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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. Why does the woman say she needs to use Valentino's phone?

2. Where does Valentino go to get a container for the water?

3. Why can the robbers not leave the house?

4. What is William's main talent?

5. To whom does Valentino open his door?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Valentino say about slavery?

2. How does Valentino's mother react when they hear horses?

3. What problems does Valentino's father have in Aweil?

4. What did Valentino know about African Americans before he came to America?

5. What problem does Valentino's father have with the rebels?

6. How does Valentino avoid the Arab soldiers in the forest?

7. What does Valentino think about his new life in America?

8. What does the name Michael remind Valentino of?

9. Why was Tabitha coveted by all the Sudanese men in America?

10. How do Valentino and his mother manage to escape to a compound full of grain?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss elements of the narrative structure: exposition, conflict, complication, climax, resolution and conclusion. Do all the elements make for a logical and linear story? How does the story's structure express the book's themes?

Essay Topic 2

Pick two characters from the book and discuss his or her goals and motives. Do they achieve their motive? Do they share similar goals and motives with other characters? Do their goals clash with other characters? How do the characters goals and motives affect their interaction with each other?

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the following and discuss how it affects the tone of the book and helps to express character and theme:

1. Setting

2. Point of view

3. Structure

4. Language

(see the answer keys)

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