Alone in the Country & This is War - Alem's Story
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Questions and Answers

Why did the police initially break down the door of the family's house?

  • They suspected the family of harboring criminals.
  • They were enforcing an order to deport Eritreans. (correct)
  • They were searching for stolen goods.
  • They were responding to a neighbor's complaint.

What was the father's response when asked who he would fight for?

  • He would fight for peace. (correct)
  • He would fight for his family.
  • He would fight for Ethiopia.
  • He would fight for Eritrea.

What did the man in the street call the father when he tried to speak to him?

  • A foreigner.
  • A refugee.
  • A coward.
  • A traitor. (correct)

Why did the family ultimately leave their home in Ethiopia?

<p>The police forced them to leave to go to Eritrea. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does Alem find the food strange?

<p>It is very dry. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Pamela mean by 'meat-and-two-veg territory'?

<p>A place where most people eat a meal of meat with two vegetables. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main issue the family faced after moving to Eritrea?

<p>They faced discrimination and hostility due to their Ethiopian heritage. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the women suggest to the mother after some time in Eritrea?

<p>She should leave her husband and marry an Eritrean man. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Pamela, how does London compare to the area they are in?

<p>London is very different to their area. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the father say on the narrator's birthday?

<p>The narrator should have a holiday. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Alem's impression of London?

<p>He was overwhelmed by the number of cars, people and buildings. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did the children in school start picking on the narrator in Eritrea?

<p>He was from Ethiopia. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Refugee Council's role in Alem's situation?

<p>They are there to support and protect Alem. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'Home Office' being referred to?

<p>A government department responsible for handling asylum applications. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the first thing Mariam and Pamela wanted to do for Alem?

<p>Make him comfortable and ask his story by inquiring about his past. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mariam ask Alem If he is comfortable speaking English?

<p>so that Alem can choose which language he prefers for the conversation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What sound did Alem wake up to the next morning?

<p>People moving in the hallway (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What assumption did Alem make about his father's absence?

<p>His father had gone to arrange breakfast (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Alem watch on television that surprised him?

<p>News about a stolen baby and a beaten homeless man (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the reaction of the newsreader at the end of the news program?

<p>To share a lighter story about the Queen's visit (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Mr Hardwick want to discuss with Alem?

<p>His father's early departure (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Alem feel when Mr Hardwick entered his room?

<p>Curious and nervous (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Queen's visit according to Alem's thoughts?

<p>It highlighted social inequalities (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Alem do while waiting for his father to return?

<p>He watched TV (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where did Alem prefer to eat his breakfast?

<p>In his room (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Alem observe while sitting by the window during breakfast?

<p>The birds at a bird table (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of monument does Alem encounter in the town?

<p>A war memorial (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Alem feel about the concept of glory in war after seeing the monument?

<p>He believes nobody is glorious in war (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What activity does Alem engage in to learn about British culture?

<p>Watching television (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What thoughts trouble Alem while he is alone?

<p>Whether he is a burden to his family (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Alem suspect about his current living situation?

<p>It is a part of an initiation test (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How far does Alem walk to reach Windsor the next morning?

<p>Two miles (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Alem doing in his hotel room before the knock on the door?

<p>Watching television (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which language did Mariam use to greet Alem?

<p>Oromo (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Alem's initial reaction to the women's attention?

<p>He felt uncomfortable (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What organization did Mariam and Pamela represent?

<p>The Refugee Council (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Alem feel when Mariam spoke to him?

<p>Relieved (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Mr. Hardwick's role in the situation?

<p>Alem's supporter (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Alem wonder about Mariam?

<p>If she was good or bad (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What physical feature of Pamela surprised Alem?

<p>Her silver stud in her chin (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Alem's relationship with the two countries mentioned in his father's letter?

<p>He is equally connected to both countries. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Alem's father suggest he do while staying in England?

<p>Learn more English. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Mr Hardwick unsure about in his conversation with Alem?

<p>What to do about his accommodation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Alem's father prioritize in his letter regarding Alem's safety?

<p>Protecting Alem from further attacks. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What emotional state does Alem display after reading his father's letter?

<p>Silence and contemplation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr Hardwick suggest they do first to help Alem?

<p>Get him some breakfast. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason Alem's parents think he should stay in England?

<p>He can escape the ongoing conflict. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concern does Mr Hardwick express about Alem's situation?

<p>He is unsure about the length of Alem's stay. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Puzzled

The feeling of uncertainty, confusion, or bewilderment.

Leaving unexpectedly

To leave a place unexpectedly, often without giving notice or explanation.

Awkward Position

An uncomfortable or embarrassing situation.

Sudden Change

An event or situation that causes a sudden change in plans or expectations.

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Disappearing

The act of disappearing or leaving without a trace.

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Nervous

A state of being worried, anxious, or uneasy.

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Leaving without notice

The act of leaving a place without informing people.

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Solemnly

A quiet and understated appearance or behavior.

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Why should Alem stay in England?

Alem's father suggests that he stay in England for his safety because of the war and persecution happening in his home country.

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What does Alem's father emphasize in his letter?

Alem's father emphasizes the importance of peace over war and loving one's neighbors to foster a peaceful environment.

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What does Alem's father say about his own situation?

Alem's father acknowledges that he and his wife are trying to make peace but may be forced to join Alem if the situation worsens.

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Why is Mr. Hardwick unsure about Alem's stay?

Mr. Hardwick, the manager of the hotel, is unsure how to handle the situation because Alem's stay is prolonged due to the circumstances in his home country.

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What does Mr. Hardwick tell Alem about his stay?

Mr. Hardwick emphasizes that Alem cannot stay indefinitely and inquires if he has any family or friends in England.

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What is Alem's father's main concern for Alem?

Alem's father expresses concern for his son's safety and believes that England offers better protection from the conflict.

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What is Alem's parents' involvement in?

Alem's parents are involved in an organization that aims to bring peace to their troubled region.

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What advice does Alem's father give him?

Alem's father emphasizes the importance of learning the English language as he adjusts to life in a new country.

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Alem's isolation

Alem experiences a sense of isolation and loneliness in a foreign country, questioning his parents' motives and feeling disconnected from his surroundings.

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Alem's self-questioning

Alem's journey to England sparked internal struggles about his identity and purpose, questioning the reasons behind his parents' decision.

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Alem's perspective on war

Alem's perception of war is shaped by his observation of a monument commemorating the Great War, challenging the romanticized notion of glory.

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Alem's search for connection

Alem's attempt to peek into other rooms in the hotel reflects his yearning for connection and a hidden desire to reconnect with his father.

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Alem's contrasting experiences

Alem's exploration of Datchet, a picturesque town, contrasts with his internal turmoil, highlighting the stark reality of his emotional journey.

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Alem's identity crisis

Alem's internal conflicts stem from his forced relocation, leading to questions about his identity and sense of belonging in a new environment.

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Alem's cultural immersion

Alem's attempts to learn about British culture through television indicates his efforts to adapt and find a place within a new society.

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Impact of Relocation

Alem's experience highlights how forced relocation can lead to a sense of displacement and profound psychological impacts.

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Political Asylum

A process where a person seeks official protection from a country to avoid persecution in their home country.

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Refugee Council

An organization that provides support and guidance to refugees and asylum seekers.

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Home Office

The UK government department responsible for immigration and nationality matters.

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Political Asylum Status

A legal status granted by a country to allow a person to stay permanently.

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Meat and Two Veg

A traditional British meal consisting of meat, two vegetables, and gravy.

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Refugee

A person who has been forced to leave their home country due to persecution or danger.

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Asylum Seeker

A person who is seeking political asylum.

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Interviewing

The process of asking questions to gather information about a person's situation.

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Difficult choice

A situation where a person is forced to choose between two options, neither of which is ideal.

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Forced relocation

The act of being forcibly removed from a place, often by authorities.

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Ethnic discrimination

Hostility or prejudice directed towards someone because of their ethnicity or origin.

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Social isolation

The feeling of being unwelcome or ostracized within a community.

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War between nations

A formal dispute or conflict between nations.

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What is the Refugee Council?

The Refugee Council is an organization that provides support and assistance to refugees and asylum seekers.

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Who are Mariam and Pamela?

Mariam and Pamela are representatives from the Refugee Council, showing their dedication to assisting Alem.

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Physical assault

The act of using physical force to harm someone.

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Holiday

A temporary period of rest or relaxation.

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Why does Alem feel relief when he learns Mariam speaks English?

Alem feels a sense of relief when he realizes Mariam speaks English, indicating a potential connection and understanding.

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Resilience

The ability to experience happiness and joy despite difficult circumstances.

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Why is Alem curious about Pamela's appearance?

Alem's curiosity about Pamela's appearance reflects his unfamiliarity with English customs and cultural differences.

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What does Mariam's action of looking around the room signify?

Mariam's actions of looking around Alem's room and noticing his family photo suggest a genuine interest in his life and background.

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How does the atmosphere change when Mr. Hardwick leaves the room?

The atmosphere changes when Mr. Hardwick leaves the room, implying a shift in focus to a more personal and private interaction between Alem and the Refugee Council representatives.

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What does Alem's action of turning off the television symbolize?

Alem turning off the television signifies his readiness to engage with the Refugee Council, suggesting a willingness to seek their assistance.

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What does Mariam's gaze towards the family photo suggest?

Mariam's gaze towards Alem's family photo indicates a desire to understand Alem's personal history and familial connections, suggesting a compassionate and empathetic approach.

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Study Notes

Chapter 2: Alone in the Country

  • Alem wakes up late to the sound of people moving in the hallway.
  • He momentarily forgets his location, realizing he's in Africa.
  • The smell of English breakfasts is present, unlike his usual experience.
  • Alem's father is missing.
  • Alem assumes his father is preparing breakfast.
  • He quickly showers and dresses.
  • Alem watches the news; a baby is stolen from a shop, and a homeless man is beaten.
  • The newsreader ends on a lighter note, referencing the people of Tower Hamlet.

Chapter 3: This is War

  • Alem's full name is Alem Kelo, and he is fourteen years old.
  • He was born in the Badme area, a location contested between Eritrea and Ethiopia.
  • His father explained that his area was part of Africa.
  • In 1991, a large war occurred.
  • Alem and his family relocated to Asmara, Eritrea.
  • Alem's mother worked as a clerk in a court.
  • Alem's father worked at a post office.
  • Alem's father could speak six different languages.

Subsequent Chapters (from the provided text)

  • Alem experiences initial confusion and discomfort within a new setting.
  • He is puzzled by the customs and social behaviour of his new environment.
  • Mariam and Pamela from the Refugee Council interview Alem.
  • They are concerned about his situation and well being, and will get the process to apply for political asylum.
  • The Council asks Alem a series of questions about his background.
  • Alem learns of difficulties his family faced from the war.
  • Alem's family's safety was threatened.

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REFUGEE BOY Chapters 2 & 3 PDF

Description

This quiz covers Chapters 2 and 3 of Alem Kelo's journey as he navigates life in Africa. From waking up to the unusual smells of English breakfasts to reflecting on the war in Eritrea, these chapters delve into Alem's relationships and the socio-political context of his life. Test your understanding of Alem's experiences and the challenges he faces as a young teenager.

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