Pearson Edexcel IGCSE · English Language A

An Unknown Girl, Moniza Alvi: Practice Questions

5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 3 written questions with worked solutions. All on An Unknown Girl, Moniza Alvi.

8 questions15 marksFree, no account

Question 1

1 mark

In Moniza Alvi's poem "An Unknown Girl", which of the following details suggests the temporary nature of the speaker's connection to the culture while she is in the bazaar?

Question 2

1 mark

The speaker describes the process of applying henna as "icing my hand". What does this specific choice of imagery suggest about the speaker's relationship with Indian culture?

Question 3

1 mark

Which sense is most prominently used in "An Unknown Girl" to create a vivid atmosphere of the bazaar surroundings?

Question 4

1 mark

In "An Unknown Girl", how does the poet use the metaphor of the "peacock" on her hand to explore the theme of identity?

Question 5

1 mark

In Moniza Alvi's poem "An Unknown Girl", what is the primary setting where the speaker receives the henna design?

Question 6

2 marks

In the poem An Unknown Girl, identify one specific phrase the speaker uses to describe the appearance of the henna patterns as they are being created on her hand.

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Question 7

4 marks

Explain how Moniza Alvi uses the personification in the lines "the neon bazaar / climbs the ladders of my hand" to convey the speaker's sense of connection to the environment in An Unknown Girl.

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Question 8

4 marks

In the poem 'An Unknown Girl', Moniza Alvi explores the experience of having henna applied in a busy Indian bazaar. Answer the following questions based on the text:

a) Identify two specific details from the first stanza that describe the atmosphere of the bazaar. (2 points)

b) Explain what the metaphor 'a peacock spreads its lines' tells the reader about the henna design. (1 point)

c) Briefly describe the speaker's reaction to the henna as she prepares to leave for England at the end of the poem. (1 point)

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