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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. Why does the village chief get so angry at Jubril?

2. Who has taken Jubril's reserved seat on the bus?

3. During the Christian and Muslim riots, Jubril was beaten and _________________________.

4. Which of the following is NOT something the soldier threatens to do if he is forced off the bus?

5. What does the soldier carry onto the bus?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Hadiya and how does she impact the relationship between the narrator and Selam?

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

3. What does the narrator do during the days after being restricted from playing with Selam?

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

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

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

7. What is at the base of all the trivial conflicts in the story?

8. Why does Akpan choose second person narration for the story?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the significance of the book's title? What are some other possible titles for the book. List at least five and cite your reasons for each.

Essay Topic 2

Select an instance of symbolism from one of the stories and explain its significance.

Essay Topic 3

Uwem Akpan is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphor, and irony. Briefly describe each and identify the technique which they embody.

(see the answer keys)

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