Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions on it.
Whenever I ask myself the question why I have not left this country for good, many answers rush to my mind, each striving to be.recognized as being the most convincing. I am reminded of the popular slogan that this country belongs to us, for which reason every one of us must join hands in trying to salvage it. I try to dismiss the argument by reasoning that it is foolhardy attempting to lend a helping hand where one’s services are apparently not required. Then I am reminded that if I leave the country in a hurry just because of our political instability and economic hardship, my commitments to my nuclear family and extended family at home will suffer. I reply by saying that as soon as I get settled abroad. I would arrange for my famiiy to Join me. Other financial problems at home would be taken care of by my regular remittances. Would I then never think of going back home in future? Not until the situation in the country improved considerably, I would answer. And who do I expect to carry on with the task of national rehabilitation when the likes of me are all out of the country? Those who messed up the country in the first place, I would argue. And so on. This self-examination has been going on for the last ten years or so: meanwhile. I am yet to leave the country.
When I wonder how many people think’ as I do. I realize that we must” be very few. Indeed, not many have the slightest opportunity of absconding from the country; they do not have the place to run to, nor do they have the means of escape. Even among the elite who consider this possibility. the uncertainty of a future outside their fatherland intimidates them. And so we all end up staying and grumbling.
(a) Why would the writer like to leave his country?
(b) Why does the writer believe that he should not join in salvaging his country?’
(c) What would make the writer return to his country?
(d) Who does the writer suggest should carry on the task of national rehabilitation?
(e) Give two reasons why it has not been easy for him and others to leave the country.
(f) …many answers rush to my mind. What figure of speech is used in this expression.
(g). . the uncertainty of a future outside their fatherland (i) What grammatical name is given. to this expression as it is used in the passage? (ii) What is its function?
(h) For each of the following words or phrase find another word or phrase which means the same and which can replace it as it is used in the passage. (i) for good. (ii) slogan, (iii) foolhardy; (iv) commitments; (v) absconding.
Explanation
(a) His country is going through political instability and economic hardship.
(b) He believes/think that his services are not required.
(c) He would return to his country when there is a considerable improvement of conditions in his country.
(d) Those who messed up the country/those who caused the political instability and economic hardship.
(e)Absconding from the country has not been easy for them because (i) they lack the opportunity (i.e. where to go and means of going). (ii) (they are intimidated by) the uncertainty of a future outside home/the country.
(f) Metaphor (g)(i) Noun phrase (ii) Subject of (the verb) 'intimidates' (h)(i) for good - permanently, for ever. (ii) slogan - saying, motto, belief (iii) foolhardy - stupid, risky, senseless, foolish, ridiculous, irrational, thoughtless. (iv) commitments - responsibilities, duty, obligations (v) absconding - running away, escaping, fleeing, decamping.