Listen Up: Teen artist breaks Guinness record with world's largest autism awareness canvas
Questions
1. Why did Kanyeyachukwu create this painting?
A. to inspire other young artists in Nigeria
B. to donate it to the local museum
C. to make people more aware of autism
D. all of the above
2. Which of the following best describes the ribbon in Kanyeyachukwu's painting?
A. It is painted in only black and white.
B. It featured a rainbow of colours.
C. It is primarily blue with some rainbows on it.
D. It has different shades of purple.
3. At which event was Kanyeyachukwu's painting shown to the public?
A. World Autism Acceptance Day
B. Autistic Pride Day
C. Autism Understanding Day
D. World Autism Spectrum Day
4. How does Kanyeyachukwu's condition affect him, according to the podcast?
A. He finds bright lights overwhelming.
B. It affects his ability to speak.
C. Small changes cause him extreme distress.
D. He finds it difficult to control his feelings.
5. If you are 'determined' to do something, you …
A. are likely to give up easily if it is difficult.
B. haven't decided if you want to do it.
C. have made a firm decision and will try hard to succeed.
D. are probably feeling confused about what to do.
6. According to the podcast, how many children in Nigeria have autism?
A. 100
B. 1,000
C. about one in 100 children
D. information not given
7. What problem do many autistic people in Nigeria face?
A. insufficient government support
B. lack of reliable data on autism
C. not enough awareness about autism
D. all of the above
8. Based on the podcast, why is autism often diagnosed late in Nigeria?
A. because of limited resources for autism
B. because autism develops later in some kids
C. because there is no stigma towards autism
D. because schools provide enough support
9. Which word can replace 'key' in the podcast?
A. crucial
B. clue
C. unnecessary
D. minor
10. What does the 'early intervention' in the podcast refer to?
A. diagnosing autism when someone is an adult
B. providing a child with autism with support from a young age
C. discovering an autistic child's talent
D. finding an immediate cure for autism symptoms
11. Complete the following information about Kanyeyachukwu's artwork. (5 marks)
(i) Type of artwork:
(ii) Size:
(iii) Where it was created:
(iv) When it was created:
(v) What award it won:
Answers
1. C
2. B
3. A
4. B
5. C
6. D
7. D
8. A
9. A
10. B
11. (i) painting; (ii) 12,304 square metres; (iii) Nigeria; (iv) November 2024; (v) Guinness World Record for the world's largest art canvas to raise awareness for autism
Kanyeyachukwu's disorder limits his speech, but his family is committed to providing him with the best support possible. Photo: AP
Script
Adapted from Associated Press
Voice 1: An autistic 15-year-old in Nigeria has set a Guinness World Record for the world's largest art canvas to raise awareness for autism. Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke's painting features a multicoloured ribbon, which is a symbol of autism. Emojis surround the ribbon, and the painting spans 12,304 square metres. It aims to highlight the spectrum disorder and the challenges that individuals like him face amid stigma and limited resources in Nigeria.
Voice 2: His artwork surpassed that of Emad Salehi, the previous world record holder. Salehi was nearly three times older, at 42, when he set the record with a 9,652-square-metre canvas. Kanyeyachukwu's artwork was created in November 2024. It was unveiled and officially recognised by Guinness World Record organisers in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, during World Autism Acceptance Day in April. Nigeria's minister of art and culture said Kanyeyachukwu's artwork was 'a beacon of hope and inspiration' for people with autism.
Voice 1: The teen's disorder limits his speech. Born in Canada before moving to Nigeria, Kanyeyachukwu's upbringing has been challenging, his family said. His father shared that there was often fear, confusion and sadness along the way. In Nigeria, many individuals on the autism spectrum experience stigma and have limited access to resources. However, his family was committed to providing him with the best support.
Voice 2: The young artist's record-breaking attempt was accompanied by a campaign tagged 'Impossibility is a Myth'. It was widely celebrated among Nigerians, partly because of his young age. Kanyeyachukwu's world record attempt also sought to raise funds for the Zeebah Foundation. The foundation is a non-profit organisation that focuses on providing support to individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.
Voice 1: While there are no official records from within Nigeria, about one in 100 children worldwide has autism, according to the World Health Organization. Like in many other countries, autism is often not diagnosed in Nigeria until someone is older. Autistic people in Nigeria face significant challenges, including a lack of reliable data, awareness and government support, according to Stanley Effah, founder of the Ferdinand Effah Music Heritage Foundation.
Voice 2: Kanyeyachukwu's mother said that more government support would be key to providing those on the spectrum with the care they need early in life. Kanyeyachukwu was only diagnosed in Canada after years of failed attempts in Nigeria, his father said. The diagnosis paved the way for proper support, including his love for drawing, which he discovered at the age of four. The father said his son could tidy his room and wash his clothes today because of early intervention.
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Questions 1. Why did Kanyeyachukwu create this painting? A. to inspire other young artists in Nigeria B. to donate it to the local museum C. to make people more aware of autism D. all of the above 2. Which of the following best describes the ribbon in Kanyeyachukwu's painting? A. It is painted in only black and white. B. It featured a rainbow of colours. C. It is primarily blue with some rainbows on it. D. It has different shades of purple. 3. At which event was Kanyeyachukwu's painting shown to the public? A. World Autism Acceptance Day B. Autistic Pride Day C. Autism Understanding Day D. World Autism Spectrum Day 4. How does Kanyeyachukwu's condition affect him, according to the podcast? A. He finds bright lights overwhelming. B. It affects his ability to speak. C. Small changes cause him extreme distress. D. He finds it difficult to control his feelings. 5. If you are 'determined' to do something, you … A. are likely to give up easily if it is difficult. B. haven't decided if you want to do it. C. have made a firm decision and will try hard to succeed. D. are probably feeling confused about what to do. 6. According to the podcast, how many children in Nigeria have autism? A. 100 B. 1,000 C. about one in 100 children D. information not given 7. What problem do many autistic people in Nigeria face? A. insufficient government support B. lack of reliable data on autism C. not enough awareness about autism D. all of the above 8. Based on the podcast, why is autism often diagnosed late in Nigeria? A. because of limited resources for autism B. because autism develops later in some kids C. because there is no stigma towards autism D. because schools provide enough support 9. Which word can replace 'key' in the podcast? A. crucial B. clue C. unnecessary D. minor 10. What does the 'early intervention' in the podcast refer to? 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Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke's painting features a multicoloured ribbon, which is a symbol of autism. Emojis surround the ribbon, and the painting spans 12,304 square metres. It aims to highlight the spectrum disorder and the challenges that individuals like him face amid stigma and limited resources in Nigeria. Voice 2: His artwork surpassed that of Emad Salehi, the previous world record holder. Salehi was nearly three times older, at 42, when he set the record with a 9,652-square-metre canvas. Kanyeyachukwu's artwork was created in November 2024. It was unveiled and officially recognised by Guinness World Record organisers in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, during World Autism Acceptance Day in April. Nigeria's minister of art and culture said Kanyeyachukwu's artwork was 'a beacon of hope and inspiration' for people with autism. Voice 1: The teen's disorder limits his speech. Born in Canada before moving to Nigeria, Kanyeyachukwu's upbringing has been challenging, his family said. His father shared that there was often fear, confusion and sadness along the way. In Nigeria, many individuals on the autism spectrum experience stigma and have limited access to resources. However, his family was committed to providing him with the best support. Voice 2: The young artist's record-breaking attempt was accompanied by a campaign tagged 'Impossibility is a Myth'. It was widely celebrated among Nigerians, partly because of his young age. Kanyeyachukwu's world record attempt also sought to raise funds for the Zeebah Foundation. The foundation is a non-profit organisation that focuses on providing support to individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Voice 1: While there are no official records from within Nigeria, about one in 100 children worldwide has autism, according to the World Health Organization. Like in many other countries, autism is often not diagnosed in Nigeria until someone is older. Autistic people in Nigeria face significant challenges, including a lack of reliable data, awareness and government support, according to Stanley Effah, founder of the Ferdinand Effah Music Heritage Foundation. Voice 2: Kanyeyachukwu's mother said that more government support would be key to providing those on the spectrum with the care they need early in life. Kanyeyachukwu was only diagnosed in Canada after years of failed attempts in Nigeria, his father said. The diagnosis paved the way for proper support, including his love for drawing, which he discovered at the age of four. The father said his son could tidy his room and wash his clothes today because of early intervention.
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