View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Frikkie have difficulty in accepting when he realizes that Tengo is gone?

2. Who is the impetus behind Tengo's continuing his education?

3. What does Tengo think about the student protesters suggestion?

4. Why does Tengo study during his breaks?

5. Who is the head of the organization Tengo is asked to join?

Short Essay Questions

1. What arises which makes Tengo lose focus on his studies?

2. How much time has passed since the last chapter and what does Tengo no longer note about living in Johannesburg?

3. What does Claire share with Tengo about an integrated community and what is Joseph's opinion of it?

4. What is the source of Tengo's angry moods?

5. What does Tengo think about what the protesters believe the whites will never allow blacks to have?

6. What does Frikkie have to do after completing his education and what does he learn about Tengo's plans for schooling?

7. What does Tengo devote his time to when school starts again?

8. What reason does the reverend give Tengo on the importance of him continuing his education?

9. What decision does Tengo struggle with after the school closes?

10. Why does Tengo have to ignore his mother's feelings before he departs for school?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the overall setting for the stories in the book? Be sure to include geography, time period and any pertinent popular culture events. Why did Gordon choose to use these places in the stories?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the role of women in South Africa in the late-20th century when the women in the book are living their lives. What precedents do they feel compelled to follow? What restrictions do they have? What freedoms did they have that 21st century women do not have?

Essay Topic 3

What is the significance of the book's title? What are some other possible titles for the book? List at least five and cite your reasons for each.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 755 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample