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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 happened to Tengo's older sister when she was away at school?

2. What is Frikkie's real name?

3. What does Tengo do when Frikkie and the oubaas have their tea?

4. Where does Frikkie visit during his school break?

5. What is in the box that arrives for Tengo?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Joseph?

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

3. Who is Tengo?

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

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

6. Why can Tengo not defend his people to the oubaas regarding the story of the Great Trek?

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

8. How are the differences between blacks and whites exhibited in the characters of Frikkie and Tengo?

9. How does Frikkie behave when encountering Tengo's anger when a girl insults an elder at the birthday party?

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

Explain Sheila Gordon's writing style. How does she deliver information? How does she develop characters? What is the general tone of her work? What is the most appealing aspect of Gordon's writing for you? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

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