- A girl's worth is not limited to marriage and child-bearing; her body and mind can do many things.
- Education opens doors: it is at school that Adjoa's talent is discovered.
- Traditions can change when people see new possibilities — Nana changes her mind out of love and pride.
- Children often understand things before adults do; Adjoa "knew all along".
- The story is told with gentle humour, through the innocent but clear eyes of a child.
Foundation first
A moral is the lesson a story leaves us with. A theme is the larger idea that runs through it. In this story the themes are the worth of a girl, the value of education, and the way tradition can change. In an answer, state the theme in one sentence and prove it with one or two events.
How to prove a theme. Use the pattern "idea, event, meaning". For example: the story shows that tradition can change (idea). Nana, who called the legs useless, carries the cup home like a baby (event). This shows that achievement can open a closed mind (meaning).
Worked examples
Example 1 (short answer, 2 marks). What does the story teach about a girl's worth?
Model answer. It teaches that a girl's worth is not limited to marriage and child-bearing. Adjoa's thin legs, which Nana thought useless, win her the cup for the best all-round junior athlete.
Why this scores: the idea (1 mark) and the proof from the story (1 mark).
Example 2 (3 marks). How does education help Adjoa?
Model answer. Education opens doors for Adjoa. Because Maami insists that she go to school, Adjoa is able to take part in races there, and it is at school that her talent is discovered. Without school she might never have been chosen for the district sports.
Why this scores: the role of Maami (1 mark), the discovery of the talent (1 mark) and the result (1 mark).
Example 3 (personal response, 4 marks). Do you think Nana's change of heart is believable? Give reasons.
Model answer. Yes, I think it is believable, because it happens in small steps. First she goes to the school herself to check the news. Then she irons the uniform every day, walks to the practice and looks at Adjoa's legs in a new way. Finally she carries the cup like a baby. Nana loves Adjoa, and love makes a person open to new ideas. Also, seeing real success is a stronger argument than any speech. So the change comes from her own experience, which is why it seems true.
Why this scores: a clear opinion (1 mark), three steps of the change (2 marks) and a reason for it (1 mark). This supports the 2026 Q4(v) idea that Adjoa's success changes Nana's traditional views.
Doubts cleared
Q. Is the story only about girls? It is about girls, but also about anyone who is judged by a narrow idea. The lesson is useful to boys and girls.
Q. Does the story say tradition is bad? No. Nana is not a bad person. The story only shows that a tradition that limits a girl can be changed when people see what she can do.
Q. Is the ending happy? Yes. Nana accepts Adjoa, Maami is overjoyed, and Adjoa's belief in herself is confirmed.
Q. How can I link the title to the ending? The title says what a girl can do. The ending proves it by showing Adjoa with the cup.
Mistakes to avoid
- Writing a general essay on women's rights without using the story. Always cite Adjoa, Nana or the cup.
- Saying the story is against education or against grandmothers. It is gentle toward all three women.
- Forgetting Maami's part. Her insistence on school is what makes the discovery possible.
Check yourself
- Give one theme of the story.
- Which event best proves that tradition can change?
- Why does the title use the word "can"?
Answers: 1. A girl's worth is not limited to marriage and child-bearing (or: education opens doors). 2. Nana carries the cup home on her back like a baby. 3. It stresses what a girl is able to do, not what others say she cannot do.