english test

As Kamau walks down the road in “The Return,” why does he look straight ahead?

• he wants to avoid stranger's eye

• he hates to see the hard, dusty road

• he does not wish to recall his bitter past

• he hopes to see something that he recognizes

In “The Return,” why does Kamau’s first sighting of the Honia River excite him?

• The Honia River is still a good source of drinkable water.

• The river reminds him of his boyhood during better times.

• The river valley is greener than the surrounding landscape.

• The Honia River represents the freedom of the Gikuyu people.

In “The Return,” why does Kamau expect to receive a hero’s welcome?

• He comes from a family of royal heroes.

• He won the war against the colonial forces.

• He knows that he is meant to rule the village.

• He was always a favorite who fought for his people.

In “The Return,” how does Kamau’s father act at first when Kamau returns?

• with joy and surprise

• with disgust and fury

• with pity and despair

• with confusion and fear

In “The Return,” why does Karanja most likely tell the villagers that Kamau died in prison?

• He wants to warn other Gikuyu.

• He wants to warn other Gikuyu.

• He wants Muthoni to go with him.

• He wants other villagers to pity him.

If a farm is described as sprawling, what is most likely true about it? Base your answer on the

meaning of sprawling.

• It is in a valley.

• It is old and run-down.

• It is no longer productive.

• It is spread over many acres.

Which of the following descriptions best illustrates the meaning of serpentine?

• The fox cleverly waited until the farmer had gone to bed.

• We cleaned the paintbrushes before putting them away.

• The highway climbed in hairpin curves up the mountain.

• She noticed that the walls of the cave felt clammy.

If a neighborhood is described as compact, what is most likely true about it? Base your answer on the meaning of compact.

• It features a central square.

• The people make their own rules.

• Houses are tightly crowded together.

• Most buildings were recently constructed.

The following question has two parts. Answer Part A first, and then Part B. Part A Read this passage from “The Return.”

[Kamau] made quick, springing steps, his left hand dangling freely by the side of his once white coat, now torn and worn out. His right hand, bent at the elbow, held onto a string tied to a small bundle on his slightly drooping back. The bundle, well wrapped with a cotton cloth that had once been printed with red flowers now faded out, swung from side to side in harmony with the rhythm of his steps.

What does the passage most clearly tell you about Kamau? (CHOOSE FROM ANSWERS A THROUGH D.)

Part B Which phrases from the passage best support the answer to Part A? (CHOOSE FROM ANSWERS E THROUGH H.)

• (Part A) His spirit has been broken.

• (Part A) He has been away for some time.

• (Part B) quick, springing steps; dangling freely

• (Part B) white coat; printed with red flowers

• (Part B) torn and worn out; flowers now faded

What does this sentence from “The Return” most clearly imply about the Gikuyu people? He remembered that, even before the Mau Mau emergency, the overtilled Gikuyu holdings wore

haggard looks in contrast to the sprawling green fields in the settled area.

• They are poor.

• They are aging.

• They are in danger.

• They are unsettled.