Things Fall Apart

Umuofia was feared by all its neighbors. It was powerful in war and in magic, and its priests and medicine men were feared in all the surrounding country. Its most potent war- medicine was as old as the clan itself. Nobody knew how old. But on one point there was general agreement—the active principle in that medicine had been an old woman with one leg. In fact, the medicine itself was called agadi-nwayi, or old woman. It had its shrine in the centre of Umuofia, in a cleared spot. And if anybody was so foolhardy as to pass by the shrine after dusk he was sure to see the old woman hopping about.

Why was Umuofia feared by its neighbors?

• A) They had advanced technology.

• B) They had powerful medicine men.

• C) They were skilled traders.

• D) They were famous for their farming practices.

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RI.8.1

RI.1

Umuofia was feared by all its neighbors. It was powerful in war and in magic, and its priests and medicine men were feared in all the surrounding country. Its most potent war- medicine was as old as the clan itself. Nobody knew how old. But on one point there was general agreement—the active principle in that medicine had been an old woman with one leg. In fact, the medicine itself was called agadi-nwayi, or old woman. It had its shrine in the centre of Umuofia, in a cleared spot. And if anybody was so foolhardy as to pass by the shrine after dusk he was sure to see the old woman hopping about.

What two qualities made Umuofia powerful, according to the passage?

• A) Advanced technology and wealth

• B) Strength in warfare and magical abilities

• C) Skilled farming and trade practices

• D) Strong political leadership and unity

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RI.1

Umuofia was feared by all its neighbors. It was powerful in war and in magic, and its priests and medicine men were feared in all the surrounding country. Its most potent war- medicine was as old as the clan itself. Nobody knew how old. But on one point there was general agreement—the active principle in that medicine had been an old woman with one leg. In fact, the medicine itself was called agadi-nwayi, or old woman. It had its shrine in the centre of Umuofia, in a cleared spot. And if anybody was so foolhardy as to pass by the shrine after dusk he was sure to see the old woman hopping about.

What were the roles of the priests and medicine men in Umuofia?

• A) Leading the military campaigns

• B) Advising on agricultural practices

• C) Providing spiritual guidance and healing

• D) Overseeing trade negotiations

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RI.8.1

RI.1

Umuofia was feared by all its neighbors. It was powerful in war and in magic, and its priests and medicine men were feared in all the surrounding country. Its most potent war- medicine was as old as the clan itself. Nobody knew how old. But on one point there was general agreement—the active principle in that medicine had been an old woman with one leg. In fact, the medicine itself was called agadi-nwayi, or old woman. It had its shrine in the centre of Umuofia, in a cleared spot. And if anybody was so foolhardy as to pass by the shrine after dusk he was sure to see the old woman hopping about.

How long had the most potent war-medicine in Umuofia been in use, according to the passage?

• A) A few years

• B) Nobody knew for sure

• C) A couple of generations

• D) Since the beginning of the clan

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.8.1

Umuofia was feared by all its neighbors. It was powerful in war and in magic, and its priests and medicine men were feared in all the surrounding country. Its most potent war- medicine was as old as the clan itself. Nobody knew how old. But on one point there was general agreement—the active principle in that medicine had been an old woman with one leg. In fact, the medicine itself was called agadi-nwayi, or old woman. It had its shrine in the centre of Umuofia, in a cleared spot. And if anybody was so foolhardy as to pass by the shrine after dusk he was sure to see the old woman hopping about.

What was the active principle or ingredient in the medicine called agadi-nwayi, and why was it named so?

• A) Old woman's wisdom; it was made by elderly women.

• B) The bark of a rare tree; it had a woman's name.

• C) An old woman with one leg; it was named after her.

• D) A special stone; it was associated with women's rituals.

Umuofia was feared by all its neighbors. It was powerful in war and in magic, and its priests and medicine men were feared in all the surrounding country. Its most potent war- medicine was as old as the clan itself. Nobody knew how old. But on one point there was general agreement—the active principle in that medicine had been an old woman with one leg. In fact, the medicine itself was called agadi-nwayi, or old woman. It had its shrine in the centre of Umuofia, in a cleared spot. And if anybody was so foolhardy as to pass by the shrine after dusk he was sure to see the old woman hopping about.

Where was the shrine of the old woman (agadi-nwayi) located in Umuofia?

• A) Inside the medicine man's hut

• B) At the edge of the village

• C) In the forest outside the village

• D) In the center of Umuofia in a cleared spot

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RI.10

Who is Chielo? Chielo is a ​ (a)   in ​ (b)   who is dedicated to the Oracle of the goddess ​ (c)   .

• priestess
• priest
• witch doctor
• midwife
• Umuofia
• Nigeria
• Kenya
• Ghana
• Agbala
• Ezinma

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RI.8.1

RI.3

Umuofia was feared by all its neighbors. It was powerful in war and in magic, and its priests and medicine men were feared in all the surrounding country. Its most potent war- medicine was as old as the clan itself. Nobody knew how old. But on one point there was general agreement—the active principle in that medicine had been an old woman with one leg. In fact, the medicine itself was called agadi-nwayi, or old woman. It had its shrine in the centre of Umuofia, in a cleared spot. And if anybody was so foolhardy as to pass by the shrine after dusk he was sure to see the old woman hopping about.

What might happen if someone passed by the shrine after dusk, according to the passage?

• A) They would be blessed with good luck.

• B) They would be required to make an offering.

• C) They were sure to see the old woman hopping about.

• D) They would be chased away by the priests.

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RI.8.1

Okonkwo was well known throughout the nine villages and even beyond. His fame rested on solid personal achievements. As a young man of eighteen, he had brought honor to his village by throwing Amalinze the Cat. Amalinze was the great wrestler who for seven years was unbeaten, from Umuofia to Mbaino. He was called the Cat because his back would never touch the earth. It was this man that Okonkwo threw in a fight which the old men agreed was one of the fiercest since the founder of their town engaged a spirit of the wild for seven days and seven nights.

What is the main reason for Okonkwo's fame in the nine villages?

• A) His exceptional farming skills.

• B) His success in wrestling.

• C) His ability to engage spirits in a fight.

• D) His leadership in village ceremonies.

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RI.8.2

Okonkwo was well known throughout the nine villages and even beyond. His fame rested on solid personal achievements. As a young man of eighteen, he had brought honor to his village by throwing Amalinze the Cat. Amalinze was the great wrestler who for seven years was unbeaten, from Umuofia to Mbaino. He was called the Cat because his back would never touch the earth. It was this man that Okonkwo threw in a fight which the old men agreed was one of the fiercest since the founder of their town engaged a spirit of the wild for seven days and seven nights.

1. What is the primary focus of the passage?

• A) Okonkwo's success in farming
  

• B) Amalinze the Cat's undefeated wrestling streak
  

• C) The founder of the town's engagement with a spirit
  

• D) Okonkwo's fame and achievements in his community

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RI.8.2