Questions below are based on Bolaji Abdullahi's "Sweet Sixteen" The novelist noted that stereoscopic people should be

Step 1: Understand the question This is a literature-in-English question on Bolaji Abdullahi's Sweet Sixteen. It asks what the novelist says should be done about "stereoscopic" people. The word is probably a misprint of stereotypical, meaning people who hold fixed, generalised and often unfair opinions about others (for example about a tribe, religion, gender or region). Stereoscopic literally refers to 3D vision, which doesn't fit the context.

Step 2: Recall the theme Sweet Sixteen deals with prejudice, misjudgement and the need for understanding and tolerance. The author's attitude toward such wrong thinking is corrective, not punitive. People with stereotypes are seen as needing enlightenment and a change of mindset.

Step 3: Eliminate options

• A. condemned for their bad thinking: This is harsh and punitive, which doesn't match the author's tone of understanding.
• B. encouraged by admonition: Admonition means a warning or scolding, so "encouraged by admonition" doesn't make sense.
• C. corrected of their bad thinking: This fits, because the faulty thinking is the problem and the remedy is to correct it.
• D. challenged to take up social responsibilities: This is unrelated to stereotyping.

Step 4: Answer I can't quote the exact passage from memory, so this rests on the novel's theme and elimination. Check it against your copy of the text if you can.

Exam tip: In literature questions on attitude, ask whether the author is judging or helping. Themes of prejudice and misunderstanding usually point to correction and enlightenment, not condemnation. Also be wary of options with odd wording, like "encouraged by admonition", which contradicts itself.