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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Camara's father react when he tells him about his plans to study abroad?
(a) He starts crying.
(b) He starts screaming.
(c) He is opposed to the idea.
(d) He is supportive.

2. Who accompanies Camara to the airport?
(a) Mamadou.
(b) Marie.
(c) Mamadou and Marie.
(d) Camara's parents.

3. Who is Mamadou?
(a) Camara's cousin.
(b) Camara's brother.
(c) Camara's nephew.
(d) Camara's uncle.

4. Why does Camara's father give Camara a gift when he leaves home?
(a) So he can play music.
(b) To call on the good spirits.
(c) To protect him against evil spirits.
(d) To wish him happiness.

5. What does Camara's father's second wife hold up as a symbol for Camara during the circumcision ceremony?
(a) An exercise book and sharpies.
(b) A school uniform.
(c) Hoes.
(d) An exercise book and fountain pens.

6. How long is Camara planning to study abroad?
(a) Two years.
(b) Six months.
(c) A year.
(d) A month.

7. The boys receive a handkerchief made of what for their circumcision ritual?
(a) Plastic.
(b) Silk.
(c) Wool.
(d) Cotton.

8. Who is Marie?
(a) A former student at the girls' high school.
(b) A student at the girl's middle school.
(c) A student at Camara's school.
(d) A student at the girls' high school.

9. Who is Konden Diara?
(a) A lion that eats little boys.
(b) A good spirit.
(c) A snake that eats little boys.
(d) An evil spirit.

10. Camara's mother gives him a bottle of liquid good for what?
(a) The chest.
(b) The face.
(c) The brain.
(d) The feet.

11. What do the guests shower the boys with during the circumcision ceremony?
(a) Gifts.
(b) Water.
(c) Flowers.
(d) Handkerchiefs.

12. What does Camara do when he sits at the bonfire on the night of the ritual?
(a) He sings.
(b) He jumps over the fire.
(c) He trembles.
(d) He smiles.

13. Why does Camara's mother find it difficult to understand why he wants more schooling?
(a) Because she thinks he has had so much schooling already.
(b) Because she thinks it's too expensive.
(c) Because she thinks he wants to leave her.
(d) Because she thinks he is stupid.

14. When does Camara's rite of passage start?
(a) One evening before the feast of Ramadan.
(b) During the feast of Ramadan.
(c) One evening after the feast of Ramadan.
(d) One evening when he's nine years old.

15. Who has arrived to celebrate Camara's departure from Kouroussa?
(a) Several family members.
(b) Several friends.
(c) Several praise-singers.
(d) Several tom-tom players.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Camara's mother light up his bed?

2. In which month does Camara return to Conakry?

3. Where does Camara pedal to with Marie?

4. When does the tom-tom begin to beat for the rite of passage?

5. When does Camara leave home?

(see the answer keys)

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