[I am an African child – Eku McGred
Extract-Based Questions and Answers
Class XI English Literature | Unit 2 – Voices of Liberation
Questions 1–8. Read the following extracts from the poem I am an African child and answer the questions given below. Each question carries 4 scores. (8 × 4 = 32)
Extract 1 – African Identity
“I am an African child Born with a skin the colour of chocolate Bright, brilliant and articulate Strong and bold; I’m gifted”
(a) Identify the poem and the poet. (2)
(b) Mention any two qualities of the African child. (2)
Answers:
(a) The poem is I am an African child, written by Eku McGred.
(b) The African child is intelligent, articulate, strong and courageous. (Any two)
Extract 2 – Self-Confidence
“Strong and bold; I’m gifted Talented enough to be the best I am an African child.”
(a) How does the child describe himself? (1)
(b) What does the child believe he can become? (1)
(c) What does the repetition of “I am an African child” suggest? (2)
Answers:
(a) The child describes himself as strong, courageous and gifted.
(b) He believes that he can become the best.
(c) The repetition expresses the child's pride in his African identity and confidence in his abilities.
Extract 3 – Opportunities Rather Than Charity
“Often the target of pity My future is not confined to charity Give me the gift of a lifetime; Give me a dream, a door of opportunity; I will thrive”
(a) What does the child want instead of charity? (1)
(b) Identify the figure of speech in “a door of opportunity”. (1)
(c) Why does the child say, “I will thrive”? (2)
Answers:
(a) The child wants opportunities to develop his talents and achieve his dreams.
(b) Metaphor.
(c) The child believes that proper opportunities and encouragement will help him develop his abilities and become successful.
Extract 4 – Guidance and Equality
“Do not hide my fault show me my wrong I am like any other; Teach me to dream And I will become”
(a) What does the child want others to do when he makes mistakes? (1)
(b) What does “I am like any other” suggest? (1)
(c) Why does the child ask others to teach him to dream? (2)
Answers:
(a) He wants others to point out his mistakes and correct him.
(b) It suggests that he is equal to all other children.
(c) The child wants encouragement to develop ambitions and confidence. He believes that guidance will help him achieve success.
Extract 5 – Education and Discipline
“I am the son, daughter of the soil Rich in texture and content Full of potential for a better tomorrow Teach me discipline, teach me character, teach me hard work”
(a) What does the expression “son, daughter of the soil” mean? (2)
(b) Mention any two qualities the child wants to learn. (2)
Answers:
(a) The expression means that the child belongs to Africa. It shows the child's deep connection with the homeland.
(b) The child wants to learn discipline, good character and hard work. (Any two)
Extract 6 – Creativity and Innovation
“I can be extra-ordinary call me William Kamkwamba the Inventor; Give me a library with books Give me a scrapyard and discarded electronics”
(a) Who is William Kamkwamba? (1)
(b) What does the child ask for to gain knowledge? (1)
(c) Why does the poet refer to William Kamkwamba? (2)
Answers:
(a) William Kamkwamba is an inventor from Malawi who built a windmill using discarded materials.
(b) The child asks for a library with books.
(c) William Kamkwamba is an example of creativity and determination. His achievement shows that African children can make useful inventions even with limited resources.
Extract 7 – Freedom to Create
“Give me a broken bicycle; Plus the freedom to be me And I will build you a windmill I am an African child.”
(a) What does the child promise to build? (1)
(b) What does the child mean by “the freedom to be me”? (1)
(c) What message does the poet convey through these lines? (2)
Answers:
(a) The child promises to build a windmill.
(b) It means the freedom to think independently, express ideas and develop natural talents.
(c) The poet suggests that children can achieve extraordinary things when they are given freedom, encouragement and opportunities.
Extract 8 – The New Generation
“We are the new generation Not afraid to be us Uniquely gifted, black and talented Shining like the stars we are We are the children of Africa”
(a) Who are referred to as the “new generation”? (1)
(b) Identify the figure of speech in “Shining like the stars”. (1)
(c) How do these lines express pride in African identity? (2)
Answers:
(a) The new generation refers to the young children of Africa.
(b) Simile.
(c) The children proudly celebrate their African identity, dark skin and talents. They are confident about their abilities and are not ashamed of who they are.]
[Resources I am an African child Notes Essays Paragraph Questions Storyboard Line by line Analysis Extract Questions Malayalam Summary]
[Prepared By Sindhu P,HSST English ,GGHSS Kallai]