Synopsis: In this thought-provoking passage, the author explores the concept of "the danger of the single story" through personal anecdotes and reflections on cultural perceptions. Through engaging storytelling, the author shares experiences that highlight the impact of stereotypes and limited narratives on individuals and communities. Delving into themes of identity, diversity, and the power of storytelling, the passage offers a compelling perspective on the importance of embracing multiple narratives.
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1) B. The impact of stereotypes and single narratives on individuals
Explanation: The central idea of the passage is the negative consequences of stereotypes and single stories. The author explores how these limited narratives can dehumanize individuals and rob them of dignity, as seen in the passage where the author discusses the danger of a single story and its effects on people's humanity.
2) C. They illustrate the consequences of single stories
Explanation: The author's personal anecdotes in the passage serve to illustrate the harmful effects of single stories and stereotypes. For example, the author shares experiences with their American roommate and Nigerian publisher to demonstrate how limited narratives can lead to misunderstandings and false perceptions.
3) B. The negative impact of stereotypes and limited perspectives
Explanation: The phrase "the danger of the single story" refers to the harm caused by stereotypes and limited perspectives. The author uses this concept to highlight the importance of diverse storytelling and the risks associated with reducing individuals or cultures to a single narrative.
4) C. It emphasizes the influence of early reading experiences
Explanation: The revelation about the author's childhood writing habits emphasizes how early reading experiences shaped their perception of literature. By sharing this anecdote, the author underscores the impact of exposure to diverse stories on one's creative expression.
5) C. Impressionable
Explanation: The author's early writing, mirroring the British books they read, reflects their impressionable nature as a child. The passage suggests that the author's limited exposure to diverse literature led to a narrow understanding of storytelling and characters.
6) A. It showcases cultural misunderstandings
Explanation: The author's experience with their American roommate contributes to the passage by showcasing cultural misunderstandings and the implications of single stories. The roommate's preconceived notions about Africa and Africans reflect the dangers of viewing others through a narrow lens.
7) B. To emphasize the impact of storytelling
Explanation: The author shares the story of their Nigerian publisher and the woman at the TV station to underscore the transformative power of storytelling. These anecdotes demonstrate how storytelling can challenge stereotypes, empower individuals, and create meaningful connections, aligning with the passage's central theme.
8) C. Introducing contrasting viewpoints
Explanation: The author uses contrasting viewpoints, such as the experiences with the American roommate and Nigerian publisher, to emphasize the concept of "nkali" in storytelling. By presenting different perspectives and challenging stereotypes, the author highlights the importance of diverse narratives.
9) A. It challenges readers to reconsider their biases
Explanation: The author's discussion of stereotypes aligns with the passage's message about storytelling by challenging readers to reconsider their biases. Through personal anecdotes and reflections on single narratives, the author prompts readers to reflect on the limitations of stereotypes and the need for diverse storytelling.
10) B. Optimistic
Explanation: The author's attitude towards the power of stories is optimistic, as conveyed throughout the passage. The author believes in the transformative potential of storytelling to empower individuals, challenge stereotypes, and promote understanding, as seen in the examples of diverse narratives shared in the passage.