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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 is the first doctor Nyasha's parents take her to see?

2. Which of the following is the same about Ma'Shingayi and Lucia at the time when Tambu comes to visit?

3. Which of the following students scores the highest on the end-of-term exams?

4. How does Tambu's father, Jeremiah, feel about Tambu winning a scholarship?

5. Why is Nyasha favored within the school system?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Maiguru react to the vicious fight that breaks out between Babamukuru and Nyasha after the dance?

2. How does Ma'Shingayi feel about Lucia staying on the homestead?

3. Why do nuns from the Sacred Heart arrive at the mission school?

4. How does Babamukuru propose to deal with the evil that has been following his family?

5. What is the reaction from Babamukuru's family when Tambu wins a scholarship to the Sacred Heart?

6. What does Nyaradzo believe to be special about her brothers?

7. What is the process of being "screened out" at school and why does Nyasha fear it?

8. How do Nyasha's parents react to the dress she wears to the Christmas dance?

9. How does Tambu feel about having to return to the homestead to visit her family for Christmas?

10. How does Lucia rouse Ma'Shingayi from her depression?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At the end of the novel, Babamukuru announces that Jeremiah and Mainini will have a church wedding. First, explain why this wedding was so important to Babamukuru that he would offer to pay for the whole thing. What traditional customs does this wedding represent? Then explain Tambu's reaction to the forced marriage. How does this wedding change her views of her family?

Essay Topic 2

"Nervous Conditions" is the title of this novel. First, explain if you think it is a fitting title. Why or why not? Then, list at least three characters who exhibit nervous conditions throughout the novel. How does their nervousness manifest? How do their conditions affect their lives?

Essay Topic 3

The older female characters have many different responsibilities. First, create a list of older female characters in the text and briefly describe each of their roles within the family. What is the attitude of the older women toward their responsibilities in the family? How do their attitudes compare/contrast to the attitudes of the younger girls?

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