SHS Literature In English: Questions On The Kaya Girl With Answers
This content contents carefully selected WASSCE standard literature in English questions on The Kaya Girl.
What to expect from this content overviewed in the table of content
Contents
Literature in English Questions on “The Kaya Girl” with Answers. 2
English Questions on “The Kaya Girl” with Answers. 5
Section B: Literary Analysis (60 marks). 8
The Kaya Girl by Mamle Wolo: A Plot Summary
“The Kaya Girl” weaves together the stories of two young girls, Faiza and Abena, navigating life in different corners of Ghana:
Faiza: A teenager from the impoverished north, burdened with caring for her younger siblings and yearning for a better life. She flees her village and arrives in Accra, finding work as a “kaya girl” – a market porter carrying heavy loads for customers. Facing prejudice and hardship, Faiza struggles to make ends meet and build a new life in the chaotic yet vibrant city.
Abena: A privileged doctor’s daughter living comfortably in Accra. Despite her material security, Abena feels stifled by societal expectations and longs for authentic connections. In a chance encounter with Faiza, Abena is struck by her raw courage and resilience, forming an unlikely friendship that transcends their different backgrounds.
As their paths intertwine, Faiza and Abena discover unexpected parallels in their stories. Both confront issues of identity, grappling with societal pressures and their own aspirations. Faiza learns to navigate the city’s challenges, defying stereotypes and discovering a hidden strength within. Abena finds freedom and purpose in her friendship with Faiza, opening her eyes to the realities beyond her sheltered life.
Through their unique journeys, the novel explores:
Displacement and Belonging: The challenges of adapting to a new environment while clinging to your roots.
Social Inequality: The stark contrast between urban privilege and rural struggles in Ghana.
Female Empowerment: The themes of resilience, independence, and self-discovery in the face of adversity.
Intercultural Understanding: The importance of bridging cultural divides and fostering genuine connections.
“The Kaya Girl” is a poignant and beautifully crafted story that celebrates the human spirit’s resilience and the transformative power of friendship. It offers a compelling portrait of life in contemporary Ghana, woven with intricate details, vivid characters, and a powerful message of hope and self-belief
Literature in English Questions on “The Kaya Girl” with Answers
Section A: Comprehension (40 marks)
- In Chapter 1, how does Faiza’s dream of the baobab tree foreshadow her journey to Accra? (4 marks)
The baobab tree, despite its struggles, stands strong and tall, reaching beyond its immediate surroundings. This mirrors Faiza’s own aspirations to escape her limited circumstances and reach for a better life in Accra. The dream foreshadows her courage and resilience in the face of challenges on her journey.
- Contrast the relationships between Faiza and her mother and Abena and her mother. How do these relationships contribute to the exploration of family dynamics in the novel? (8 marks)
Faiza’s relationship with her mother is strained due to the burden of responsibility, lack of communication, and conflicting aspirations. Abena’s relationship with her mother, while seemingly comfortable, lacks emotional depth and understanding. These contrasts highlight the complexity of family dynamics, exploring themes of duty, communication, and conflicting desires within both traditional and modern family structures.
- Identify and explain the significance of two symbols used in the novel. Provide textual evidence to support your answer. (8 marks)
The Kaya: Represents responsibility, burden, and strength. Faiza’s work as a kaya girl symbolizes the weight of her circumstances and her determination to carry on. It also showcases the strength and resilience of women forced to take on heavy burdens.
The Market: Represents opportunity, chaos, and survival. Accra’s bustling market, where Faiza finds work, embodies both the potential for a new life and the harsh realities of urban life. It portrays the struggle for survival and the determination to find one’s place in a challenging environment.
- Analyze the significance of the scene where Faiza encounters the homeless woman in Chapter 10. How does this encounter affect Faiza’s perception of herself and her circumstances? (8 marks)
The encounter with the homeless woman forces Faiza to confront the harsh realities of poverty and vulnerability, mirroring her own precarious situation. It triggers a moment of self-reflection, prompting her to reconsider her assumptions about success and happiness. This encounter adds depth to Faiza’s character, hinting at a growing empathy and understanding of the world beyond her own struggles.
- Explain the role of storytelling in the novel. How does it connect to themes of identity and understanding? (8 marks)
Storytelling plays a crucial role in “The Kaya Girl.” Both Faiza and Abena utilize stories to understand themselves and others, bridging cultural gaps and finding common ground. Through sharing their narratives, they challenge stereotypes, build empathy, and discover shared experiences that transcend their different backgrounds. This emphasizes the power of storytelling in connecting individuals and fostering understanding across social divides.
Section B: Essay (60 marks)
Choose one of the following statements and write an essay in response, supporting your arguments with textual evidence from the novel:
- “Mamle Wolo’s ‘The Kaya Girl’ is a powerful critique of social inequality and gender limitations in Ghanaian society.”
- “Friendship is the ultimate catalyst for personal growth and transformation in the novel.”
- “Analyze the novel’s ending, discussing its resolution of major conflicts and its overall message of hope and possibility”.
- Compare and contrast the portrayal of female resilience and resourcefulness in “The Kaya Girl” with another literary work or film you have studied. How do these portrayals differ in their message and impact on the audience?
English Questions on “The Kaya Girl” with Answers
Section A: Comprehension (40 marks)
- In Chapter 1, how does Faiza’s dream of the baobab tree foreshadow her journey to Accra? (4 marks)
The baobab tree, despite its struggles, stands strong and tall, reaching beyond its immediate surroundings. This mirrors Faiza’s own aspirations to escape her limited circumstances and reach for a better life in Accra. The dream foreshadows her courage and resilience in the face of challenges on her journey.
- Contrast the relationships between Faiza and her mother and Abena and her mother. How do these relationships contribute to the exploration of family dynamics in the novel? (8 marks)
Faiza’s relationship with her mother is strained due to the burden of responsibility, lack of communication, and conflicting aspirations. Abena’s relationship with her mother, while seemingly comfortable, lacks emotional depth and understanding. These contrasts highlight the complexity of family dynamics, exploring themes of duty, communication, and conflicting desires within both traditional and modern family structures.
- Analyze the significance of the scene where Faiza encounters the homeless woman in Chapter 10. How does this encounter affect Faiza’s perception of herself and her circumstances? (8 marks)
The encounter with the homeless woman forces Faiza to confront the harsh realities of poverty and vulnerability, mirroring her own precarious situation. It triggers a moment of self-reflection, prompting her to reconsider her assumptions about success and happiness. This encounter adds depth to Faiza’s character, hinting at a growing empathy and understanding of the world beyond her own struggles.
- Explain the role of storytelling in the novel. How does it connect to themes of identity and understanding? (8 marks)
Storytelling plays a crucial role in “The Kaya Girl.” Both Faiza and Abena utilize stories to understand themselves and others, bridging cultural gaps and finding common ground. Through sharing their narratives, they challenge stereotypes, build empathy, and discover shared experiences that transcend their different backgrounds. This emphasizes the power of storytelling in connecting individuals and fostering understanding across social divides.
Section B: Essay (60 marks)
Choose one of the following statements and write an essay in response, supporting your arguments with textual evidence from the novel:
- “Mamle Wolo’s ‘The Kaya Girl’ is a powerful critique of social inequality and gender limitations in Ghanaian society.”
- “Friendship is the ultimate catalyst for personal growth and transformation in the novel.”
- “Analyze the novel’s ending, discussing its resolution of major conflicts and its overall message of hope and possibility.”* (60 marks)**
- Compare and contrast the portrayal of female resilience and resourcefulness in “The Kaya Girl” with another literary work or film you have studied. How do these portrayals differ in their message and impact on the audience?
Multiple Choice Questions
- Whose dream in Chapter 1 features a baobab tree, foreshadowing their journey to Accra? (1 mark) a) Abena’s mother b) Faiza c) Mr. Baffoe d) Mama Comfort Answer: b) Faiza
- Where does Faiza find employment in Accra? (1 mark) a) A hospital b) A school c) A market d) A construction site Answer: c) A market
- What illness does Abena’s younger brother suffer from? (1 mark) a) Malaria b) Asthma c) Typhoid d) Tuberculosis Answer: d) Tuberculosis
- In which chapter does Faiza witness a violent crime in the market? (1 mark) a) Chapter 5 b) Chapter 8 c) Chapter 12 d) Chapter 16 Answer: b) Chapter 8
- Whose advice helps Faiza save money and eventually start her own business? (1 mark) a) Mama Comfort b) Abena c) Mr. Baffoe d) The taxi driver Answer: a) Mama Comfort
- What symbolic object does Abena give Faiza as a token of their friendship? (1 mark) a) A necklace b) A book c) A scarf d) A bracelet Answer: b) A book
- What motivates Abena to pursue a career in public health? (1 mark) a) Her mother’s influence b) Faiza’s experiences c) Personal illness d) Desire for wealth Answer: b) Faiza’s experiences
- Where does Faiza return to after successfully establishing her business? (1 mark) a) Her village b) A school c) Another market d) Abena’s house
Answer: a) Her village
- What challenge does Abena face in her relationship with Papa Kwesi? (1 mark) a) Financial difficulties b) Disapproving family c) Cultural differences d) Lack of trust Answer: c) Cultural differences
- How does the novel ultimately resolve the conflict between Faiza and her mother? (1 mark) a) A heated argument b) Reconciliation and forgiveness c) Faiza’s financial success d) No resolution occurs Answer: b) Reconciliation and forgiveness
Section B: Literary Analysis (60 marks)
- Which theme is NOT explored in “The Kaya Girl”? (1 mark) a) Identity and belonging b) Social inequality c) Gender roles d) Supernatural elements Answer: d) Supernatural elements
- The novel contrasts the use of English and Hausa. How does this contribute to characterization? (1 mark) a) Represents social status and education levels. b) Highlights cultural differences and traditions. c) Adds humor and lightheartedness to the story. d) Creates a sense of mystery and intrigue.
Answer: b) Highlights cultural differences and traditions.
- Which of the following is NOT a symbol used in the novel? (1 mark) a) The market b) The kaya c) The baobab tree d) The taxi Answer: d) The taxi
- How does the novel challenge traditional gender roles in Ghanaian society? (1 mark) a) By portraying strong and independent female characters. b) By criticizing arranged marriages and female submission. c) By highlighting the importance of domesticity and motherhood. d) By promoting male dominance and traditional hierarchies.
Answer: a) By portraying strong and independent female characters.
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