How to write "discuss this statement" essay?

[krayonkolours]

I got given an essay this week with the topic being "In the Heaven Shop, Ellis presents significant issues through the development of characters and setting." Discuss this statement. This is my first time writing one of these and and I have been sick all week and have not received the "tips" sheet. So I was wondering if you have any tips yourself or websites that may help.

[Ted H]

At her father's funeral, Binti's grandmother utters the words that no one in Malawi wants to hear. Binti's father and her mother before him, dies of AIDS. Binti, her sister, and brother are separated and sent to the home of relatives who can barely tolerate their presence. Ostracized by their extended family, the orphans are treated like the lowest servants. With her brother far away and her sister wallowing in her own sorrow, Binti can hardly contain her rage. She, Binti Phirim, was once a child star of a popular radio program. Now she is scraping to survive. Binti always believed she was special, now she is nothing but a common AIDS orphan.

Binti Phiri is not about to give up. Even as she clings to hope that her former life will be restored, she must face a greater challenge. If she and her brother and sister are to reunited, Binti Phiri will have to look outside herself and find a new way to be special.
http://www.writerscafe.ca/book_blogs/wri...n-shop.php

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Hea...1550419078
http://www.umanitoba.ca/outreach/cm/vol1...nshop.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Heaven_Shop


Teacher's lesson plan
http://mk-mk.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=...topic=3012

I really wish you the best and hope these links help.