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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What helps to cement a friendship between MacMillan and Obi?
(a) Both laugh about slipping on deck.
(b) They talk about Obi's attraction to Clara.
(c) They reminisce about times in England.
(d) They reminisce about old days in Lagos.

2. How is Obi subtly reminded of his debt to the UPU at the reception?
(a) The Chairman asks Obi if he has made a budget and a schedule for repaying his loan.
(b) The Chairman bluntlyreminds Obi that in order for others to get the chance he received, he must be responsible about his debt.
(c) The Chairman ays that the sooner Obi gets work, the sooner he can meet his obligations.
(d) The secretary speaks of the honor Obi has brought them and refers to the obligation to pay back the investment.

3. What reminds Obi of his first day at school when he shows up at work on his first day in the civil service?
(a) How the headmaster Mr. Jones insulted Mr. Nduka.
(b) How his headmaster Mr. Nduka reamed out Mr. Jones in front of the class.
(c) How Mr. Jones, the feared Inspector of Schools, reamed out Headmaster Simeon Nduka in English.
(d) How Mr. Nduka, the headmaster, reamed out the senior students in the hall.

4. According to the author's comments, why are some people's faces sullen as they wait to greet travelers returning?
(a) A returning son has married a white woman.
(b) A returning son has not completed his studies.
(c) A returning son has divorced his wife.
(d) A returning daughter has married a white man.

5. While Obi is home enjoying his interaction with his kinsmen, what thoughts does he have that indicate that he harbors resentment against the British?
(a) He compares the lively village culture with the staid, boring ways of the English.
(b) He wishes the English could hear people engaged in Ibo conversation, enjoying life.
(c) He wishes the English could see the Nigerian culture and appreciate the customs.
(d) He tells the villagers he has deliberately resisted learning English ways while he studied in England.

6. Why does the UPU want Obi to study law in England?
(a) To help them with land cases.
(b) To help them to defend those charged with bribery.
(c) To help members with inheritance cases.
(d) To groom him for future political leadership.

7. What is special about Obi's arrival in Onitsha, a few miles from his village?
(a) Obi's visit causes a few stares but most people go about their normal business.
(b) Village elders send a pleasure car to meet him on this special occasion.
(c) Everyone stays home from school and work to meet Obi.
(d) His father hires a bus to take all the relatives to meet him.

8. What happens when Obi goes for his job interview with the Public Services Commission?
(a) Obi talks about modern poetry and novels.
(b) Obi impresses the panel and they offer him a job imediately.
(c) Obi is bored and disinterested.
(d) Obi ridicules a panelist who falls asleep.

9. Where does the boat anchor to allow the passengers to watch boys diving for coins?
(a) Funchal.
(b) Cameroon.
(c) Port Maria.
(d) Aquaspot.

10. What references are made to suggest that the UPU leaders are very aware of the prevalence of bribery in government circles?
(a) They suggest that Obi should lose no time in making the right connections.
(b) They state that someone with Obi's qualifications should be able to sidestep the bribery route.
(c) The Chairman and Vice-President debate whether someone who knows book like Obi needs to "see" men.
(d) They talk openly about the importance of Obi making the rounds at the permanent secretaries' offices.

11. What is the stance of the organization's leaders toward his involvement in bribery in the UPU's discussions about Obi's case?
(a) They are embarrassed by the discovery that they are a party to his involvement.
(b) They see nothing wrong with bribery.
(c) They are ashamed that their member could have brought such disgrace upon them.
(d) They believe that Obi's lack of experience cause him to take the money personally rather than through his houseboy.

12. How does the author prove the assertion that Obi has been homesick while studying in England when Obi is communicating with his villagers?
(a) He speaks Ibo whenever possible and feels shame for using English to a Nigerian.
(b) He sits with the elders and asks for more folk stories.
(c) He enjoys the dancing and singing and is nostalgic.
(d) The celebrations cause him to become tearful and nostalgic.

13. When Obi and Clara go out for drinks with Minister of State, Okoli, what does the Minister drink?
(a) Martinis.
(b) Whiskey and soda.
(c) Gin and tonic.
(d) Rum and Coke.

14. Why does the Umuofia Progressive Union meet again to discuss Obi's case on the morning of the trial?
(a) Obi is a prominent member of the UPU.
(b) Obi is indebted to the UPU because of their funding of his education.
(c) Obi owes the UPU a lot of money for loans taken while he is studying.
(d) The UPU is co-defendant in the case.

15. What happens to Obi when he meets Clara for the first time?
(a) He is completely rebuffed by her.
(b) He is interested but cannot pursue her because he already has a date.
(c) He overlooks her beauty and only realizes he is interested in her after she is gone.
(d) He is tongue-tied and steps on her feet while dancing.

Short Answer Questions

1. By using the expression "Augean stable", what literary device is the author using?

2. Who chairs the prayer meeting that Obi's parents called before Obi goes to England?

3. How does Joseph interpret Obi's insistence on ignoring tradition and marrying Clara?

4. Where do Obi and Clara meet again eighteen months after their first meeting?

5. How does Joseph react to Obi telling him about the incident at the interview that causes Obi to accuse him of having a colonial mentality?

(see the answer keys)

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