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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. How many children has Tengo's mother lost?

2. What is Frikkie's real name?

3. Who is Tengo?

4. Who is Oom Koos?

5. What is Tengo doing when Frikkie finds him in Chapter 2?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Tengo?

2. Why is it frustrating for Tengo to read the textbooks given to him by his aunt's employer?

3. What is inside the large box that arrives for Tengo?

4. Why is Tengo not permitted to attend school and how does he feel about that?

5. How easily does Tengo pick up the skill of reading?

6. How does Tengo feel as he learns more and more about how his ancestors were treated?

7. How do the oubaas twist the story of the Great Trek told to Frikkie and Tengo?

8. Why is Frikkie given so much respect on his uncle's farm?

9. In what story does Tengo see that the white man has twisted history to suit his own needs?

10. What are some of the things that Tengo learns about city life for black people from Joseph?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

WAITING FOR THE RAIN is a classic example of historical fiction. What does that classification entail? Why does this book fit into this category?

Essay Topic 2

WAITING FOR THE RAIN is a classic coming-of-age story. What does that classification entail? Why does this book fit into this category?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast one of Gordon'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.

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