Half of a Yellow Sun

Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key plot points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Chapters 1-6

Reading Check

1. What nickname does Odenigbo frequently use when speaking to Ugwu?

2. Where did Olanna meet Odenigbo for the first time?

3. Which twin is older?

4. What brings Ugwu’s mother to stay at Odenigbo’s house for a couple of days?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What behavior of Odenigbo’s mother does he dismiss as acceptable because “she’s just a village woman”?

2. Why does Richard become so bothered by the conversation at Odenigbo’s house that he goes home and tears up his manuscript?

Paired Resource

“A Day in Life as an African Village Girl in Nigeria”

• Viewing parts of the clip may be discussed in comparison with Odenigbo’s dismissive attitude toward his mother’s behavior as a “village woman.”
• Do you agree or disagree with Odenigbo’s assessment of his mother’s behavior as acceptable? Provide examples from the text and/or video to support your opinion.

Chapters 7-12

Reading Check

1. What is announced on the radio as Olanna tells Ugwu about her plans to travel and pick up Arize?

2.