Podcast
Questions and Answers
Why did the police initially break down the door of the family's house?
Why did the police initially break down the door of the family's house?
What was the father's response when asked who he would fight for?
What was the father's response when asked who he would fight for?
What did the man in the street call the father when he tried to speak to him?
What did the man in the street call the father when he tried to speak to him?
Why did the family ultimately leave their home in Ethiopia?
Why did the family ultimately leave their home in Ethiopia?
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Why does Alem find the food strange?
Why does Alem find the food strange?
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What does Pamela mean by 'meat-and-two-veg territory'?
What does Pamela mean by 'meat-and-two-veg territory'?
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What was the main issue the family faced after moving to Eritrea?
What was the main issue the family faced after moving to Eritrea?
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What did the women suggest to the mother after some time in Eritrea?
What did the women suggest to the mother after some time in Eritrea?
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According to Pamela, how does London compare to the area they are in?
According to Pamela, how does London compare to the area they are in?
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What did the father say on the narrator's birthday?
What did the father say on the narrator's birthday?
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What was Alem's impression of London?
What was Alem's impression of London?
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Why did the children in school start picking on the narrator in Eritrea?
Why did the children in school start picking on the narrator in Eritrea?
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What is the Refugee Council's role in Alem's situation?
What is the Refugee Council's role in Alem's situation?
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What is the 'Home Office' being referred to?
What is the 'Home Office' being referred to?
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What was the first thing Mariam and Pamela wanted to do for Alem?
What was the first thing Mariam and Pamela wanted to do for Alem?
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Why does Mariam ask Alem If he is comfortable speaking English?
Why does Mariam ask Alem If he is comfortable speaking English?
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What sound did Alem wake up to the next morning?
What sound did Alem wake up to the next morning?
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What assumption did Alem make about his father's absence?
What assumption did Alem make about his father's absence?
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What did Alem watch on television that surprised him?
What did Alem watch on television that surprised him?
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What was the reaction of the newsreader at the end of the news program?
What was the reaction of the newsreader at the end of the news program?
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What did Mr Hardwick want to discuss with Alem?
What did Mr Hardwick want to discuss with Alem?
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How did Alem feel when Mr Hardwick entered his room?
How did Alem feel when Mr Hardwick entered his room?
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What was the significance of the Queen's visit according to Alem's thoughts?
What was the significance of the Queen's visit according to Alem's thoughts?
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What did Alem do while waiting for his father to return?
What did Alem do while waiting for his father to return?
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Where did Alem prefer to eat his breakfast?
Where did Alem prefer to eat his breakfast?
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What does Alem observe while sitting by the window during breakfast?
What does Alem observe while sitting by the window during breakfast?
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What type of monument does Alem encounter in the town?
What type of monument does Alem encounter in the town?
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How does Alem feel about the concept of glory in war after seeing the monument?
How does Alem feel about the concept of glory in war after seeing the monument?
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What activity does Alem engage in to learn about British culture?
What activity does Alem engage in to learn about British culture?
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What thoughts trouble Alem while he is alone?
What thoughts trouble Alem while he is alone?
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What does Alem suspect about his current living situation?
What does Alem suspect about his current living situation?
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How far does Alem walk to reach Windsor the next morning?
How far does Alem walk to reach Windsor the next morning?
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What was Alem doing in his hotel room before the knock on the door?
What was Alem doing in his hotel room before the knock on the door?
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Which language did Mariam use to greet Alem?
Which language did Mariam use to greet Alem?
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What was Alem's initial reaction to the women's attention?
What was Alem's initial reaction to the women's attention?
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What organization did Mariam and Pamela represent?
What organization did Mariam and Pamela represent?
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How did Alem feel when Mariam spoke to him?
How did Alem feel when Mariam spoke to him?
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What was Mr. Hardwick's role in the situation?
What was Mr. Hardwick's role in the situation?
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What did Alem wonder about Mariam?
What did Alem wonder about Mariam?
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What physical feature of Pamela surprised Alem?
What physical feature of Pamela surprised Alem?
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What is Alem's relationship with the two countries mentioned in his father's letter?
What is Alem's relationship with the two countries mentioned in his father's letter?
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What does Alem's father suggest he do while staying in England?
What does Alem's father suggest he do while staying in England?
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What is Mr Hardwick unsure about in his conversation with Alem?
What is Mr Hardwick unsure about in his conversation with Alem?
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What does Alem's father prioritize in his letter regarding Alem's safety?
What does Alem's father prioritize in his letter regarding Alem's safety?
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What emotional state does Alem display after reading his father's letter?
What emotional state does Alem display after reading his father's letter?
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What does Mr Hardwick suggest they do first to help Alem?
What does Mr Hardwick suggest they do first to help Alem?
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What is the reason Alem's parents think he should stay in England?
What is the reason Alem's parents think he should stay in England?
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What concern does Mr Hardwick express about Alem's situation?
What concern does Mr Hardwick express about Alem's situation?
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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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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.