Questions on other side of truth
The Other Side of Truth by Beverley Naidoo
Student pack
(Page references are to the Puffin edition)
Chapter 1 – ‘Survivors’
1. Which words in the italicised passage at the beginning of the novel convey a sense of violence?
2. Who witnessed the murder?
3. How is Sade’s father affected by it?
4. What is Sade’s response?
5. What is the name of the local language?
6. Why do you think the gunmen called at Sade’s house that morning?
7. Summarise Uncle Tunde’s argument.
8. What was the subject and nature of Sade’s father’s recent article?
9. Find out all you can about Ken Saro-Wiwa.
Chapter 2 – ‘Say Nothing!’
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
What has happened to Papa’s passport?
How does Sade feel at the beginning of the chapter?
What is the plan suggested by Uncle Tunde?
What does Sade miss about her mother?
What do you think the future holds for Sade, Femi and Papa?
Papa is a journalist; write about recent events from his point of view for publication in a European newspaper. You could include at least two interviews with family members or perhaps his work colleagues. In your article you should try to explain why the events occurred.
Chapter 3 – ‘A Small Bag and a Rucksack Each’
1. Describe Sade’s desk.
2. If you had to leave your home suddenly, what three articles would you take and why? 3. What are Sade’s instructions?
4. How does Sade feel as she leaves her home?
5. Create a ‘Character Map’ for Sade. You could write about the sort of family life and childhood she has had so far. What matters to her? How does she know that she is loved and valued? Leave plenty of space so that you can return to your map and add to it later on.
Chapter 4 – ‘So, You Two Will Be My Children’
1. What happens at roadblocks?
2. What sort of journalist do you think Sade’s father is?
3. How does the writer use the local traditions and culture to enliven her writing?
Try to give specific examples.
4. How do you think Femi feels about leaving Nigeria?
Student pack
(Page references are to the Puffin edition)
Chapter 1 – ‘Survivors’
1. Which words in the italicised passage at the beginning of the novel convey a sense of violence?
2. Who witnessed the murder?
3. How is Sade’s father affected by it?
4. What is Sade’s response?
5. What is the name of the local language?
6. Why do you think the gunmen called at Sade’s house that morning?
7. Summarise Uncle Tunde’s argument.
8. What was the subject and nature of Sade’s father’s recent article?
9. Find out all you can about Ken Saro-Wiwa.
Chapter 2 – ‘Say Nothing!’
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
What has happened to Papa’s passport?
How does Sade feel at the beginning of the chapter?
What is the plan suggested by Uncle Tunde?
What does Sade miss about her mother?
What do you think the future holds for Sade, Femi and Papa?
Papa is a journalist; write about recent events from his point of view for publication in a European newspaper. You could include at least two interviews with family members or perhaps his work colleagues. In your article you should try to explain why the events occurred.
Chapter 3 – ‘A Small Bag and a Rucksack Each’
1. Describe Sade’s desk.
2. If you had to leave your home suddenly, what three articles would you take and why? 3. What are Sade’s instructions?
4. How does Sade feel as she leaves her home?
5. Create a ‘Character Map’ for Sade. You could write about the sort of family life and childhood she has had so far. What matters to her? How does she know that she is loved and valued? Leave plenty of space so that you can return to your map and add to it later on.
Chapter 4 – ‘So, You Two Will Be My Children’
1. What happens at roadblocks?
2. What sort of journalist do you think Sade’s father is?
3. How does the writer use the local traditions and culture to enliven her writing?
Try to give specific examples.
4. How do you think Femi feels about leaving Nigeria?