The Ultimate Safari - Test Questions & Answer 1

Question 1

Question:    What were the things they could not do in Kruger Park and why?

Answer:    They could not light a fire because it would show the police their presence. They could not rest for too long for fear of being caught. They had to sleep huddled together so that wild animals couldn't grab them.

Question 2

Question:    Why do you think the grandmother does not want to return home to Mozambique?

Answer:    The grandmother has lost her home and her loved ones - her daughter, son-in-law and husband in Mozambique. She has no hope left in her heart and does not want to return home to Mozambique.

Question 3

Question:    Who were the 'bandits'? Give an account of the narrator's life before their arrival.

Answer:   

1. There was civil war in Mozambique. The bandits were the revolutionaries or the outlaws.
2. 
   
   
3. The narrator led a normal, happy life before the arrival of the bandits.

There were loving parents, a school, the church and two brothers to care about.

Question 4

Question:    How did the grandmother find Kruger Park?

Answer:    The grandmother had failed to bring water. This was a blessing in disguise. When they went to a nearby village in search of water, they met the group that was going to the Kruger Park.

Question 5

Question:    How was their treatment of elephants different from that of lions?

Answer:    With the elephants, they were silent and with the lions, they made loud noises to frighten them away.

Question 6

Question:    Give the characteristic features of the narrator.

Answer:    She is young, strong (carries the brother) and optimistic (wants to go back). Note: While answering justify each feature with examples.

Question 7

Question:    The grandmother was a strong decision maker. Do you agree?

Answer:    Yes. The grandmother was a strong decision maker. She decided to take the family away to South Africa.

She decided, very sadly, to leave the grandfather in the Kruger Park for the sake of the future of the children. She took up a job and sent the children to school.

Question 8

Question:    Give a character sketch of the grandmother.

Answer:    The grandmother is a lady of great strength - both physical and mental. A decisive person, she leaves Mozambique with her husband and two children and undertakes the arduous journey through Kruger Park to a haven of peace. An epitome of sacrifice, she exchanges her clothes and her only pair of shoes to get some dried meals and a can of water. During the journey, she takes the toughest decision of giving up the search for her husband and carries on with the rest of the group, thinking only of her grandchildren's safety. Her physical strength is revealed in being able to withstand the journey through Kruger Park barefoot, carrying heavy load and staying without much food and drink. Even after reaching South Africa, she thinks only of her grandchildren. Working at a construction site, she sends them to a school and dreams of their future. A woman of great character, she displays rare courage and determination

Question 9

Question:    Imagine you are the narrator now aged fifteen. Write a letter to your friend recounting your experiences through the Kruger Park.

Answer:   
Nene
S. Africa
6.7. 2000

Dear Sheela,

You know, I want to tell you something very exciting. I have got my Board results. I have topped the school!

Do you know whom I am most grateful to? Yes, my grandmother. Do you know how much she has struggled to educate us? Always encouraging us even while disciplining us.

Even today, I vividly remember our journey through the Kruger Park. Days of walking through the tall grass, evading the wild animals and the white people. We have experienced a dull ache, which never seems to vanish. We used to sleep huddled together with fear in our hearts that we might fall prey to wild animals! I still remember my arms hurting while carrying my second brother. When I looked at my grandmother, I drew strength from her. Her fierce look of determination, her uncomplaining nature and her sacrifice both frightened and filled me with courage. A truly great lady!
I am eternally grateful to her for all my success. I don't know how I can ever repay her.

With love
Nene

Question 10

Question:    Imagine you are grandmother and make a diary entry the day the journalist comes to interview you.

Answer:    6.7.2000

Today the journalist's question triggered off some emotions, which were lying dormant in me. I have long suppressed my emotions. I don't feel sad or happy. I have seen great tragedy and devastation. I have lost my children to the war. Mozambique holds nothing for me. It was most painful giving up the search for my husband and coming here. Yet, I thought only of my grandchildren. Even now, I think only of them. They should be educated and achieve all their goals. I have no dreams, no hopes. I certainly will never go back to Mozambique. It was once my home, but now it is only a graveyard for my loved ones. I am okay and shall continue to breathe until the children are capable of being independent. Once I feel they can look after themselves, I shall breathe my last.