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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is Obi told about the many dead dogs in the street when he visits the slum in Lagos?
(a) It is good luck to kill a dog with one's new car but bad luck to kill a duck.
(b) They are part of the "Old Nigeria" that Obi has forgotten.
(c) There is no government agency to move them.
(d) They are injured by bad drivers who do not pick them up.

2. 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 is nothing like his life in England.
(c) It is the same life to which Obi must return after being educated.
(d) It has not changed in all the years Obi has been away.

3. Why does Clara imply that Obi should not complain when he complains about seeing "good movies?"
(a) She does not complain when he demands traditional African food which she does not care for.
(b) She does not complain about listening to Obi read poetry or about them going to lunch with Christopher whom she dislikes.
(c) She does not complain when he drags her off to tennis which she hates.
(d) She does not complain when he drags her to see war movies.

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

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

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

7. What is Christopher's usual response to Obi's comments about the civil service?
(a) He opposes everything Obi says about the civil service.
(b) He always finds an excuse for what Obi describes in the civil service.
(c) He ignores most of what Obi says.
(d) He echoes all of Obi's views.

8. What makes Obi go to a slum in Lagos when he returns from England?
(a) To visit his friend Christopher.
(b) His girlfriend, Clara, has a dressmaker there.
(c) For a job interview.
(d) To see his uncle Okolo.

9. How does Obi react when the commissioner asks him the offensive question?
(a) He insults the comissioner and leaves.
(b) He bristles and considers the question useless.
(c) He calmly explains why he would never accept bribes.
(d) He remains silent until another question is asked.

10. According to Obi, what is the best European novel written about West Africa?
(a) The Lost Continent.
(b) Things Fall Apart.
(c) My Heart is Still in Africa.
(d) The Heart of the Matter.

11. 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 casually and makes too simple a speech.
(c) He overdresses and talks too much.
(d) He dresses well but his speech is long and boring.

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

13. Where does Obi take Clara to celebrate his new car?
(a) They go to Okala for a special dinner.
(b) They go to Ikeja for a special dinner.
(c) They go dancing at Okoro.
(d) They go to the beach.

14. How does Obi know Joseph Okeke whom he visits in Lagos before leaving for England?
(a) He is Obi's former classmate.
(b) From Umuofia University.
(c) From the Lagos slum where they went to school together.
(d) He is Clara's brother.

15. 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 enjoys the dancing and singing and is nostalgic.
(b) He speaks Ibo whenever possible and feels shame for using English to a Nigerian.
(c) He sits with the elders and asks for more folk stories.
(d) The celebrations cause him to become tearful and nostalgic.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Joseph respond upon hearing that Obi has purchased a ring for Clara?

2. How long does Obi stay in England?

3. What surprises Obi and Joseph about the restaurant?

4. Why does Obi hope to receive support from his mother for his plan to marry Clara?

5. What early indication does Obi see how "Dear old Nigeria really works" as the boat docks in Lagos?

(see the answer keys)

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