The Brave Librarians of Timbuktu Quiz

What is the main idea of the text?

• Abdel Kader Haidara's brave actions helped preserve the written history of Timbuktu.

• Timbuktu was a city with little cultural or academic history before it was taken over by Morocco.

• Abdel Kader Haidara hid many ancient manuscripts so his connection with Al Qaeda would not be discovered.

• Timbuktu fully recovered from the Al Qaeda invasion and thousands of manuscripts were returned to its library.

In paragraph 2 the word 'fragile' most nearly means —

These manuscripts, which date back to the 1100s, are fragile and written on dried animal skins.

The residents of Timbuktu guarded them in their homes for centuries.

• extremely large

• brightly colored

• easily damaged

• dangerously sharp

Which statement best describes the relationship between the Ahmed Baba Institute and the Festival of the Desert?

• No one noticed them because Timbuktu is so far away.

• The Institute was taken seriously, but the Festival was not.

• The Festival was popular around the world, but the institute was not.

• They created a new interest in Timbuktu for people around the world.

Which detail best supports the idea that before European colonizers arrived Timbuktu was more advanced than Europe?

• "Hundreds of years ago, caravans passed through Timbuktu, trading gold, salt, and other goods between the Middle East and Morocco." (Paragraph 1)

• "While Europe was still in the Middle Ages, the scholars of Timbuktu created hundreds of thousands of manuscripts in beautiful calligraphy (decorative handwriting) that discuss every possible subject..." (Paragraph 2)

• "Eventually, Timbuktu was conquered by Morocco and occupied by other civilizations." (Paragraph 5)

• "Trade across Africa declined with the European discovery of America." (Paragraph 5)

What role did Abdel Kader Haidara play in preserving Timbuktu's history?

• He was a scholar who wrote many of the ancient manuscripts.

• He bravely hid manuscripts to protect them from destruction.

• He helped rebuild the Ahmed Baba Institute after the invasion.

• He was a leader of the Al Qaeda group that invaded Timbuktu.

How did the Ahmed Baba Institute contribute to Timbuktu's cultural heritage?

• By trading goods with the Middle East and Morocco.

• By preserving and showcasing ancient manuscripts.

• By organizing the Festival of the Desert.

• By conquering Timbuktu and expanding its territory.