Questions and Answers

The Girl Who Can - ICSE Class 10

In ‘The Girl Who Can’ a young girl named Adjoa in a Ghanaian village defies traditional expectations and societal norms by aspiring to pursue higher education. Revise the chapter with the given MCQs and reference to context questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the primary theme explored in 'The Girl Who Can'?

2. What is Nana's initial reaction to Adjoa's desire to continue her education?

3. How does Adjoa's mother feel about her daughter's ambition?

4. What is the significance of the setting of the story, a small village in Ghana?

5. What does Adjoa's dream of becoming a doctor symbolize?

6. What role does education play in the story?

7. What is the significance of the title 'The Girl Who Can'?

8. What is the main conflict in the story?

Reference to Context Questions

Legs that have meat on them with good calves to support solid hips... to be able to have children.

Question: How does this quote reflect the cultural values and priorities of the society depicted in the story?

Answer: This quote reflects a society where a woman's worth is primarily tied to her ability to bear children. It emphasizes physical attributes associated with fertility, highlighting the cultural emphasis on motherhood and perpetuating the lineage as a central role for women.

Question: How does this quote connect to the broader themes of the story, such as gender roles, tradition versus progress, and individual aspirations versus societal expectations?

Answer: This quote encapsulates the tension between traditional gender roles and the desire for progress. It showcases the societal expectation that women should prioritize childbearing over personal ambitions. This directly conflicts with Adjoa's aspiration for higher education, highlighting the struggle between individual dreams and deeply ingrained societal norms.

School is another thing Nana and my mother discussed often and appeared to have different ideas about.

Question: How does this quote foreshadow the conflict between Nana's and Adjoa's mother, given the context of their society?

Answer: In a society where traditional roles for women are deeply ingrained, this quote hints at a clash between Nana's progressive views on education and Adjoa's mother's likely adherence to societal norms. It foreshadows the internal family conflict Adjoa will face as she pursues her unconventional dreams.

Question: How does she demonstrate resilience and determination in pursuing her dreams?

Answer: Adjoa displays resilience by persisting in her desire for education despite discouragement. She actively seeks opportunities to learn, demonstrates her capabilities, and ultimately gains the crucial support of her grandmother, showcasing her unwavering determination to defy expectations and achieve her goals.