Questions below are based on Bolaji Abdullahi's "Sweet Sixteen" Mr Bello's best advice to Aliya on dating is that

I can't verify the exact text of the passage, so I'll work from what I recall of the story and say where I'm less sure.

Analyze the question This is a literature-in-English question on Bolaji Abdullahi's Sweet Sixteen. It asks for the best advice Mr Bello gives Aliya about dating. So you are looking for his main message, not a minor point made along the way.

Explain the concept In Sweet Sixteen, Aliya is a young girl at the stage where boys start to show interest in her. Mr Bello is a mature, caring figure. His guidance centres on patience: she is still young and her priority should be her education and growth. Dating is something for the right time, when she is mature enough.

Work through the options

• A. Gifting doesn't mean true affection: This is a side observation about gifts. It is not his overall advice.
• B. Dating can be so distracting: This is a reason for waiting, but it describes a consequence rather than the advice itself.
• C. She should wait for the right time: This is the core advice. It covers the distraction concern and the need for maturity, and it doesn't ban relationships outright.
• D. She should never be committed to anyone: This is too extreme. A mentor like Mr Bello wouldn't say "never".

Answer

Exam tip For "best advice" questions, choose the broad, balanced option that sums up the message. Be wary of absolute words like "never" (option D), which are usually wrong. Also, a reason (B) is rarely as good as the actual advice (C).