Question

The author argues that Kiebera becoming the shantytown is not unusual because

• A. Kiebera has many poor people who have come to earn but have no land to live on.
• B. Researchers have predicted that squatters will continue to grow in numbers.
• C. Squatting has long had a positive role in urban development.
• D. All of the above
• A. The description of Kiebera
• B. The description of his friends businesses.
• C. The comparison with co-op apartments of Manhatten
• D. The history of London and Paris.
• A. Squatters will continue to rise in numbers in the coming years irrespective of whether they are from poor countries or not.
• B. There is nothing wrong in squatting on the land of a stranger
• C. London & Paris too are shantytowns.
• D. even today squatters live under the Manhatten's co-op apartments.
• A. Kiebera-Squatters' Paradise of Nairobi
• B. Squatters of the World
• C. Squatter Cities
• D. Future of Squatters

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understand the question
The question asks why the author argues that Kibera becoming a shantytown is "not unusual." This means we need to explore the author’s reasoning in the passage about why squatter settlements like Kibera should not be seen as extraordinary or rare, but rather as a common, even historical, phenomenon in urban growth.

Step 2: Recall the relevant parts of the passage
In the passage, the author explains:
- There are already about a billion squatters worldwide (almost one-sixth of humanity).
- By 2030, projections suggest two billion squatters; by 2050, three billion (about one-third of humanity).
- Squatting is not a new trend—it has historically played a positive role in urban development.
- Many neighborhoods in Europe and North America, including parts of London, Paris, and even Manhattan, began as squatter settlements before becoming valuable real estate.

Step 3: Analyze the reasoning
The author is essentially saying Kibera is not unusual because:
1. **Historical precedent:** In the past, great cities like London, Paris, and New York had large squatter neighborhoods, which eventually integrated into the urban fabric.
2. **Global trend:** Squatter settlements exist worldwide today, with a staggering one billion squatters and numbers increasing rapidly.
3. **Urban growth pattern:** Squatting has often served as the first step in city development, providing affordable shelter and eventually evolving into established neighborhoods.

Step 4: Link to the options
Since Kibera’s rise as a shantytown reflects historical patterns, global realities, and the natural course of urbanization, the correct reasoning is not limited to one factor but includes all these explanations together.

Step 5: Final justification
Therefore, Kibera being a shantytown is not unusual because squatting is common historically, globally, and developmentally. All of these arguments support the author’s view.

Final Answer: The correct option is (D) All of the above because the author relies on multiple reasons—history, global trends, and urban growth patterns—to argue that Kibera’s case is not unusual.

Answer 2

Step 1: Understand the question
The question is asking how the author illustrates the prosperity of Kibera’s underground economy. The focus is on the evidence or example that the author provides to demonstrate that even within poverty and squalor, business activity is thriving.

Step 2: Recall the relevant text from the passage
The author describes Kibera as having a vibrant underground economy. He specifically mentions that within the slum there are health clinics, beauty salons, grocery stores, bars, restaurants, tailors, clothiers, churches, and schools. But most importantly, the author emphasizes this prosperity by narrating the story of his friend—a squatter-turned-millionaire. This individual started with a tiny cigarette and biscuit shop from the window of his hut and gradually built a wide-ranging business empire including pharmacies, groceries, bars, beverage-distribution outlets, transportation companies, manufacturing firms, and real estate.

Step 3: Analyze why this example is central
While the general list of businesses shows the presence of economic activity, the detailed story of his friend demonstrates just how far economic success can go in Kibera. The rise of one man from a small-time seller to a “squatter millionaire” is powerful evidence that the underground economy is not only surviving but thriving. It provides a concrete, human example of prosperity, which is more impactful than just listing businesses.

Step 4: Justify the correct option
Therefore, the prosperity of Kibera’s underground economy is best conveyed through the author’s description of his friend’s wide network of businesses. This personal example embodies the vibrancy of the economy and convinces the reader of its success.

Final Answer: The correct option is (B) The description of his friend’s businesses, because this personal success story serves as the clearest proof of Kibera’s economic vitality.

Answer 3

Step 1: Understand the question
The question asks us to identify the main thesis put forward by the author in the passage. A thesis is the central argument or the key idea that the author wants readers to accept after reading the text.

Step 2: Recall the central theme of the passage
The passage is not just about Kibera alone—it uses Kibera as an illustration of a much larger global phenomenon. The author shows that squatting is widespread, with around one billion squatters already in the world today, and projects that the number will reach two billion by 2030 and three billion by 2050. That means nearly one-third of the world’s population will be squatters in the future. Importantly, he stresses that squatting is not limited to the poor nations of Africa or Asia, but has historically been part of the growth of cities in developed countries too, such as London, Paris, and even Manhattan in the U.S.

Step 3: Analyze the author’s argument
The author is putting forward the idea that squatting is:
1. A universal phenomenon (found in both developed and developing nations).
2. A continuing and increasing trend (numbers will keep rising over time).
3. An integral part of urban growth (many great neighborhoods started as squatter settlements).

Step 4: Match with the given options
The option that best summarizes this main thesis is: Squatters will continue to rise in numbers in the coming years irrespective of whether they are from poor countries or not. This matches the data-driven projections given in the passage and the global perspective that squatting is not unique to poor nations.

Step 5: Final justification
Thus, the author’s key thesis is that squatting will remain a growing and worldwide reality, not confined to poor countries, but a general condition of urban development across the globe.

Final Answer: The correct option is (A) Squatters will continue to rise in numbers in the coming years irrespective of whether they are from poor countries or not.

Answer 4

Step 1: Understand the question
The question asks for the most appropriate title for the passage. A good title should capture the central idea of the passage and reflect both the subject matter (Kibera and squatters) and the author’s perspective (that squatting is widespread, significant, and has both challenges and opportunities).

Step 2: Recall the main focus of the passage
The author describes Kibera, Nairobi’s massive shantytown, where over 500,000 people live in poor conditions without sanitation or clean water. However, the passage highlights not just poverty, but also the vibrant underground economy, entrepreneurship, and the resilience of squatters. The author then extends the discussion globally, noting that squatting is a common phenomenon in cities worldwide and that squatter populations will continue to rise.

Step 3: Evaluate the proposed title
(A) Kiebera – Squatters’ Paradise of Nairobi → This title directly captures the central subject (Kibera) and emphasizes its paradoxical nature: despite extreme poverty, it is still a “paradise” of opportunity for squatters, where businesses thrive and migrants seek better prospects. It mirrors the author’s theme that squatter settlements can be dynamic and vital to urban growth.

Step 4: Why this is the best title
The passage is not a generic account of global squatting, nor just about poverty. It begins with Kibera and consistently uses Kibera as the main case study to illustrate the larger argument. The phrase “Squatters’ Paradise” reflects the contradiction: a place of squalor but also of prosperity and opportunity. Therefore, this title is precise, relevant, and impactful.

Final Answer: The correct option is (A) Kiebera – Squatters’ Paradise of Nairobi, as it best captures both the subject and the central message of the passage.