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igcse English lit - a passage to Africa
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4 Apr 2023
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A Passage to Africa IGCSE PDF Guide: Analysis, Past Papers & More!
Hannah Egan
@hannahegan_xyym
A Passage to Africa: Analysis of Voice, Language, and Structure
George Alagiah's "A Passage to Africa" is a compelling IGCSE text that offers a profound exploration of the Somalian famine through the eyes of a journalist. This analysis delves into how Alagiah masterfully employs voice, language, and structure to convey his emotional journey and critique of media practices.
The text opens with a powerful first-person declaration: "I will never forget." This immediate use of personal voice establishes an intimate connection with the reader, setting the tone for a deeply personal account. Alagiah's choice to use his own voice rather than an impersonal, journalistic tone serves to humanize the narrative and draw the reader into his experiences.
Quote: "I will never forget the man who smiled."
Alagiah's use of emotive language is evident throughout the text, particularly in his descriptions of the famine victims. He employs a series of poignant adjectives to paint a vivid picture of their suffering:
Vocabulary: "hungry, lean, scared, betrayed"
These carefully chosen words not only describe the physical state of the victims but also their emotional and psychological condition, evoking a strong sense of sympathy in the reader.
The author's criticism of journalistic practices is subtly woven into the narrative through the use of similes. He compares the journalists' behavior to a craving, suggesting an almost addictive quality to their pursuit of the story:
Quote: "like the craving for a drug"
This simile serves to highlight the potentially exploitative nature of media coverage in crisis situations.
Alagiah's use of anecdotes adds a personal dimension to the larger tragedy. He recounts the story of Habiba, a young girl who dies shortly after he encounters her. The author's decision to use a short, simple sentence to describe her death is particularly impactful:
Highlight: "Habiba had died."
The brevity of this statement contrasts sharply with the more detailed descriptions elsewhere, emphasizing the stark finality of death amidst the chaos of the famine.
The text is rich with grotesque imagery that forces the reader to confront the harsh realities of the situation. Alagiah describes:
Quote: "the smell of decaying flesh"
This visceral detail serves to create a sensory experience for the reader, making the horrors of the famine more immediate and tangible.
The repetition of the word 'smile' throughout the text is a powerful device. Initially used to describe a gesture of greeting, it takes on a more sinister meaning as the narrative progresses:
Quote: "not a smile of greeting... they realized why they had been smiling"
This repetition underscores the transformation of the author's understanding and the grim reality behind seemingly innocent gestures.
Alagiah's use of the phrase "and then it clicked" is a clever play on words. It refers both to the physical action of taking a photograph and to the moment of realization:
Example: "and then it clicked"
This double meaning encapsulates the intersection of journalistic duty and human empathy that is at the heart of the text.
The piece concludes with an informal valediction, "My nameless friend," which serves to humanize the victims and emphasize the personal connection Alagiah feels to those he encountered. This ending reinforces the author's message about the importance of seeing beyond statistics to the individual human stories in such tragedies.
Structurally, the text alternates between descriptions of the famine's impact and Alagiah's personal reflections. This back-and-forth creates a rhythm that mirrors the author's own struggle between professional detachment and emotional involvement. The use of short paragraphs and sentences interspersed with longer, more detailed passages reflects the jarring nature of the experience and keeps the reader engaged throughout.
In conclusion, George Alagiah's "A Passage to Africa" is a masterful piece of writing that uses voice, language, and structure to create a deeply moving account of the Somalian famine. It serves as an excellent IGCSE text for studying how literary devices can be employed to convey complex emotions and social commentary.
Highlight: This analysis provides valuable insights for students preparing for IGCSE past papers or exams on "A Passage to Africa."
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4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
A Passage to Africa IGCSE PDF Guide: Analysis, Past Papers & More!
Hannah Egan
@hannahegan_xyym
"A Passage to Africa" by George Alagiah is a powerful IGCSE text that explores the author's experiences reporting on the Somalian famine. This summary analyzes the use of voice, language, and structure to convey Alagiah's emotions and criticisms.
Key points:... Show more
A Passage to Africa: Analysis of Voice, Language, and Structure
George Alagiah's "A Passage to Africa" is a compelling IGCSE text that offers a profound exploration of the Somalian famine through the eyes of a journalist. This analysis delves into how Alagiah masterfully employs voice, language, and structure to convey his emotional journey and critique of media practices.
The text opens with a powerful first-person declaration: "I will never forget." This immediate use of personal voice establishes an intimate connection with the reader, setting the tone for a deeply personal account. Alagiah's choice to use his own voice rather than an impersonal, journalistic tone serves to humanize the narrative and draw the reader into his experiences.
Quote: "I will never forget the man who smiled."
Alagiah's use of emotive language is evident throughout the text, particularly in his descriptions of the famine victims. He employs a series of poignant adjectives to paint a vivid picture of their suffering:
Vocabulary: "hungry, lean, scared, betrayed"
These carefully chosen words not only describe the physical state of the victims but also their emotional and psychological condition, evoking a strong sense of sympathy in the reader.
The author's criticism of journalistic practices is subtly woven into the narrative through the use of similes. He compares the journalists' behavior to a craving, suggesting an almost addictive quality to their pursuit of the story:
Quote: "like the craving for a drug"
This simile serves to highlight the potentially exploitative nature of media coverage in crisis situations.
Alagiah's use of anecdotes adds a personal dimension to the larger tragedy. He recounts the story of Habiba, a young girl who dies shortly after he encounters her. The author's decision to use a short, simple sentence to describe her death is particularly impactful:
Highlight: "Habiba had died."
The brevity of this statement contrasts sharply with the more detailed descriptions elsewhere, emphasizing the stark finality of death amidst the chaos of the famine.
The text is rich with grotesque imagery that forces the reader to confront the harsh realities of the situation. Alagiah describes:
Quote: "the smell of decaying flesh"
This visceral detail serves to create a sensory experience for the reader, making the horrors of the famine more immediate and tangible.
The repetition of the word 'smile' throughout the text is a powerful device. Initially used to describe a gesture of greeting, it takes on a more sinister meaning as the narrative progresses:
Quote: "not a smile of greeting... they realized why they had been smiling"
This repetition underscores the transformation of the author's understanding and the grim reality behind seemingly innocent gestures.
Alagiah's use of the phrase "and then it clicked" is a clever play on words. It refers both to the physical action of taking a photograph and to the moment of realization:
Example: "and then it clicked"
This double meaning encapsulates the intersection of journalistic duty and human empathy that is at the heart of the text.
The piece concludes with an informal valediction, "My nameless friend," which serves to humanize the victims and emphasize the personal connection Alagiah feels to those he encountered. This ending reinforces the author's message about the importance of seeing beyond statistics to the individual human stories in such tragedies.
Structurally, the text alternates between descriptions of the famine's impact and Alagiah's personal reflections. This back-and-forth creates a rhythm that mirrors the author's own struggle between professional detachment and emotional involvement. The use of short paragraphs and sentences interspersed with longer, more detailed passages reflects the jarring nature of the experience and keeps the reader engaged throughout.
In conclusion, George Alagiah's "A Passage to Africa" is a masterful piece of writing that uses voice, language, and structure to create a deeply moving account of the Somalian famine. It serves as an excellent IGCSE text for studying how literary devices can be employed to convey complex emotions and social commentary.
Highlight: This analysis provides valuable insights for students preparing for IGCSE past papers or exams on "A Passage to Africa."
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user