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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which of the following do Selam and the narrator NOT do when they see each other from their apartments?
(a) Smile big.
(b) Mime hugging each other.
(c) Talk on the phone.
(d) Open their mouths wide.

2. Why do the narrator's parents no longer want her to play with a certain girl?
(a) She is rude.
(b) She is a bad influence.
(c) She is Muslim.
(d) She is disrespectful.

3. Who says, "Best friends don't quarrel" when Selam begins to cry?
(a) The narrator's father.
(b) Selam.
(c) Hadiya.
(d) The narrator.

4. What had a girl named Hadiya told Selam at school one day?
(a) Hamburger is pork.
(b) She could tutor her.
(c) A certain boy liked her.
(d) She should join the choir.

5. Whom does Jubril ask to come on the bus to settle the matter about his seat?
(a) The police.
(b) A priest.
(c) A city official.
(d) The bus terminal manager.

Short Answer Questions

1. The chief orders the passengers on the bus to not mention the word ________________ on the trip.

2. Who is Yusuf?

3. The narrator is happy because __________________________.

4. The narrator and her best friend ______________________.

5. What does the chief drop into Jubril's lap?

Short Essay Questions

1. What elements of Western life are uncomfortable for Jubril while on the bus?

2. What is the main point of the story, "What Language is That"?

3. How is the story, "What Language is That"? different from the other stories in this book?

4. How do the policemen who take the sick man off the bus represent the corruption that exists in the country?

5. Why are the passengers on the bus infused with a sense of urgency?

6. What is notable about the story "What Language is That?"

7. What does the narrator experience on the day her parents inform her she can no longer play with Selam?

8. Who are the narrator and Selam and what is their relationship?

9. What is the narrator's father's advice to Selam regarding eating pork?

10. Why are the narrator and Selam no longer allowed to play together?

(see the answer keys)

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