Displaced Families: A Story of Survival

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Questions and Answers

What is the significance of the Pashtun tapa mentioned at the beginning of the passage?

It highlights two primary reasons why Pashtuns leave their homeland: poverty or love. (correct)

It explains why Pashtuns often travel for trade.

It serves as a prayer for their protection.

It is a prophecy about the Taliban's rise to power.

Why does the narrator feel compelled to memorize the details of their home?

They have been asked to do so by a local historian.

They fear they might never see it again due to the conflict. (correct)

They are an avid photographer and want to capture memories.

They want to create a painting of their home to show others.

What does the narrator's reaction to their cousin's wife crying tell us about the narrator?

They are insensitive to the plight of others.

They dislike their cousin's wife and are happy to see her upset.

They are often indifferent towards the feelings of others.

They are emotionally reserved and need external cues to express emotions. (correct)

What does the narrator prioritize packing first when preparing to leave?

Their schoolbooks and papers. Signup and view all the answers

Why were Atal's chicks not allowed to travel with the family?

Atal's mother was concerned about the mess they might make. Signup and view all the answers

What does Atal's reaction to leaving the chicks behind reveal about his character?

He is fixated on minor matters despite the gravity of the situation. Signup and view all the answers

What action did the narrator take to protect their schoolbooks before leaving?

They hid them in a bag in the guest room and recited Quranic verses. Signup and view all the answers

What was the final action the family took before leaving their home?

They gathered together, prayed, and entrusted their home to God. Signup and view all the answers

Why was the narrator surprised at the school in her village?

There were very few girls in her grade and they were taught with the boys. Signup and view all the answers

What caused a stir on the narrator's first day of school?

She didn’t cover her face and spoke freely. Signup and view all the answers

What punishment did the narrator receive on her second day of school?

Her palms were slapped with a stick. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the narrator eventually feel content after being punished?

She realized it meant she was being treated as part of the group. Signup and view all the answers

What served as the narrator's 'lifeline' while in the mountains?

The radio Signup and view all the answers

What major event happened in Mingora while the narrator was in the mountains?

The army sent paratroopers in preparation for a battle with the Taliban. Signup and view all the answers

Why was it hard for the narrator's family to communicate with her father?

It was difficult to get a phone signal in the mountains. Signup and view all the answers

What was the immediate reason for the family's move to Peshawar?

Her father had asked them to join him. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for the massive exodus of people described in the passage?

Fear and displacement due to conflict, forcing people to flee their homes. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the author's father decide to go to Peshawar instead of staying with his family?

He felt it was his duty to warn others about the ongoing situation. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'IDP' refer to in the context of the passage?

Internally Displaced Persons. Signup and view all the answers

What mode of transportation did the author's family primarily use to reach Shangla?

They mostly walked, covering a significant distance by foot. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main concern of the author's relatives upon their arrival in Shangla?

They feared the Taliban's potential return to the mountains around Shangla. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the journey to Shangla as experienced by the author?

A complex, multi-stage journey involving multiple modes of transport and walking. Signup and view all the answers

What immediate problem did the author face upon arriving with relatives as they attempted to settle in Shangla?

Having to borrow clothes from a cousin because of the mishmash packing. Signup and view all the answers

What did the army officer's roadblock initially signify to the author and her family?

A loss of identity and a new, displaced status, and a barrier to entry. Signup and view all the answers

Why was the meeting with Richard Holbrooke important to the narrator?

It was a chance to request help for girls' education and share their story with the world. Signup and view all the answers

What was the narrator's primary concern that she addressed to the ambassador?

The importance of girls receiving an education. Signup and view all the answers

How did the narrator react to the ambassador's response to her request?

She showed great disappointment but didn't express it clearly. Signup and view all the answers

The narrator's statement, 'Just to get on TV and speak on behalf of girls' education was half the battle', suggests that:

Public awareness is vital but only one small part of the struggle. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the narrator go to meet with Moniba in the park?

To mend their friendship after a previous argument. Signup and view all the answers

What does the incident of everyone forgetting her birthday reveal about the narrator's situation?

That the family's life was in chaos and they were preoccupied with survival. Signup and view all the answers

How does the narrator's description of her previous birthday highlight the changes in her situation?

The previous shared celebration underscores the loss of normalcy. Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator mean by the Taliban 'retreating into the mountains of Swat'?

That the Taliban were actively fleeing to the mountains to hide. Signup and view all the answers

What did Malala wish for on her twelfth birthday?

For peace in her valley. Signup and view all the answers

What was the condition of Mingora when Malala and her family returned?

Like a war zone with rubble and damage. Signup and view all the answers

What had happened to the storefronts in Mingora?

Their shutters were pried off, and the windows were gaping. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Malala's family's pet chickens when they returned home?

They had starved to death. Signup and view all the answers

Where had Malala hidden her books while they were away?

In the guest room. Signup and view all the answers

What unexpected and disturbing discovery was made under the Khushal school sign?

A handful of goats' heads. Signup and view all the answers

What was the condition of the bus station when Malala's family returned?

It was deserted with weeds growing through pavement. Signup and view all the answers

Why were most people still too afraid to return to the area, according to the text?

The area was still considered a war zone. Signup and view all the answers

What evidence suggested that soldiers had recently occupied the school?

The hole in the wall and the presence of bullet casings. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main criticism leveled against the people of Swat in the letter?

They allowed the Taliban to gain control of their homeland. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'First the people of Swat fall under the spell of the Taliban, then they are killed by the Taliban, and now they are blamed for the Taliban!' reveal about the father's perspective?

He is frustrated by the shifting blame and the injustice faced by the people. Signup and view all the answers

What prompted the narrator's shift from wanting to be a doctor to considering a career in politics?

The awareness of the significant problems facing their country. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the hole punched in the wall of the school's upper floor?

To act as a lookout and potentially a sniper's position. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Displaced

A family is forced to leave their home due to the Taliban.
The family travels in a car with limited space.
The author packs essentials, including books and school supplies.
The family encounters difficulties with transportation and safety concerns.
The author's family members face emotional distress, with concern for the pets.
The author and family members experienced a disrupted school life.
The author had worried about the Taliban and their safety.
The author and family finally return to a war-torn home.
The school was damaged due to skirmishes and conflict.
The family found the school and home, but the condition was severe.
The author reflects on the future and her desire to become a doctor or political leader.

Home

The family returns home after several months of displacement.
The author and family members experienced emotional distress upon finding the war-torn home.
The house and school sustained significant damage.
The school was damaged by conflict and missiles, with some areas destroyed or vandalized.
The family expressed concern and grief upon viewing their home in its dilapidated state.
Personal possessions were missing or damaged due to looting or war.
There are physical scars of the violence.

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Description

This quiz explores the challenges faced by a family forced to flee their home due to the Taliban and their emotional journey upon returning to a war-torn environment. It highlights the importance of education, family ties, and resilience in the face of adversity. Test your understanding of the key themes and events in this poignant narrative.