In this informational text, Gwen Thompkins discusses an incident in a Kenyan tribe in which 11 people accused of being witches were burned in May 2008. As your read, take notes on people's views on witchcraft in the mentioned African countries.
Question 1
1.
Question 2
2.
Question 3
3.
Question 4
4.
How does the author develop the idea that a belief in witch craft is widespread in Africa?
Part A: Which statement identifies the central idea of the text?
Killing people based on claims of witchcraft is accepted by authority figures in Africa and people are never prosecuted.
People in Africa don't actually believe that witches exist, rather, they use it as an excuse to target people they don't like.
People in some African countries have used claims of witchcraft to kill people out of fear, but also for personal reasons.
The only way to protect yourself from being accused and executed as a witch is to seek protection from a witch doctor.
Part B: Which detail from the text best supports the answer to Part A?
"They didn't even come to the funeral,' Obiero said. 'It is not easy to forgive someone who has done you such a terrible thing." (Paragraph 8)
"The authorities say they have arrested more than 100 people in the burnings, but whether they will successfully prosecute any of the suspects is unclear." (Paragraph 9)
"For 40 years, Nyakundi has been using herbs and a little bloodletting to shield his customers from being bewitched." (Paragraph 11)
"Sometimes, they really believe that a witch is in their midst. But sometimes, he says, accusations are made to settle pretty score." (Paragraphs 12)
Which of the following describes the author's main purpose in the text?
to discuss a modern witch burning and explore potential motivations for it
to criticize African countries that believe in witches and magic
to prove that people still use accusations of witchcraft to persecute others
to question how authorities address witch burnings in African countries
