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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What old nickname of Obi's is revealed while Obi and Joseph are recalling old times?
(a) Wordpower.
(b) Still Waters.
(c) Word Warrior.
(d) Dictionary.

2. Where do Obi and Clara meet again eighteen months after their first meeting?
(a) On the MV Nigeria.
(b) On the MV Vasa.
(c) On the SS Lagos.
(d) On the SS Liverpool.

3. What comment do the elders make about Christianity when Isaac refuses to placate the rainmaker to prevent the rain threatening Obi's homecoming?
(a) Christianity is like palm-wine; it goes to some people's heads, destroying their sense.
(b) Christianity makes hypocrites of adherents like Isaac.
(c) There is no point to Christianity if members like Isaac do not use it to suit others.
(d) Christianity is all about convenience and man's effort to manipulate others.

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

5. What causes Obi to storm out of the December UPU meeting in anger, intending not to return?
(a) The President's reference to rumors about Obi's plans to marry a girl of "doubtful ancestry."
(b) The revelation that Obi has already been living above his means.
(c) The comments of the elders about Obi's arrogance.
(d) The President's refusal to approve Obi's request for a grace period.

6. Why is Obi's description of the streets and market in the Lagos slum ironic?
(a) It is a far cry from the sweet Nigeria about which he writes a nostalgic poem in England.
(b) It has not changed in all the years Obi has been away.
(c) It is nothing like his life in England.
(d) It is the same life to which Obi must return after being educated.

7. What is the meaning of Obi's full name?
(a) The last of my father's children.
(b) The mind at last is at rest.
(c) One who will do great things.
(d) One born to woe.

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

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

10. What is Obi's full name?
(a) Obiajulu.
(b) Obiokola.
(c) Obiolo St. Christopher.
(d) Obilo Isaac.

11. Where does Obi first articulate his theory about corruption in Nigeria?
(a) In a letter he wrote to the editor of a local newspaper.
(b) In a paper written while he was in high school.
(c) In a paper presented to the UPU.
(d) In a paper he read to the Nigerian Students' Union in London.

12. What expensive gadget owned by Okoli does Obi admire?
(a) A television that records programs.
(b) A telephone that displays incoming calls.
(c) A gramophone that changes records automatically.
(d) A radiogram that tapes and plays back conversations.

13. What early indication does Obi see how "Dear old Nigeria really works" as the boat docks in Lagos?
(a) A young man comes to Obi's cabin, assesses his radiogram at £5, and reduces it to £2 in exchange for no receipt.
(b) A young man offers to waive Obi's customs duty for an introducton to Clara.
(c) A young man offers to reduce the customs duty on his radiogram if Obi will sell it to him cheaply.
(d) A young man winks at Obi's radiogram and offers to withhold the customs receipt.

14. What does Obi do while awaiting the results of his interview?
(a) He goes to the Cameroon village for a short visit.
(b) He goes back to Obiajulu for a short visit.
(c) He goes home to Umuofia for a short visit.
(d) He goes to Clara's village for a short visit with her parents.

15. What two big mistakes does Obi make at the big reception that the UPU holds for Obi on Saturday?
(a) He dresses casually and is heard speaking Ibo.
(b) He dresses well but his speech is long and boring.
(c) He overdresses and talks too much.
(d) He dresses casually and makes too simple a speech.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to the Vice-President, who "eats" most bribes in Nigeria?

2. Why does the UPU want Obi to study law in England?

3. What reminds Obi of England during his reception for which hundreds turn out?

4. 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?

5. How does Obi react when the commissioner asks him the offensive question?

(see the answer keys)

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