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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 "shutr keena" mean?

2. How does Shabanu feel about how her sister keeps herself covered as a bride-to-be?

3. Who trains the Desert Rangers to look after life on the desert?

4. Where does Shabanu go on her first morning home from the long journey? .

5. Who helps Shabanu feed the baby camel?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Dadi respond when Shabanu asks him if he was afraid of the Bugtis tribesmen who stopped their caravan?

2. Why does Mama worry about Shabanu's future?

3. Why is this trip to the Sibi fair particularly poignant for Shabanu?

4. What is the family's reaction when the see what Dadi has bought for Phulan's dowry and for gifts?

5. How does Dadi make it up to Shabanu for discussing selling Guluband?

6. Who does Dadi sell most of the female camels to and how do the negotiations go?

7. Describe the scene when Wardak returns to buy Guluband.

8. How does Shabanu feel about her future after Dadi comforts her?

9. How does Shabanu show more concern for the camels than for obeying her father?

10. What upsets Shabanu at the end of the first day of their trip to Sibi?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the many cultural elements of the Pakistani nomads that have essential practical uses as well as deep cultural meaning. Begin the discussion with the chadr and include at least two other elements.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the figurative language and imagery used throughout the novel. How effectively is the Pakistani language of the desert woven into the story?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the symbolic significance of the following: the desert storm, monsoons, and dry seasons.

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