The Breadwinner By Deborah Ellis Comprehension Questions

He lost part of his leg and was injured in a bombing.

In a marketplace.

Helping him read letters for customers.

<p>Mail delivery.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>She was one of the few literate people in her community.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A busy place where men shopped and various goods and services were sold.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Read a letter.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Attending school.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Several times.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They lived in a small room in a single residence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Long-lasting, starting before Parvana was born.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Loss of their family's possessions and larger living quarters.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Nooria and Parvana</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Fetching water</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Destruction and looting</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Spy on each other</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Women were not allowed to work or go to school</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Some of their belongings, including a valuable shalwar kameez</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>He was lost in a land mine explosion when he was 14</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Hossain's death</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Nooria</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Due to their isolated lifestyle and lack of social interaction</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana whispered into the folds of her chador because she didn't want to be heard by the man sitting beside her father as he would not want to hear her voice and neither would anyone else in the Kabul market.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Taliban ordered all the girls and women in Afghanistan to stay inside their homes and also forbade girls to go to school.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana was allowed to be outside to help her father walk to the market and back home after work. She would sit well back on the blanket with her head and most of her face covered by her chador.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Taliban's restrictions forced Parvana and her family to stay inside one room for more than a year. Parvana had to leave her sixth grade class, her sister Nooria was not allowed to go to her high school, and their mother lost her job as a writer for a Kabul radio station.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>constant bombing and conflict</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Taliban</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>kindness</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Despite fewer bombs, there is still a war in the north and many destroyed buildings in Kabul</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>their belongings, including a false leg that was sold to a customer for a high price</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>street conditions</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>her favorite mountain</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>in a damaged apartment building with a long, damaged staircase and a water tank that often needs refilling</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>fetching water for her mother and sister</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>by a sense of struggle and survival, with a strong sense of love and connection</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>a reminder of happier times and a source of hope</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Nooria shared stories about Hossain, who was amicable and enjoyed playing games with her, despite her gender.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana, her mother, and younger siblings had a traditional Afghan meal, eating on a plastic cloth spread out on the floor.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Father, a history teacher before his school was bombed, shared a story about the bravery of Afghan women from the past.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A tiny girl in a historical battle led the Afghan troops to victory, demonstrating the courage of Afghan women.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Taliban unexpectedly entered the family home, causing fear and panic among the family members.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The soldiers accused Father of having 'foreign ideas' from his education in England.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The family huddled together in fear as the Taliban took Father away, with Mother shielding her children.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Hossain enjoyed playing games with Nooria, despite her gender.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They had a traditional Afghan meal.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Father shared a story about the bravery of Afghan women from the past.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The tiny girl's leadership demonstrated the courage of Afghan women.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The soldiers accused Father of having 'foreign ideas' from his education in England.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They plan to have Parvana wear Hossain's clothes and cut her long hair.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana is shocked and confused by their discussion of passing her off as a boy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They explain that since she hasn't been seen since the schools closed, no one would ask about her.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana's mother suggests that since she's the one most likely to look like a boy, she should be the one to go outside and buy supplies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana realizes she has no choice and agrees to go along with her mother and Nooria's plan.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana is surprised by how different she feels with her short hair and wearing her brother's clothes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana smiles at her new appearance and knows she will have to act like a boy from now on.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana yelled at the soldier and then started to run, knocking over a pile of turnips at the vegetable stand.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The bread was still warm and smelled so good that it reminded Parvana of how hungry she was.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana yelled at the soldier to stop hitting her and then started to run away.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana didn't care if people were staring at her as she ran away.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A pocket sewn into the left side of the shirt, near the chest, big enough to hold money and maybe a few candies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A cap with beautiful embroidery and some money to buy what she was not able to buy yesterday.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Tea and five pounds of rice.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Onions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>She had a lot of cleaning to do and Ali was almost out of diapers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Father’s writing things and his blanket.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Her father’s shoulder bag.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Earn some money by doing what her father did.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The absence of the weight of her hair and chador.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The sun on her face and a light breeze floating down from the mountain made the air fresh and fine.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Housework.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Her father’s shoulder bag.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana bumped into Mrs. Weera, a friend of her mother, and Mrs. Weera was surprised to see her and asked why she was running and why she was crushing her bread.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mrs. Weera immediately took charge, searching for the source of a foul smell in the apartment, making Parvana fetch water, and washing Mother. Nooria was relieved to see Mrs. Weera and asked her to take charge, as she had been worried about managing on her own.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mrs. Weera was a physical education teacher before the Taliban took over. She was confident and took charge of the situation, providing relief for Parvana and her family.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mrs. Weera and her granddaughter stayed the night at Parvana's apartment, and the next day, they all sat down to eat. Parvana was given a cup of boiled water to drink, and Mrs. Weera encouraged teamwork and praised Parvana for her efforts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana explained that she was being chased by a Taliban soldier, and Mrs. Weera told her to dry her tears, praising her for having outrun the Taliban.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mrs. Weera immediately took action, searching for the source of a foul smell in the apartment, making Parvana fetch water, and washing Mother. She also noticed the foul smell in the apartment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana carried Father's pens, writing paper, items for sale, and a blanket to the marketplace. She chose the same spot as her father to be recognized by potential customers and to be close to home.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana's mother advised her to say that she was Father's nephew Kaseem, that Father was ill, and she had come to stay with the family until he recovered, to avoid drawing attention while at the marketplace.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Talib requested Parvana to read a letter addressed to his late wife. He became emotional upon hearing the contents of the letter, revealing his grief and longing for his deceased wife.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana was surprised by the Talib's emotional response and contemplated the conflicting nature of the Talibs, as she had previously only seen them as oppressors. She began to question whether they too could experience sorrow and compassion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The man who stopped at Parvana's blanket engaged in a transaction rather than requesting a reading, revealing her diverse experiences at the marketplace, where she encountered individuals seeking to purchase goods as well as those in need of her reading services.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Talib became emotional upon hearing the letter and revealed his grief over his late wife. This encounter led Parvana to question her perception of the Talibs and consider the complexities of their emotions and experiences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The interaction revealed the diversity of individuals Parvana encountered, from those seeking reading services to those dealing with personal grief, highlighting the complexity of human experiences within the marketplace.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana demonstrated resilience by persisting in her efforts to attract customers, adapting to diverse customer needs, and navigating unexpected interactions, such as the emotional encounter with the Talib.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana arranged Father's pens, writing paper, and items for sale on her blanket, reflecting her multifaceted responsibilities at the marketplace, including selling goods and offering reading and writing services.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Talib's request and emotional response impacted Parvana's understanding of individuals at the marketplace, prompting her to reconsider her perceptions and recognize the multifaceted emotions and experiences of those she encountered.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana's encounter with the Talib challenged her preconceptions by revealing the complex emotions and experiences of individuals at the marketplace, prompting her to reconsider her initial perceptions and acknowledge the diversity of human experiences within the marketplace.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana gained insights into the emotional depth and complexity of the individuals she encountered at the marketplace through her interaction with the Talib, shaping her perspective to acknowledge the multifaceted experiences and emotions of those she engaged with.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Selling things off a tray at the marketplace.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Reading letters.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They cannot light the lamps at night, making the nights very long.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Talking about business is easier for Parvana because it distracts her from the worry and uncertainty surrounding her father's arrest.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana and Shauzia were working in a destroyed part of Kabul, where buildings were reduced to piles of bricks, dust, and rubble. They were in a cemetery, digging up bones to sell to a bone broker for money.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana and Shauzia discovered a skull, which they used as their mascot and placed on a gravestone.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana was worried about landmines. She decided to step inside a nearby ruined building to go to the bathroom and successfully avoided any danger.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Shauzia joked about landmines and the dangers they faced, reminding Parvana of her brother who had been killed by a landmine.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana remembered the UN talk about different types of landmines, some disguised as toys to harm children, highlighting the danger and impact of landmines.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana and Shauzia were focused on making money and ensuring they were not disturbed while digging up bones and making bundles to sell to the bone broker.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The bone broker bought bones from them for resale, indicating that there was a market for such items despite the morbid nature of the work.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The destroyed buildings made many bones easily accessible due to the bombings, allowing Parvana and Shauzia to work quickly and unearth many bones.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The condition of the nearby cemetery, with bones of the dead sticking out of the ground, revealed the devastating impact of the conflict on the area and its inhabitants.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana demonstrated resilience and adaptability by working in the difficult and dangerous environment of the destroyed part of Kabul, focusing on making money despite the challenging circumstances.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The work in the cemetery reflected the girls' determination to make money and prioritize their survival in the harsh post-conflict environment, showing their resilience and resourcefulness.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The interaction between Parvana and Shauzia while working in the cemetery reflected their shared experiences and challenges as they navigated the dangerous and bleak landscape to make a living.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>She hid the money from her family, and she kept it in the bottom of her shoulder bag.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana told her family about digging up graves and earning money from it. Her mother was shocked and planned to stop Parvana from doing it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Nooria supported Parvana and argued for her to continue, as the family was in need of money for rent, propane, and fuel.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mother eventually agreed to let Parvana continue, under the condition she would share the details with the community through the magazine.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana and Shauzia planned to meet early the next morning for another day of bone digging. Parvana hid the money she kept for herself in the bottom of her shoulder bag.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>When Parvana returned home, she was met with worry from her family who thought she had been arrested. Parvana told her family about digging up graves and earning money from it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They decided to keep some money for themselves instead of giving it all to their families.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They were afraid the bone broker might have made a mistake and given them too much money.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The money earned was more than what Parvana made in three days last week. Parvana and Shauzia decided to keep some money for themselves instead of giving it all to their families.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana hid the money she kept for herself in the bottom of her shoulder bag. She did it to keep it safe from her family and others.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Her mother was shocked and planned to stop Parvana from doing it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana and Shauzia planned to meet early the next morning for another day of bone digging. Parvana hid the money she kept for herself in the bottom of her shoulder bag.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana and Shauzia started selling cigarettes, chewing gum, and matches in the markets of Kabul.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They no longer earned as much as they did in the graveyard but managed to make a living.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They found the stadium filled with Taliban soldiers who were executing prisoners by amputating their hands.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They hid among the crowd and witnessed the gruesome sight, then were escorted out of the stadium by a kind man.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The text depicted that Parvana has become more independent and determined, adapting to the harsh realities of life in Kabul.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The text provided a vivid depiction of the harsh conditions and the brutality of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They decided to sell their goods at the soccer game in the stadium.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana took a few days off to be with her family and recover from the traumatic experience.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They hid among the crowd at the soccer game.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They learned to navigate Kabul and its people during their time selling goods in the markets.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Their time selling goods in the markets made Parvana become more independent and determined, adapting to the harsh realities of life in Kabul.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They were escorted out of the stadium by a kind man.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mrs. Weera proposes starting a secret school for girls to learn, and Parvana and Shauzia laugh at the idea.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mrs. Weera shares her plans to smuggle stories about girls out of the country for publication, and Nooria expresses interest in teaching at the secret school.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Shauzia shares news of a way to make money through bone-digging, and Parvana expresses concern but follows Shauzia to the site.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana receives a handkerchief from the Window Woman, and Shauzia shares news of a way to make money through bone-digging.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mrs. Weera proposes starting a secret school for girls to learn, and Nooria expresses interest in teaching at the secret school.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mrs. Weera shares her plans to smuggle stories about girls out of the country for publication, and Parvana and Shauzia laugh at the idea.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana invites Shauzia to meet her family, and Shauzia shares her struggling home life, living with in-laws.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mrs. Weera expresses concern for Shauzia's education, and she proposes starting a secret school for girls to learn.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana and Shauzia discuss the possibility of starting a business, and Shauzia shares news of a way to make money through bone-digging.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana and Shauzia, old classmates, walk and reminisce about school days, and they laugh at the idea of a secret field hockey school in their apartment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Shauzia shares her struggling home life, living with in-laws, and Mrs. Weera expresses concern for Shauzia's education.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Shauzia shares news of a way to make money through bone-digging, and Parvana expresses concern but follows Shauzia to the site.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana spent her days coaching Maryam on her counting, trying to learn mending from Nooria, and listening to Mrs. Weera's stories. Mrs. Weera's enthusiastic storytelling made other people, including Parvana, enthusiastic about them as well.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>When the bread ran out, no one said anything to Parvana, but she got up and went to work that day anyway, showing her resilience and determination to contribute despite the difficult circumstances.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana wanted to ask her mother if her father would be taken to the stadium, but she didn't because she knew her mother wouldn't know. This internal conflict reflects the uncertainty and fear surrounding her father's safety, and Parvana chose to handle it by not asking the question.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana spent her days at home coaching Maryam on her counting, trying to learn mending from Nooria, and listening to Mrs. Weera's stories. Although the stories weren't as good as her father's, they were entertaining, and Mrs. Weera's enthusiasm made other people enthusiastic too.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>When the bread ran out, no one said anything to Parvana, but she got up and went to work that day anyway. This shows her sense of responsibility and determination despite the difficult circumstances.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mother mentioned that the events at the stadium go on every Friday, expressing her frustration by asking 'What century are we living in?' Parvana wanted to ask if Father would be taken there, but she hesitated, knowing that her mother wouldn't know the answer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Nooria</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mazar-e-Sharif for the wedding, and they decide to leave Parvana behind</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Shauzia</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A woman from their women's group and her husband</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>That everything will be fine</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Window Woman</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A letter</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mazar-e-Sharif</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Shauzia</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Suggests that someone should drop a bomb on the country to start again</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mazar-e-Sharif where girls can still go to school, and assures Parvana that everything will be fine</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A secret little school was started, and Nooria was the teacher.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The school focused on teaching the girls, and it was conducted in a secretive manner because the Taliban would close down any school they discovered.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Nooria and Mrs. Weera were very careful in conducting the school, teaching in two different groups and never at the same time two days running. The challenges they faced included the risk of the Taliban discovering the school.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Nooria mentioned that the students couldn't learn much in a few hours a week, indicating the limitation in their learning due to the restricted time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Homa</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>dried fruit and nuts</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>a city of lights, progress, and excitement</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>warm water, clean clothes, and food</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mazar-e-Sharif after the Taliban captured the city</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>until it was very dark</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>the woman did not have a chador, and Parvana did not have her pattu</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>drawing attention to themselves</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>concern</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Taliban soldiers</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>ran to her home</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>her name and her escape from Mazar-e-Sharif after the Taliban captured the city</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana bought a pen for Nooria at the market before their departure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana met a woman named Kaseem who was pretending to be a boy to earn money.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana offered to help Kaseem and introduced her to Mrs. Weera.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana discovered that Kaseem was a girl without a burqa, and she helped her hide from potential trouble.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana began to read her father's books and spent more time with Shauzia during her free time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana missed her family and the chaos of their apartment once they left.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They left with Mrs. Weera and a women's group member, among a few people in the truck.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They left very early the next day and traveled with only a few people in the truck.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana waited in a bombed-out building until the rainstorm passed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana offered to help Kaseem and introduced her to Mrs. Weera for assistance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana met a woman named Kaseem who was pretending to be a boy to earn money.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana offered to help Kaseem and introduced her to Mrs. Weera.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Soldiers coming to her house, taking her family outside, and shooting them in the street</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>In a closet</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Bodies of her family and others on the street</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>By running from building to building</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Kabul</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parvana</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Mrs. Weera</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Shauzia</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>He is reunited with the family and requires extensive care from Mrs. Weera</p> Signup and view all the answers