The danger of a single story

What key message does Adichie convey about stereotyping in her speech?

She argues that relying on a single perspective leads to false assumptions and limits understanding of others.

How does Adichie demonstrate the effect of a single story on perception?

Anecdote “she assumed that i did not know how to use a stove,” showing how stereotypes affect real - life interactions.

What does Adichie say abut the power of stories?

“Stories matter. Many stories matter” she emphasises that multiple stories are needed to see the full truth and avoid harmful stereotypes.

How does the media contribute to the danger of a single story?

The media often presents one narrative, which shapes public perception and can dominate or socially define groups unfairly

How does Adichie admit to being affected by a single story herself?

She confesses, “I had bought into the single story of Mexicans,” showing that anyone can fall into the trap of stereotyping

Why are people without power more affected by single stories?

Becuase they lack control over how they are represented, making them more vulnerable to misrepresentation.

What does Adichie say is the responsibility of those with power?

To tell many different stories and not just promote their own perspective

How does Adichie use first - person narrative in her speech?

It makes her message personal authentic, and relatable, grounding her argument in real experience

What is the effect of Adichie’s use of anecdotes?

They illustrate how stereotyping affected her life, strengthening her argument with real world examples

Why does Adichie use inclusive pronouns like “we”?

To unite herself with the audience and emphasise collective reps on biliary in rejecting single stories

How do discourse markers contribute to the tone of the speech?

Words like “so” and “now” create an informal, conversational tone, making the speech more engaging

What role does humour play in the speech?

It creates a light - hearted tone that contrasts with serious issues, making her message more accessible and memorable

Why are single line paragraphs used in the speech?

They emphasise key points and reflect the limited viewpoint of a single story

What does the word “danger” in the title suggest?

It warns the audience that single stories are not just misleading - they are harmful

How does childlike language support Adichie’s message?

Phrases like “crayon illustrations” show how stereotypes are introduced to children at an early age.

What is the effect of the phrase “as was the norm”?

It highlights how easily false ideas can become accepted as normal when repeated

How does syntactic parallelism reveal cultural differences?

“We never talked about the weather” vs “They talked a lot about the weather” shows how culture shapes narrative

How does juxtaposition enhance the argument?

Constructing “a single story” with “a few personal stories” reminds us that no one story tel;s the full truth

What effect does emotive language have in the speech?

Words like “vulnerable” and “fleecing” evoke sympathy and highlight the real - world damage of single stories

How does repetition reinforce Adichie’s message?

Repeating phrases like “stories matter” emphasises their importance in shaping perception and identity.