Questions below are based on Bolaji Abdullahi's "Sweet Sixteen" Aliya although is born with a silver spoon…

Analyze the question: The question is about Aliya in Bolaji Abdullahi's "Sweet Sixteen". She is "born with a silver spoon" (born into wealth), yet she lacks freedom to move around and meet new people. We are asked what this "signals", meaning what literary idea or theme it points to.

Explain the concept: Irony is a contrast between what we expect and what actually happens. Being born with a silver spoon normally suggests comfort, privilege and freedom. When a wealthy girl turns out to be restricted and isolated, that contradiction is irony, specifically the irony of life, where wealth does not guarantee happiness or freedom.

Step-by-step solution:

1. The phrase "although is born with a silver spoon" sets up an expectation of a comfortable, free life.
2. The phrase "but she has no freedom to move around" breaks that expectation.
3. The words "although" and "but" mark a contrast between what is expected and what is true. That is the signal of irony.
4. Checking the options: • A. Criticism of strict parenting: This is plausible, since her restriction may come from her parents. However, the question stresses the contrast between wealth and lack of freedom, not the parenting style itself. • B. Irony of life: This fits the contrast between privilege and restriction. • C. Essence of a child's exposure: This is a different point about why exposure matters. The sentence does not stress it. • D. Expectations of wealthy parents: The sentence says nothing about what wealthy parents expect.

Tip: In literature questions, look for contrast words like although, but, yet and however. They often signal irony. Ask yourself, "Is what happened the opposite of what I would expect?" If yes, irony is likely the answer.