Question 1: What is the main theme of the poem 'Checking Out Me History'?

Answer: The importance of reclaiming one's own history and identity.

Question 2: Identify one literary device used in the lines 'Dem tell me. Dem tell me. Wha dem want to tell me?' and explain its effect.

Answer: Repetition; it emphasizes the speaker's frustration and the dominance of imposed narratives.

Question 3: Which historical figures are mentioned in the poem? List at least two.

Answer: Toussaint Louverture, Nanny de Maroon, Mary Seacole.

Question 4: Describe how the poet uses the metaphor 'carving out me own history'.

Answer: It suggests that the poet is actively creating and shaping their own understanding of history, rather than accepting what is told by others.

Question 5: Analyze the significance of the line 'No whitewash, no cover-up, no false stories.' in the context of the poem.

Answer: See full answer key

Question 6: What tone does the poet adopt in this poem? Support your answer with evidence.

Answer: A tone of defiance and empowerment, as seen in the lines about reclaiming history and identity.

Question 7: Identify one example of alliteration in the extract and explain its effect.

Answer: Repetition of 'Dem tell me' creates rhythm and emphasizes the repeated suppression or marginalization of history.

Question 8: Compare the depiction of history in this poem with how history is traditionally taught in schools.

Answer: See full answer key

Question 9: Write a creative paragraph imagining the poet's perspective if they had been taught only the 'whitewashed' history. How might their feelings differ?

Answer: See full answer key