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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 is notable about Jubril's appearance?

2. What does the narrator's father tell Selam?

3. In what country does the story take place?

4. The chief offers some crackers to Jubril on what condition?

5. Who says, "Best friends don't quarrel" when Selam begins to cry?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Who is Jubril and why must he disguise his religious identity aboard a bus headed out of the city?i

4. What is the unifying thread of the conflicts in the story?

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

6. What is the message of the story at the end?

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

8. How had Jubril lost his right hand and why is it important for him to hide that fact while on the bus?

9. How do the narrator and Selam find a way to communicate with each other when they are not allowed to play together?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a character study of Monique in "My Parents' Bedroom (Rwanda)". What are her physical characteristics? What are her motivations? What are her fears? What are her dreams? What else can you say about Monique?

Essay Topic 2

The author uses several instances of foreshadowing in the stories. Explain what foreshadowing is and cite at least two examples making sure to explain what makes each an instance of foreshadowing.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast one of Akpan's characters to someone you know in your life. Which qualities do they share? What makes them so alike? Do you like the characteristics of the two? Do they have any qualities you would like to emulate? Do you respect them? How do they differ? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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