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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. For what does Munira criticize his father?

2. About what does Abdulla tell stories?

3. What does KCO stand for?

4. What does the officer give Munira?

5. What kind of car do the two officials drive?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Theng'eta made?

2. How is Munira's life getting better at the beginning of Chapter 10?

3. How does Karega's plan change the villagers' mindset?

4. Why is Munira so upset with Karega?

5. How does the airplane bring Abdullah success in Chapter 11?

6. How do the villagers react to the Trans Africa road?

7. Why do the police officers treat Munira so respectfully?

8. Why did the villagers blame Abdulla's donkey for the drought?

9. Why does Wanja decide to leave Ilmorog?

10. What is Theng'eta?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Thiongo was born in the same district as the novel was written in and his family was caught up in the Mau Mau rebellion, adhering to the rule that writers should always write about what they know. Do you think it is obvious that Thiongo knows his subject? What difference do you think it makes to the story? Are there any moments where you think Thiongo does not portray a character or setting so well? What effect does it have on the story?

Essay Topic 2

Look at the novel's characterization. How well drawn are Thiong'o's characters? Select one of the minor characters such as Wanja's grandmother and discuss how much you know about his/her background. In what ways does Thiong'o provide the reader with information about that character?

Essay Topic 3

What is the Trans Africa Road and why was it built? How does the Trans Africa Road affect the local community? Do the students think the villagers will lose anything important in their lives by having such a road?

(see the answer keys)

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