1
What is polo?
A sport played on horseback.
What type of text is it? Remember that it's based on the writer's travels.
Travelogue
Where is the story set?
Pakistan (Karachi)
What type of speaker is in the text?
First person
How many days go by in the text?
One
What impact does the use of direct speech have in the text?
It makes it feel more immediate, like we (the reader) are at the race too.
What are the names of the two young men accompanying the writer?
Yaqoob and Iqbal
What nickname is given to these donkey races and why?
Wacky Races because they follow no rules and are wild.
What are maracas?
Rattles used at the race
What does it mean when the donkeys are described as "neck-and-neck"?
They are right beside one another/coming tie.
How do we know the people enjoy these races? provide 1 reason.
They can bet and make money OR they all come to watch OR they are described as shouting and cheering
What does it tell us about the donkeys that they do not react to the "uproar" of the crowd?
They are used to noise/the races/being watched
What does it mean when someone's language is described as "colourful"?
They are using bad language
What sound device is used in the text to create sensory imagery for the reader?
Onomatopoeia
Provide 1 example of humour in the text
Any relevant example -- teacher chooses!
"Just as I was assuming that the race had been cancelled" -- what does this tell us about the culture around these races?
The culture is disorganised and doesn't follow atrict rules.
What does "Kibla" mean?
It's the type of donkey in the races.
Why does the writer describe the situation with the spectators as involving "survival of the fittest"?
Everyone pushes and shoves to get in front to get the best view -- the strongest ones win
Is humour as a language device appropriate in the text? Give 1 reason.
Yes -- the text is joyful/lighthearted/celebratory/the text is about embracing experiences
What part of speech/word class is "but" and what does it show when used at the start of a sentence?
Conjunction; shows change
Why is the situation after the race described as "volatile"?
People who bet money are arguing about who won/saying the race should be rerun
"The two donkeys were almost dwarfed by their entourage" -- in your own words, explain what this means.
The two donkeys look small amongst the many vehicles following them to watch the race.
"This was Formula One without the rules" -- identify the device and explain why Levine uses it.
A metaphor. It describes the speed and competitiveness of the races whilst also highlighting how wild and wacky the donkey races are.
What does "flouting" mean?
Ignoring or breaking
Levine writes that "there were two races" -- what does she mean?
Race 1: donkeys, race 2: the race of the viewers