Cambridge IGCSE English Literature
Cambridge IGCSE English Literature Things Fall Apart Exam Questions
Free Cambridge IGCSE English Literature practice questions for Things Fall Apart. Covers chinua Achebe's novel of Okonkwo and Umuofia, Igbo society, masculinity, fate, tradition and the impact of colonialism.
Things Fall Apart practice questions
1 pack of exam-style practice questions for Things Fall Apart. Plan and write as many answers as you can under timed conditions, then compare them with the guidance on this page and your notes.
About Cambridge IGCSE English Literature Things Fall Apart
Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart is a prose set text on Cambridge IGCSE Paper 1: Poetry and Prose. It tells the story of Okonkwo, a respected but rigid warrior in the Igbo village of Umuofia, whose fear of weakness drives his tragic fall as Christian missionaries and colonial government arrive. Cambridge questions either print a passage for close analysis or ask an essay on a character, relationship or theme. Examiners reward detailed knowledge of the novel's three parts, appreciation of Achebe's storytelling style, including proverbs and folk tales, and a thoughtful personal response.
Key themes, characters and context
- Okonkwo Driven by fear of resembling his father Unoka, he values strength and despises gentleness. His harshness and pride lead to exile and finally suicide.
- Ikemefuna and Nwoye Ikemefuna, the boy given to Umuofia, becomes like a son; Okonkwo joins in killing him to avoid seeming weak. This deeply affects Nwoye, who later turns to Christianity.
- Igbo society Achebe presents a complex society with law, religion, family life and the egwugwu. Proverbs, 'the palm-oil with which words are eaten', show the value of language.
- Exile in Mbanta After accidentally killing Ezeudu's son, Okonkwo is exiled for seven years to his mother's homeland, where he hears of the missionaries' arrival.
- Colonialism Part Three shows the church, courts and District Commissioner breaking Umuofia's unity. The Commissioner's planned book title reveals colonial arrogance.
- Title and structure The title comes from Yeats's poem 'The Second Coming'. The three-part structure moves from a whole society to its fragmentation.
Common mistakes in Things Fall Apart
- Seeing Okonkwo as purely heroic or purely villainous; Achebe presents a tragic figure with real strengths and flaws.
- Claiming Igbo society is shown as perfect; Achebe also shows practices that cause suffering, such as the treatment of twins and osu.
- Ignoring the final chapter's shift to the District Commissioner's viewpoint, which is crucial to the novel's meaning.
- Writing about colonial history in general instead of analysing Achebe's writing.
- Forgetting the women of the novel, such as Ekwefi and Ezinma, whose relationship offers tenderness and contrast.
Try three Things Fall Apart practice questions
1. Read the passage describing the death of Ikemefuna. How does Achebe make this such a shocking moment? (25 marks)
Show what a strong answer includes
A strong answer would analyse the build-up of Ikemefuna's trust and hopes; examine the sudden violence and Okonkwo's motive of fear; comment on the plain, controlled narration; and explore the effects on Okonkwo and Nwoye.
2. How far does Achebe make you sympathise with Okonkwo? (25 marks)
Show what a strong answer includes
A strong answer would weigh his achievements and courage against his violence and pride; consider his fear of his father's failure; explore key moments such as Ikemefuna's death, exile and the ending; and reach a balanced personal judgement.
3. Explore how Achebe presents the arrival of the missionaries and its effects on Umuofia. (25 marks)
Show what a strong answer includes
A strong answer would discuss why some villagers, including Nwoye, are drawn to the church; contrast Mr Brown and Mr Smith; analyse how unity breaks down; and examine the irony of the final paragraph.
Things Fall Apart FAQs
What does Cambridge IGCSE English Literature Things Fall Apart cover?
It covers Achebe's novel, including Okonkwo's story, Igbo society, colonialism, key characters and Achebe's style and structure.
Which paper is Things Fall Apart examined in for Cambridge IGCSE?
It is a prose set text on Paper 1: Poetry and Prose, where you choose either the passage question or the essay question.
What should I learn for Things Fall Apart?
Learn the main events in each of the three parts, Okonkwo's key relationships, a few short proverbs, and the ending, especially the District Commissioner's viewpoint.
