Unit 3: Argumentative Writing and Things Fall Apart
Questions for PowerPoint Presentations on Background
CENTER THREE
Directions: As you view the PowerPoint presentations on Background material for
Things Fall Apart, answer the following questions. Save your questions when
finished and post on your wiki page.
Achebe’s Magic PPT
1. Where was Achebe born. Aftrica
2. When was he born. 1930
3. Is he still living? yes
4. True or False: Achebe is a member of the Ibo Tribe? true
5. True or False: Achebe grew up in a Christian home? true
6. Achebe is called_The Father of Modern African Literature .
7. Where did Achebe go to school? Nigeria
8. In what language was he taught. English
9. How many honorary doctorates does he have? 12
10. What is an honorary doctorate (you will have to research to answer this
question)?
11. What job did he have while writing novels? broadcasting
12. When was Things Fall Apart published? 1958
13. What are the sequels to this book? No Longer at Ease (1960)
Arrow of God (1964) A Man of the People (1966)
14. What genres of literature has Achebe written? Novels, poetry, essays,
children’s literature, short stories
15. When was he nominated for a Nobel Prize in Literature? 1988
16. What is Achebe’s purpose for writing? Explain society
17. In what language was Things Fall Apart written? English
18. What technique does Achebe use to create empathy for this tribe in his
readers? (4 ways) folk tales, proverbs, emersion in culture, Ibo words
19. How does this work? Makes you feel comfortable within the culture.
20. What is the Turning Point in the novel? When the white imperialist come.
21. What are the readers’ reactions to this turning point? They feel the whites
are enemies.
22. So after viewing this PowerPoint presentation, answer the question, “What is
Achebe’s Magic”? He shows you a different view and puts you in the shoes of
the cultural group.
Historical Background on Achebe’s Magic PPT
23. In what country is the Ibo Homeland? Nigeria
24. What European country established a claim on the Ibo regain. British
25. What was the proud boast of the British in regards to Colonization? There is
no end to our empire
26. What was the primary aim of Colonization for the British? To gain money and
“civilize” the natives.
27. Why did Britain exploit African countries? The wanted the natural resources.
28. What did the British assume about the Africans? They were evil and
uncivilized.
Scramble for Africa PPT
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
What was Africa called prior to 1870? mystery
Why was it called this? Rarely explored
What happened after 1870? Scramble to own Africa
What was the Berlin Conference? Meeting to settle land disputes
How many nations met at this conference? 14
What nation was oddly not invited to the conference? Africa
What did the nations at the Berlin Conference do? Split up Africa
What was the rule countries had to follow to claim territory in Africa? Had to
govern the area.
9. Who is Cecil Rhodes (you will need to look him up to answer this question)?
10. Why is Cecil Rhodes shown standing astride the whole of Africa? What does
the cartoon mean?
11. What were the countries that took part of Africa at the Berlin conference?
British, USA,
12. Why did the Europeans think they were doing Africa a favor by occupying
their land? They were “saving” them and civilizing them.
13. Who, according to Western Philosophy at the time, were the people next to
God on the social hierarchy? White males
14. What group was considered only one step above animals? blacks
15. List negative effects of the Colonization of Africa. Destruction of their culture.
16. List positive effects of the colonization of Africa.
17. Americans were invited to the Berlin Conference and they sent a
representative. However, America did not take a piece of Africa. Why do you
think they decided against colonizing Africa? America was colonized and
was oppressed