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- “Though Resian goes through the valley of death, her determination leads her to a victorious life.” Write a composition to show the validity of...(Solved)
“Though Resian goes through the valley of death, her determination leads her to a victorious life.” Write a composition to show the validity of this assertion from Blossoms of Savannah.
Date posted: March 6, 2018.
- Explain the themes highlighted in Blossoms of The Savannah by Ole Kulet. (Solved)
Explain the themes highlighted in Blossoms of The Savannah by Ole Kulet.
Date posted: March 6, 2018.
- How did the death of Adika form a foundation of change in Kafira?(Solved)
How did the death of Adika form a foundation of change in Kafira?
Date posted: March 4, 2018.
- Culture is dynamic and those who recognize and accept this make meaning of all that happens around
them; those who do not, live miserable lives....(Solved)
Culture is dynamic and those who recognize and accept this make meaning of all that happens around
them; those who do not, live miserable lives. Drawing illustrations from the Whale Rider show the truth
of this statement.
Date posted: March 1, 2018.
- “Francis Imbuga effectively uses satire to expose the ills bedeviling society.” Using illustrations from
Francis Imbuga’s play, Betrayal in the City show the truth of this...(Solved)
“Francis Imbuga effectively uses satire to expose the ills bedeviling society.” Using illustrations from
Francis Imbuga’s play, Betrayal in the City show the truth of this statement.
Date posted: March 1, 2018.
- Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow.
Vera did not want to be held, and the big ?ashing eyes on her...(Solved)
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow.
Vera did not want to be held, and the big flashing eyes on her skinny face were restless and tempestuous. Even adults were a little afraid of her. She however had one saving grace; her capacity for love. Hers was and would remain a passionate nature. She took nothing for granted. She was completely loyal and from an early age her sister was the object of love and protection. It was her business to see to it that Becky was happy and had everything she needed. She was willing and ready to do battle with anyone who crossed Becky’s path and she was a fearless fighter although tears were ready to fall at the slightest provocation. Once when she was about five, she almost tore a playmate apart before anyone realized what was happening because she was screaming at the top of her lungs while pummeling him. The boy remained mute and shocked and did not or could not utter a sound. He only remembered to snivel a little when they pulled the screaming Vera off him.
When the girls were two, Mark got his long awaited promotion and moved to a slightly bigger house which had an extra bedroom. It was just in the nick of time for Elizabeth was pregnant again and sleeping arrangements were becoming tricky. Their joy was however tempered by the fact that owing to the state of emergency, the country was becoming more and more dangerous even for ordinary people between the White Johnies on one side and the Mau Mau freedom fighters on the other, death could arrive without warning. It was therefore decided that as soon as the baby was born, Elizabeth would move back to her old teaching job at Aluor where it was much safer, being far from the central region which was the enclave of the freedom fighters.
Aoro, a bouncing boy and the apple of his father’s eye was born in the middle of a long dry season-thus his name. When he was two weeks old he was whisked off to Aluor with his sister. When she heard about it, their paternal grandmother was furious.
“How can you allow that woman to take off with my grandchildren? Is this why they refused to take a bride price for her? So that they could treat us like dirt?”
“Mother nobody is trying to treat anyone else like dirt. It is just that there is no suitable school for her to teach in around here. She can bring the children over during the holidays.”
“Huff!” snorted his mother. Mark was almost sorry he had stopped by to see his mother on his way back to Nakuru. Things became very bad and lorries carrying the dead, purportedly Mau Mau were a common sight. There was suspicion everywhere - white against black and black against white. The Kikuyu especially suffered greatly-and could be shot, maimed, killed or translocated at a moment’s notice. They returned atrocity for atrocity and blood flowed- both black and white. Mark was very lonely without his wife and children. He particularly missed little Vera’s constant chatter which he had found so irritating before. She had been tireless and irrepressible, but now he would have given anything to hear her say: “Father why is mother’s stomach so big?”
(a) Place the extract in its immediate context.
(b) Characterize Vera according to the extract.
(c) Identify and illustrate two features of style employed in the extract.
(d) What are some of the themes brought out in the extract?
(e) In a paragraph of not more than 20 words write a summary of the effects of war as seen in the extract.
(f) Mark is said to have been lonely. This loneliness leads to something. Briefly say what happens.
Date posted: March 1, 2018.
- Society will always use its culture as a weapon against women”. Using illustrations from Witi Ihimaera’s, The Whale Rider, Write an essay to support this...(Solved)
Society will always use its culture as a weapon against women”. Using illustrations from Witi Ihimaera’s, The Whale Rider, Write an essay to support this statement.
Date posted: March 1, 2018.
- Drawing illustrations from what Grusha goes through in order to save and adopt Michael, write an essay on the challenges of being a good person...(Solved)
Drawing illustrations from what Grusha goes through in order to save and adopt Michael, write an essay on the challenges of being a good person in a rotten society.
Date posted: March 1, 2018.
- Discuss the major issues highlighted by the writer in the story ‘WINDOW SEAT’ by Benjamin Branoff.(Solved)
Discuss the major issues highlighted by the writer in the story ‘WINDOW SEAT’ by Benjamin Branoff.
Date posted: February 28, 2018.
- Discuss the traits of Ali Mahfouz as brought out in this story ALMOST HOME by Barry McKinley.(Solved)
Discuss the traits of Ali Mahfouz as brought out in this story ALMOST HOME by Barry McKinley.
Date posted: February 28, 2018.
- 'Wealth and money cannot afford happiness' citing evidence from the Pearl by John Steinbeck, Discuss(Solved)
'Wealth and money cannot afford happiness' citing evidence from the Pearl by John Steinbeck, Discuss.
OR
John Steinbeck: The Pearl
Wealth and money cannot afford happiness. With illustrations from John Steinbeck’s The Pearl, validate this statement.
Date posted: February 28, 2018.
- The play ‘Betrayal in the City’ by F. Imbuga focuses on the problems facing a post-independence developing nation. Discuss any four of such problems using...(Solved)
The play ‘Betrayal in the City’ by F. Imbuga focuses on the problems facing a post-independence developing nation. Discuss any four of such problems using appropriate examples from the play.
Date posted: February 28, 2018.
- Discuss the role of family in the novel the River and the Source(Solved)
Discuss the role of family in the novel the River and the Source
Date posted: February 28, 2018.
- ‘Bitterness breeds courage and opportunities to some but breeds vipers to others.’ Support this using The River and the Source (Solved)
‘Bitterness breeds courage and opportunities to some but breeds vipers to others.’ Support this using The River and the Source
Date posted: February 28, 2018.
- "The gap between the rich and poor can be controlled through the use of social justice."Write an essay in support of this proposition drawing illustrations...(Solved)
"The gap between the rich and poor can be controlled through the use of social justice."Write an essay in support of this proposition drawing illustrations from Bertolt Brecht's Caucasian Chalk Circle.
Date posted: February 27, 2018.
- Read the Oral poem below and then answer the questions that follow.
HUNGER
Hunger makes a person climb up to the ceiling
And hold on to the rafters
It...(Solved)
Read the Oral poem below and then answer the questions that follow.
HUNGER
Hunger makes a person climb up to the ceiling
And hold on to the rafters
It makes a person lie down.
But not feel at rest.
It makes a person lie down
And count the rafters.
When the Moslem is not hungry, he says:
“We are forbidden to eat monkey.”
When Ibrahim is hungry, he eats baboon!
When hunger beats the woman in the Koinange,
She will run out into the street in daytime.
One who is hungry does not care for taboos
One who is hungry does not care for death
One who is hungry will take
Out of the sacrifice money
Hunger will open it.
“I Have filled my belly yesterday”
Does bite with hunger.
We have to sacrifice daily to it.
Date posted: February 27, 2018.
- The River and the Source: Margaret A. OgolaRead the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow.“Hey, was an army passing this way, Mother?” asked...(Solved)
The River and the Source: Margaret A. Ogola
Read the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow.
“Hey, was an army passing this way, Mother?” asked Aoro.
“It is not every day my grandchildren – all of them, come to see me; and I am a farmer; I have plenty of food – fresh from the garden, not like that frozen tasteless stuff you people eat in the city.”
“Agreed! Agreed!” answered her eldest son waving a juicy looking drumstick in the air. She noticed with motherly approval that he had started to fill out and his eyes were happy and settled. For a while, she had feared that this particular son was headed for trouble. But that had been long ago in his boyhood. She had been mistaken – happy mistake. She noted with concern, however, that Wandia seemed to have little to say. Something was a miss.
After the meal the children ran out to chase whatever farm animals they could find and to exercise their city cramped limbs. Aoro and Tony decided to take a walk together. Opiyo and his twin went to admire a herd of high breed cattle. Mark sat on the veranda admiring his scampering many hued grandchildren and Elizabeth and Wandia went to the kitchen – the only place where a woman can expect not to be disturbed for a while, especially when all are well fed.
“Yes tell me. Is he giving you a hard time or something?” Elizabeth asked and Wandia looked at her startled.
“No! No! I mean – gosh – am I so obvious?”
“ I can read you like a book, my girl.”
“I have a scholarship to study in America for a year.”
“And he is against it?”
“No! He is not. In fact he is all for it. But how can I leave him with five children?”
“Don’t worry about him. You see if you don’t go, it is something that will haunt you – a lost chance is very hard to live with. We will all chip in to give him a hand with the children. Mary is also there in Nairobi with absolutely no responsibility whatsoever. They will be OK. Just organize your affairs and go do what you have to do.
“Oh, thank you so much! Now I can tell the good news to my own family. I didn’t want to have to disappoint them.” The two women looked at each other with understanding. The leaving and cleaving was always more difficult for a woman who has to tear herself from so much, and give so much – which almost always went unnoticed.
The children, who apparently have some very powerful grinders in their tummies started rushing back into the house to ask for this, that or the other to eat and their solitude was broken as they attended to their needs, but Wandia was now at peace.
Father Tony and Aoro were reminiscing, about the escapades of their boyhood and each memory was punctuated by great gales of laughter. Eventually they got around to more serious talk.
“Great girl you have there.” Observed Tony.
“Yes. I am a lucky man. She does a wonderful job with the kids – Becky’s as well as ours. How about you Tony?
How’s the priesthood? Are you happy?”
“Absolutely. It is my life and it fulfills me completely. You know the priesthood is quiet like medicine.
Date posted: February 27, 2018.
- Communication technology has given impetus to effective communication inspite of various complications that it has posed.Explain this statement(Solved)
Communication technology has given impetus to effective communication inspite of various complications that it has posed. Explain this statement
Date posted: February 27, 2018.
- “Betrayal in the City” Francis Imbuga.
“When the Madness of the entire nation disturbs a solitary mind, it is not enough to say the man is...(Solved)
“Betrayal in the City” Francis Imbuga.
“When the Madness of the entire nation disturbs a solitary mind, it is not enough to say the man is mad”. Basing your answer on Francis Imbuga’s Betrayal in the City show the validity of this statement.
Date posted: February 22, 2018.
- Caucasian chalk Circle – Berllt Bretch
For one to succeed in his/her Endeavors, one has to take risks. Using Caucasian Chalk Circle for your illustrations, write...(Solved)
Caucasian chalk Circle – Berllt Bretch
For one to succeed in his/her Endeavors, one has to take risks. Using Caucasian Chalk Circle for your illustrations, write an essay to show the validity of this statement
Date posted: February 22, 2018.
- THE NOVEL: Witi Ihimaera, The Whale Rider.
“Witi Ihemera’s, The Whale Rider is an articulation of the traditions of the Maori people,”
Write an essay showing...(Solved)
THE NOVEL: Witi Ihimaera, The Whale Rider.
“Witi Ihemera’s, The Whale Rider is an articulation of the traditions of the Maori people,”
Write an essay showing the validity of this statement.
Date posted: February 22, 2018.
- THE DRAMA: Francis Imbuga, Betrayal in the City
“Mulili is the mastermind of the atrocities that bedevil most of the characters in the play.” Discuss. (Solved)
THE DRAMA: Francis Imbuga, Betrayal in the City
“Mulili is the mastermind of the atrocities that bedevil most of the characters in the play.” Discuss.
Date posted: February 22, 2018.
- Emilia Illieva and Waveney Olembo, When the Sun Goes Down and Other Stories.
It takes great determination and persistence for children to achieve their dreams and...(Solved)
Emilia Illieva and Waveney Olembo, When the Sun Goes Down and Other Stories.
It takes great determination and persistence for children to achieve their dreams and especially so when the parents have fears about their choices. Using the story Leaving by Moyez. G. Vassanji, write an essay to show the relevance of this statement.
Date posted: February 22, 2018.
- Francis Imbuga, Betrayal in the City
Injustice propagated by leaders in Kafira has led to the suffering of the citizens. Discuss this statement basing...(Solved)
Francis Imbuga, Betrayal in the City
Injustice propagated by leaders in Kafira has led to the suffering of the citizens. Discuss this statement basing your illustrations on the play Betrayal in the City.
Date posted: February 22, 2018.
- Ilieva Emilia and WaveneyOlembo(Ed).When the Sun Goes Down and Other storiesfrom Africa and Beyond.
‘Africans have to grapple with many challenges in the post-apartheid period. Using...(Solved)
Ilieva Emilia and WaveneyOlembo(Ed).When the Sun Goes Down and Other storiesfrom Africa and Beyond.
‘Africans have to grapple with many challenges in the post-apartheid period. Using Rayda Jacob’s story, The Guilt, illustrate the truth of this statement.
Date posted: February 22, 2018.
- The Whale Rider – WitiIhimaera
“Determination is key to success” Using illustrations from WitiIhimaera’s novel The Whale Rider, write an essay showing how Nani Flowers...(Solved)
The Whale Rider – WitiIhimaera
“Determination is key to success” Using illustrations from WitiIhimaera’s novel The Whale Rider, write an essay showing how Nani Flowers contributes to Kahu’s success.
Date posted: February 22, 2018.
- When people try to practice their rights under an intolerable government, they land in trouble. With reference to characters in the Betrayal in the City...(Solved)
When people try to practice their rights under an intolerable government, they land in trouble. With reference to characters in the Betrayal in the City by Francis Imbuga, illustrate the statement.
Date posted: February 22, 2018.
- Emilia Ilieva and Waveney Olembo, When the Sun Goes Down and Other Stories from Africa and Beyond
“Parenthood comes with responsibility and preparedness.” Using illustrations from...(Solved)
Emilia Ilieva and Waveney Olembo, When the Sun Goes Down and Other Stories from Africa and Beyond
“Parenthood comes with responsibility and preparedness.” Using illustrations from Tillie Olsen’s story, ‘I Stand Here Ironing’, discuss the plight of children born to parents lacking in these qualities?
Date posted: February 22, 2018.
- Read the article below and answer the questions that follow.
The Guilty of Giving
You've seen that heap of rags
That pollutes the air-conditioned
City Centre
That louse that creeps...(Solved)
Read the article below and answer the questions that follow.
The Guilty of Giving
You've seen that heap of rags
That pollutes the air-conditioned
City Centre
That louse that creeps about
In the clean core of sophistication;
Youve seen him waylay his betters
And make them start
Especially when they have no change
You recall the day you came upon him
And were startled by his silent presence
Intruding into you preoccupation:
You hurled a coin
Which missed the mark
And rolled into the gutter
Where he groped for it
With a chilling grotesque gratitude
That followed you down the street
You dived into the nearest shop
To escape the stare
Of the scandalized crowd
That found you guilty
Of recalling attention
To the impenetrable patience
They had learnt not to see.
Laban Erapu
(a) Who is the Persona in this poem
(b) Paraphrase the subject matter of this poem
(c) Explain the title of the poem by discussing three different ' guilts'
(d) Identify three poetic devices used by the poet.
(e) What is the tone of this poem?
(f) Explain the meaning of the following lines:
And make them start
Which missed the mark
To escape the stare
Date posted: February 16, 2018.
- Read the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow.
The boy's name was Waiyaki, the only son of Chege. He was quite young; not...(Solved)
Read the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow.
The boy's name was Waiyaki, the only son of Chege. He was quite young; not of Kamau or Kinuthia's age. He had not even gone through his second birth, Waiyaki was however, already tall for his age. He had a well-built athletic body. His hair was tough and dry with kinks that finished in a clear outline on the forehead. Just above the left eye was a slightly curved scar. He had got it from
a wild goat. The goat had run after one of the herds boys. Seeing this, Waiyaki had taken a stick and run after the goat shouting. The goat had turned on him and jabbed him with its horns, tearing the flesh to the bone. His father arrived in time to save him. That was along while ago. The wound had healed leaving him a hero among the boys although he had run after the goat for sheer fun and enjoyment of the scene. That, however, was not the sole reason why the other boys, young and old promptly followed him.
Chege, his father, was a well known elder in Kameno. He had now only one wife, who had borne him many daughters but only one son. The other two wives had died during the great famine, without any children. The famine had been preceded by a very rich harvest. Then locusts and worms and a blond drought came to bring death to many. Chege had barely survived. His daughters were now well married, apart from one, who had died early. The other elders feared and respected him. For he knew more than any other person, the ways of the land and the hidden things of the tribe. He knew the meaning of every ritual and every signs. So, he was at the head of every important ceremony.
Many stories ran around him. Some people said that he had the gift of magic. Others said that he was a seer and Murungu often spoke to him. And so they said that he could see visions of the future like Mugo wa Kibiro, who along time back prophesied the invasion of the Gikuyu country by the white man. Some even said that Chege was actually related to Mugo. Nobody knew this for sure Chege himself claimed nothing. Ever since he had warned people against Siriana Missionary Centre and they had refused to hear his voice, he had talked little, keeping all thought to himself. Chege had told the people of the ridges what had happened to the people of Murang'a, Nyeri, and Kiambu. He told them of Tumutumu, Gikuyu, Limuru and Kijabe. They doubted his voice saying:
How do you know?
“See them the butterflies.
“Butterflies? You have never left the ridges!
They are there, beyond the ridges, putting up many houses and some taking the land.
How could you have seen the light beyond?
Fools, fools, he muttered to himself in despair.
Nairobi was already flourishing and the railway was moving across the country in the land beyond where not many from the ridges had been. And they lowered their voices and whispered together:
“The white man cannot speak the language of the hills.And knows not the ways of the land.
But the white man had come to Siriana and Joshua and Kabonyi had been converted. They had abandoned the ways of the ridges and followed the new faith. Still, people shrugged their shoulders and went on with their work, whispering:
Who from the outside can make his way into hills?
However, he remembered something in his old age, a light shone in his eyes, a flicker of hope. He would guard it and divulge the knowledge to none but the right one.
(a) What happens just before this excerpt?
(b) What circumstances cause the ordeal above?
(c)Who are butterflies? Illustrate.
(d)Describe the peoples attitude towards Chege
(e)What is the irony in Chege's warning about Siriana Missionary Centre.
(f) How could you have seen the light beyond?(Rewrite in reported speech)
(g)Discuss the role of Waiyaki as evident in this excerpt.
h) Discuss one major theme in this extract.
(i) Who is right one' and what knowledge will Chege divulge to him?
Date posted: February 16, 2018.