EXCERPT 15: Fathers of Nations Excerpt Questions
Read the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow. (25 marks)
"Mathematics at a summit!" complained the other heads of
state. "What next?"
The old rogue knew they were having trouble understanding his
equations. Yet did he offer them any help? No. He wanted to enjoy the moment.
When he had enjoyed it for long enough, he offered the help he had
withheld.
"Here is what those equations tell to you, Excellencies. They
say you I will toss this coin twice.
"He held high the coin that he was talking about. "If coin
land..."He broke off again. "How you say 'pile ou face' in English?
"Heads or tails," obliged President Gamlozi.
"Senks,"acknowledged the old man. "So, if coin land
heads for first toss, then first equation - in first row, first column, of The
Choice Matrix-is telling to you: Choose Way Omega for another toss and forget
all about Path Alpha. But if coin land tails, then second equation- in first
row, second column-is saying you: Choose Path Alpha and forget Way Omega
instead." The old man looked at his audience. "Questions?" he
asked.
"YES!" shouted Minister Zinto, already up on his feet.
"With all due respect, President Bangoura, I think what you are suggesting
now is total nonsense."
"QUOI? WHAT?
"Mr President, real summits don't decide by flipping
coins."
"l see. And I suppose, Cher le Ministre, Dear
Minister, you going make same protestation, with as much vigour, when your Way
Omega get win."
The summit hall rocked with laughter.
"Order!" demanded the Chair. "Order, Excellencies,
order! We will have order. As for you, Minister Zinto, you will speak only when
I say so. Do you understand-yes? Then sit down!"
The minister sat down.
Dr Afolabi rose. “Mr Chairman, I think the minister has a
point," he said. "My advice here would be.
The old man cut him off. "Your advice here would be what?
That we utilise your method of “this
on one hand and that on other hand'? Ha! We would still be here next year,
admiring our hands if we were to do so.
“Again the summit hall rocked with
laughter”
"Order, please! Excellencies, order!" the Chair reminded everyone. "As for you, Dr Afolabi, if I find I need your
Fathers of Nations Excerpt 15 Questions
a)
What
happened immediately before this excerpt? (3 marks)
b)
What
do we learn about African Heads of state in this excerpt? (4 marks)
c)
Identify
and illustrate three features of style employed in this excerpt. (6 marks)
d)
What
does the chair mean when he asks Abiola if he wanted them to utilize his method
hand
e)
What
happens immediately after this excerpt? (3 marks)
f)
Give the meaning of each of following words as
used in this excerpt. (5 marks)
(i) Flipping
(ii) Rogue
(iii) Protestation
(iv) Utilize
(v) obliged
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