Week 1 Quiz  

1. In the context of this section, what does the text mean by the statement “the places may have changed, but the story largely remains the same”? Choose the BEST answer.

• In a lot of ways Africa is similar to India and China.

• Poverty in the developing world has always been a fact of life.

• Chennai and Mumbai are both in India, but have had different rates of urbanization over the years.

• Urbanization, while significant, has been happening in different stages throughout history.

2. How many people are “employed” by the Lagos dump?

• 10,000 people

• 5,000 people

• 100,000 people

• 500 people

3. How does Eric Obuh see scavenging work in the Lagos dump? Choose the BEST answer.

• as normal as an office job

• as a stark reflection of his poverty

• as an opportunity to fund his dreams

• as a sad existence

4. Which of the following statements about the Lagos dump is true?

• It has enabled enterprising Nigerians to build lives for themselves.

• It is a violent free-for-all.

• It is a sign of Nigerians’ wastefulness.

• It is an example of successful government policy in practice.

5. Why did Maria move to Rocinha?

• She wanted to be a waitress rather than work in the fields.

• She wanted to own multiple properties and rent some out, which was impossible back home.

• There were no jobs at home and her brother seemed to be doing well in Rocinha.

• She wanted to get away from her brother.

6. According to the author’s account, which of the following statements about Rocinha is true?

• It is very difficult to make an honest living in Rocinha.

• Life in Rocinha is sleepy and slow.

• Rocinha began as an illegal squatter community.

• Everyone in Rocinha is desperately poor.

7. In contrasting the communities of squatters and legal residents, the author finds the squatter community to be which of the following?

• busier

• willing to talk

• slower-paced

• more shrewd

8. Which of the following do the bailes in Rocinha BEST represent?

• the communal aspect of Rocinha life

• the hollowness of partying

• the difficulty of favela life

• the state of capitalism in Brazil

9. According to the text, why do some Rocinha residents have more disposable income than ordinary Rio residents?

• They work harder.

• They are better entrepreneurs.

• They don’t pay taxes.

• They get government assistance.

10. Which of the following has been a result of “asfaltização” in Rocinha?

• Rocinha residents have access to better and more services.

• Local businesses no longer have much competition.

• Demand for housing has dropped significantly.

• Rocinha residents have become less connected to mainstream Rio society.

11. What is the main complaint about “asfaltização” by some Rocinha residents?

• Asfaltização is destroying Rocinha’s distinctive architecture.

• Asfaltização is hurting local businesses and traditional social networks.

• Asfaltização has made Rocinha more dangerous.

• Asfaltização is cutting the favela off from the outside.

12. How does the author characterize government and NGO attempts to interact with the favelas?

• as disgraceful intrusions

• as community-empowered initiatives

• as top-down affairs

• as negligible toe-dipping

13. In the 1950s, politicians worried the favelas were a breeding ground for what group?

• communists

• drug dealers

• labor activists

• fascists

14. What were the forms in Jorge’s realty office designed to record?

• federal recognition of inhabitance

• the sale of property

• the sale of housing materials

• the sale of possession

15. What is the mission of SPIN Rocinha?

• to land on MTV

• to provide local kids with job training

• to conquer the Brazilian music market

• to recruit for local universities