■ Maasai Text Study Guide
Title: “African Maasai Ditch Lion Killing as Proof of Manhood” — shows shift from old tradition (lion
killing) to new athletics (Maasai Olympics).
Author: Nick Kirkpatrick, journalist at The Washington Post. Proof: published in a respected
newspaper, journalistic style, purpose is to inform and explain cultural change.
Point of View: Third-person objective. Reports facts and quotes without personal opinion.
Example: 'The young competitors, both men and women, compete for money, medals, student
scholarships…'
Genre: Nonfiction – news article/report.
Tone: Informative and respectful, with admiration for Maasai adaptability.
Symbols: Lion = old tradition. Maasai Olympics = cultural transformation. Running & jumping =
pride, energy, status.
Detailed Summary: The Maasai traditionally proved manhood by killing lions, but this threatened
lion populations. To preserve culture and wildlife, they introduced the Maasai Olympics, where
youth compete in running, spear throwing, and high jump. These events honor warrior traditions
while creating modern opportunities like scholarships. Leaders now encourage athletics instead of
lion killing, ensuring lions’ survival and Maasai cultural pride.
■ Vocabulary
1 Brink – the edge; the point of something beginning.
2 Extinction – the dying out of an animal species.
3 Conservation – the act of preserving and protecting natural resources.
4 Competitors – rivals; people who play against each other in a sport.
■ Critical & Class Reading Questions
1 Critical Viewing: The photo illustrates the high jump event. The article states: 'the high jump, not
in Olympic fashion but in Maasai warrior-style.'
2 Close Reading: Yes, athletic ability is a good way to show status. Example: Tipape Lekatao
plans to use winnings for education.
3 Close Reading: It was 'stunning' because lion hunting had been a centuries-old tradition. Elders
asking to stop it was new and shocking.
4 Comparing Texts - Analyze: Joseph goes to school but Paraikon did not → culture shifting
toward education.
5 Infer: Paraikon might resist ending lion hunts but could accept athletics as a safer alternative.
6 Synthesize: Maasai hold on by keeping traditions (running, spears) but adapting them into
sports.
7 Compare: Paraikon saw lion danger as natural, but article shows rejection of lion killing.
8 Genres: 'Herdsman' is memoir, personal. 'African Maasai Ditch Lion Killing' is news report,
factual.
9 Conclusions: Maasai culture balances old traditions with modern values (education,
conservation, athletics).
■ Exam (American School Style)
Part A – Multiple Choice
1 Q1. The article’s main idea is: c) Maasai replaced lion killing with athletics.
2 Q2. The word 'conservation' means: b) Protecting and preserving resources.
3 Q3. Why did Tipape Lekatao want to win? c) To pay for university education.
Part B – Short Answer
1 Q1. Explain how the Maasai Olympics help preserve tradition and protect lions.
2 Q2. How does the tone of 'African Maasai Ditch Lion Killing' differ from 'Herdsman'?
Part C – Writing Task
Write a paragraph explaining how the Maasai balance tradition with modern changes. Use at least
one quotation from the article.
