A Long Walk to Water Chapters 1-18

Questions and Answers

The two main story lines follow _______________________.

Salva and Nya

Salva's story line begins in what year?

1985

Nya's story line takes place in what year?

2008

Both stories take place in what country?

Sudan Signup and view all the answers

Why are rebel soldiers fighting the government?

The government wants all citizens to become Muslim and not all citizens want that. Signup and view all the answers

What position did Salva's father hold in their village?

Village judge Signup and view all the answers

What chore did Nya have to do every day?

Fetch water from the pond Signup and view all the answers

How many trips did Nya have to take to the pond for water each day?

Two Signup and view all the answers

In what part of Sudan is Salva's village?

Southern Signup and view all the answers

In what part of Sudan is the government based?

Northern Signup and view all the answers

How long have the rebels in the south been fighting with the government?

The rebels have been fighting the government for two years. Signup and view all the answers

Where was Salva when he first heard the gunfire?

School Signup and view all the answers

Where did Salva's teacher tell everyone to run?

Into the bush Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the friend Salva made while walking?

Marial Signup and view all the answers

In what direction were the refugees walking?

East Signup and view all the answers

To what country did Marial tell Salva they were headed?

Ethiopia Signup and view all the answers

Where does Nya's family move to during the dry season?

The lake Signup and view all the answers

Why didn't Nya's family live near the lake all year long?

Because of the fighting between the Dinka and Nuer tribes Signup and view all the answers

What do the Dinka and Nuer tribes fight about?

Land by the lake Signup and view all the answers

After more than a month of walking, who recognizes Salva in the crowd?

His Uncle Jewiir Signup and view all the answers

Why hadn't Salva seen his uncle in at least two years?

His uncle had been in the army Signup and view all the answers

Why was Uncle Jewiir considered by the group to be a leader?

He had a gun and army experience Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Marial?

He gets eaten by a lion Signup and view all the answers

What choice does Akeer's family face about her illness?

Should they walk for a few days to get medical help or stay at camp and let her rest? Signup and view all the answers

What causes Nya's sister, Akeer, to get sick?

Drinking the dirty water Signup and view all the answers

How does the group that Salva is walking with plan to cross the Nile?

By building canoes and rowing across Signup and view all the answers

What did Salva's group use to build the canoes?

They used reeds Signup and view all the answers

What did the men that lived on the island in the middle of the Nile do for a living?

They were fishermen Signup and view all the answers

Why did the fishermen disappear so quickly as the sun set?

To get away from the mosquitoes Signup and view all the answers

Why did two men come to Nya's village to see the village chief?

To talk about water Signup and view all the answers

How many days did Uncle tell Salva it would take to cross the Akobo Desert?

Three Signup and view all the answers

What does the group of refugees see on their second day walking through the desert?

A group of people who were dying from the heat and lack of water Signup and view all the answers

What are Salva's uncle's plans once they arrive at the refugee camp in Ethiopia?

To return to Sudan and continue fighting in the war Signup and view all the answers

Where did the men who came to Nya's village plan to find water?

Halfway between the two largest trees Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Salva's uncle on the third day in the desert?

He was shot by looters Signup and view all the answers

What surprising effect did his uncle's death have on Salva?

It made him stronger, more determined Signup and view all the answers

How was Salva treated by the rest of the group after his uncle was killed?

They ignored him and grumbled that he was too young Signup and view all the answers

Once the group reached the Itang refugee camp, into what group of people was Salva sorted?

Children without families Signup and view all the answers

How did Salva feel once he got to the refugee camp?

Restless and alone Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Main Characters and Storylines

Salva and Nya are the central characters connecting two narratives in the book.
Salva's storyline begins in 1985, while Nya's story takes place in 2008.

Setting and Context

Both narratives are set in Sudan, a country marked by conflict.
The government of Sudan seeks to impose Islam on all citizens, leading to resistance from various groups, including rebel soldiers.

Daily Life and Struggles

Salva's father served as the village judge, a role of local authority.
Nya's daily chore included fetching water from a pond, requiring two trips each day.
Salva's village is located in Southern Sudan, while the government is based in the Northern region.

Conflict and Change

Rebels have been fighting against the government for two years.
Salva's childhood is disrupted when gunfire erupts during school, forcing him to flee into the bush for safety.

Relationships and Journey

Salva befriends a boy named Marial during his journey.
Refugees, including Salva, travel east towards Ethiopia, seeking safety and security.

Family and Survival

During the dry season, Nya's family relocates to where water is more accessible, near the lake.
The Dinka and Nuer tribes vie for land near the lake, exacerbating conflict.

Key Events and Challenges

After a month of walking, Salva is recognized by his uncle Jewiir, who had been away in the army.
Uncle Jewiir emerges as a leader because of his military experience; however, he is later shot by looters in the desert.

Health and Resources

Nya's sister, Akeer, falls ill from drinking contaminated water, prompting concerns about her health and potential medical help.
Salva's group plans to cross the Nile by constructing canoes made from reeds.

Refugee Experience

The refugees witness suffering and death in the desert, highlighting the humanitarian crisis.
Uncle Jewiir's death significantly impacts Salva, making him more determined despite being disregarded by older members of the group.

Community and Isolation

Upon arrival at the Itang refugee camp, Salva finds himself among children without families, experiencing feelings of restlessness and loneliness.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the key concepts and characters in 'A Long Walk to Water' covering chapters 1 through 18. This quiz includes important details about the main characters Salva and Nya, as well as the historical context of their stories. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of the book.