I Am Malala Study Guide: Chapters 1-4

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Questions and Answers

Why is it a gloomy day for Pashtun's when a daughter is born?

A girl's role in life is to make the food and give birth to children.

What is the code of Pashtunwalki?

The way to give hospitality to all guests.

Explain Malalai's significance.

She was killed by a group of enemy soldiers, but her words spoken up to the enemy gave the good soldiers strength and they continued to fight until the end.

How does Malala describe her home, Swat (Mingora)?

WELCOME TO PARADISE. Signup and view all the answers

Why are Malala's parents unlike most others in Pakistan?

Their marriage was an arranged marriage. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Malala give a brief review of the Swat valley's history?

To give the reader some imagery of what she had seen before she was shot. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Baba start calling his son, Malala's father, a falcon?

They are fierce, but they also kill. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Malala contemplate her freedom as a female?

Men have their freedom to do whatever they want. Signup and view all the answers

What did Malala's father say is the root of all Pakistan's problems?

The lack of education. Signup and view all the answers

Why were people optimistic after Benazir Bhutto was elected as the prime minister?

Student organizations which had been banned under Zia became very active. Signup and view all the answers

How did Malala's father respond to the stir caused by 'The Satanic Verses'?

He responded with: 'Is Islam such a weak religion that it cannot tolerate a book written against it? Not my Islam!' Signup and view all the answers

What changed Malala's life just as she changed her father's?

9/11. Signup and view all the answers

Why do Malala's cousins make fun of her?

For her city ways. Signup and view all the answers

Why does her father tell Malala to be thankful when she questions customs?

Because the year before she was born, a group called the Taliban led by a mullah had taken over the country and was burning girls' schools. Signup and view all the answers

How old was Malala when she delivered her speech at the United Nations?

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Why did Dr Kayani and Dr Reynolds decide to make some changes to Malala's intensive care environment?

To improve her chances of survival. Signup and view all the answers

Why was Malala taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham?

For rehabilitation/second operation/further surgery. Signup and view all the answers

Who said, 'God will protect her' when Malala was shot?

Malala's mother. Signup and view all the answers

Where was Malala taken to by helicopter?

Army hospital in Peshawar/intensive care ward. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Dr Kayani and Dr Reynolds want Malala to be taken to a modern facility?

For better care and rehabilitation. Signup and view all the answers

How long did Malala speak to the assembly at the United Nations?

Almost 20 minutes. Signup and view all the answers

What happened on Tuesday, 9th October, 2012?

Malala was shot. Signup and view all the answers

What happened on October 10th, 2014?

Malala was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Taliban want to kill Malala?

Because of her writings and support for secular government in Swat. Signup and view all the answers

What is often taken for granted in developed countries like Canada or America?

Enrolment in a school. Signup and view all the answers

Who was obviously proud of Malala during her UN speech?

Malala's father. Signup and view all the answers

What did Dr Khan notice about Malala's brain after the shooting?

The bullet had caused it to swell. Signup and view all the answers

What did Dr Khan have to remove during the first operation on Malala?

A portion of her skull and blood clots on her brain. Signup and view all the answers

How many girls were hurt in the shooting?

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At the end of Malala's UN speech, what did the audience do?

They applauded to salute her/gave her a standing ovation for several minutes. Signup and view all the answers

Where was Malala shot?

At point-blank range just above her left eye. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Malala named after?

A heroic legendary freedom fighter from Afghanistan. Signup and view all the answers

What did Malala's father think about before she was born?

Her name. Signup and view all the answers

What does Malala claim can make a change in the world?

One child, One teacher, One book, and One pen. Signup and view all the answers

What social issues does Malala focus on in her speeches?

Poverty, Injustice, Ignorance. Signup and view all the answers

Where did Malala's love for education come from?

Her love for education was a result of education being taken away from her. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Taliban hold on to their power?

Guns, fear, and misuse of religion. Signup and view all the answers

Where is Swat located?

Pakistan. Signup and view all the answers

What is the largest city in Swat?

Mingora. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the narrator and author of 'I Am Malala'?

Malala Yousafzai. Signup and view all the answers

What is the literary period of 'I Am Malala'?

Contemporary Non-Fiction. Signup and view all the answers

What is the point of view of 'I Am Malala'?

1st Person. Signup and view all the answers

What is the genre of 'I Am Malala'?

Memoir. Signup and view all the answers

What is a memoir?

A historical account or biography written from personal knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

Who is included in Malala's immediate family?

Father (Ziauddin), Mother (Tor), Khushal (brother), and Atal (brother). Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Birth of a Daughter in Pashtun Culture

A girl's birth is considered gloomy in Pashtun culture, primarily due to societal expectations placed on women.
The traditional role of girls involves cooking and raising children.

Pashtunwali Code

Pashtunwalki is the cultural code emphasizing the importance of hospitality towards guests.

Malalai's Legacy

Malala's namesake, Malalai, was a heroic figure in Afghanistan who inspired soldiers even in her death against enemy forces.

Malala's Description of Swat

Malala describes her home, Swat (Mingora), as a "WELCOME TO PARADISE," highlighting its beauty and significance.

Unique Marriage of Malala's Parents

Malala's parents had an arranged marriage, contrasting with many individualistic family structures in Pakistan.

Historical Context of Swat Valley

A brief history of Swat Valley is provided to illustrate the socio-political environment leading up to Malala's shooting.

Falcon Metaphor

Malala's father is affectionately called a falcon, a term that simultaneously denotes strength and a predatory nature.

Female Freedom

Malala reflects on the lack of freedom for women compared to men in her culture.

View on Education

Malala's father identifies the lack of education as the root of many issues in Pakistan, emphasizing its importance.

Optimism Post-Bhutto Election

The election of Benazir Bhutto as Prime Minister brought renewed hope due to the reactivation of student organizations.

Malala's Father's Response to "The Satanic Verses"

He challenged views on Islam's perception, asserting its strength against criticisms of the religion.

Impact of 9/11

The events of September 11, 2001, significantly altered Malala's world and her activism.

Visits to Village Relatives

When visiting relatives in the village, Malala faces mockery for her "city ways," reflecting cultural differences.

Cultural Customs and Challenges

Malala's father encourages her to appreciate her situation, as conditions for girls were worse before her birth, due to Taliban rule.

UN Speech Age

Malala was 16 years old when she delivered her impactful speech at the United Nations.

Medical Decisions for Malala

Doctors made changes to Malala's care to improve her chances of survival post-shooting.

Hospital in Birmingham

Malala was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham for further treatment and rehabilitation.

Malala's Prayerful Mother

Her mother expressed belief in divine protection for Malala after the shooting incident.

Initial Hospitalization

Malala was airlifted to an army hospital in Peshawar for immediate care.

Modern Care Facilities

Medical professionals advocated for Malala's transfer to modern facilities to ensure the best possible care.

Duration of UN Speech

Malala's speech at the UN lasted nearly 20 minutes, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

Shooting Incident

Malala was shot on October 9, 2012, a significant event that raised global awareness of her cause.

Nobel Peace Prize Recognition

On October 10, 2014, Malala received the Nobel Peace Prize for her advocacy in education.

Taliban's Motivation

The Taliban sought to kill Malala due to her outspoken writings supporting secular education in Swat.

Comparison to Developments in Other Countries

Enrollment in schools is often an overlooked privilege in developed nations like Canada and the United States.

Supportive Family

Malala's father expressed pride during her UN address, showing his support for her activism.

Aftermath of the Shooting

Post-shooting, Dr. Khan observed swelling in Malala's brain, indicating the severity of her injuries.

Surgical Intervention

During her first operation, doctors had to remove part of Malala's skull and address blood clots in her brain.

Casualties in the Shooting

Three girls were confirmed hurt in the same shooting incident that severely injured Malala.

Audience Reaction at UN

The audience applauded for several minutes, giving her a standing ovation at the end of her speech.

Shooting Details

Malala was shot at point-blank range just above her left eye, a targeted and deliberate attack.

Historical Figure Inspiration

Malala was named after a legendary freedom fighter from Afghanistan, symbolizing bravery and resilience.

Reflection on Her Name

Before Malala's birth, her father pondered her name, indicating the weight of identity and expectation.

Change Concept

Malala advocates that "One child, One teacher, One book, One pen can change the world," emphasizing education's transformative power.

Focus of Malala's Activism

Malala aims to address social issues such as poverty, injustice, and ignorance through her speeches and writings.

Origin of Educational Passion

Her love for education emerged after experiencing its deprivation, shaping her determination to fight for it.

Taliban's Power Mechanism

The Taliban maintains control through fear, armed force, and the manipulation of religious beliefs.

Geographic Context

Swat is located in Pakistan, highlighting the specific region affected by the Taliban's policies.

Largest City in Swat

Mingora is recognized as the largest city in the Swat Valley, serving as a cultural and economic hub.

Malala's Identity

Malala Yousafzai serves as the narrator and author of her memoir, notable for being the youngest Nobel Peace Prize recipient.

Literary Classification

"I Am Malala" is categorized as a contemporary non-fiction memoir, offering personal insights and historical perspectives.

Narrative Structure

The memoir is written in the first-person point of view, enriching the reader's understanding of Malala's experiences.

Definition of Memoir

A memoir is described as a historical account or biography rooted in personal experiences and knowledge.

Malala's Close Family

Immediate family includes her father Ziauddin, mother Tor, and brothers Khushal and Atal, reflecting strong familial ties.

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Description

Explore the key themes and concepts from Chapters 1 to 4 of 'I Am Malala'. This quiz includes important questions about cultural significance, roles of women, and Pashtun traditions. Enhance your understanding of Malala's story and its context through these study questions.