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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 does the process lead Obi to decide when he examines the "mainspring of his actions" for the first time in his life?

2. What is the first report of Obi's involvement in bribery?

3. How does the author suggest that there is more than tennis to the relationship that Obi and Christoper have with Nora and Pat?

4. What steps does Obi try to implement at home in order to curtail his expenses?

5. How does the second doctor that Clara and Obi visit differ from the first?

Short Essay Questions

1. As Obi and Marie Tomlinson become more cordial to each other, how does the author use these two characters to vary the portrayal of Mr. Green?

2. Why is Obi distressed by the reaction of his mother when they discuss Obi's plan to marry Clara?

3. What makes Obi decide to apply for local leave and visit his home?

4. Describe the two specific events after the death of Obi's mother that indicates that Obi has broken his resolve against accepting bribes.

5. Why does the author place emphasis on describing Obi's deteriorating financial situation after the incidents with Mr. Mark and Elsie, his sister?

6. What mixed reactions does Obi display in response to his mother's death?

7. When Obi visits home, how does the issue of Clara being osu affect Obi's discussions with his father?

8. After Clara and Obi quarrel about his failure to ask her for money to help his situation, how does Obi demonstrate his reliance on reading to find solace?

9. What incident involving Mr. Mark at Obi's office foreshadows Obi's eventual involvement with bribes over scholarships?

10. What cynical comment does the author make concerning Obi's feelings about Elsie Mark's determination to get a scholarship when Elsie Mark visits Obi?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the role of the Umuofian Progressive Union in the preparation of young Africans for future roles in their society? How does the UPU contribute to the downfall of the very same young people it sets out to prepare for productive roles?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the role of Obi's father in presenting the perspective of a traditional African converted to Christianity. How does Isaac's embracing of Christianity put him at odds with some of his villagers and establish the theme of contending religious beliefs?

Essay Topic 3

How does the story of Obi suggest that his father erred in his decision to give him a name meaning, "the mind at last is at rest?"

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