do for their village when they met at a scouting event?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

On page 23, Ngũgĩ’s English teacher discusses the importance of using simple language when writing. Consider the example the instructor uses of the wordy language many new students use. Discuss why you think simple language is more effective.

Essay Topic 2

Write a short essay on the teacher, Joseph Kariuki and his significance to the story. Why was he an important figure at Alliance? What made him different?

Essay Topic 3

David Martin’s ability to speak to Ngũgĩ and have him accept Jesus is an example of a speaker able to convince its audience. What do you think it takes to be an effective speaker and to make an effective argument? Why do you think Martin’s words touched Ngũgĩ at that time in his life?

(see the answer keys)

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