A dumb girl, according to Bolaji Abdullahi's 'Sweet Sixteen' is all of following except one

Analyze the question: The question asks for the one option that does NOT describe a "dumb girl" in Bolaji Abdullahi's Sweet Sixteen. This is an "except" question, so three options describe a dumb girl and one does not.

Explain the concept: Sweet Sixteen is about the dangers of adolescence, especially for girls. It warns about peer pressure, manipulation by boys, and risky decisions. In the novel, being "dumb" is not about intelligence or academic performance. It is about poor judgment and a lack of self-awareness in life choices.

Solution:

• B. Doesn't know when she is being manipulated. This fits. A dumb girl is easily deceived and used.
• C. Misbehaves. This fits. Reckless or wayward conduct is part of the description.
• D. Has sex with a boy to prove she loves him. This fits. It is the classic example of giving in to pressure and manipulation, which the novel warns against.
• A. Doesn't do well in exams. This does not fit. The novel does not equate "dumb" with poor academic results. A girl can be brilliant in class and still make foolish choices in life, so academic performance is not the measure.

Answer: A

Tip: In "except" questions, first find the options that clearly match the text's theme. Here the theme is moral and social judgment, so the option about academic performance stands out as the odd one. In literature texts, "dumb" or "foolish" usually refers to character and choices, not grades.