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NATIONAL
SENIOR CERTIFICATE
GRADE 11
NOVEMBER 2017
ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE P2
MARKING GUIDELINE
MARKS: 80
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English Hl · Grade 11 · Eastern Cape November · 2017. Memorandum, 22 pages. Read online or download the PDF.
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2 ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE P2 (EC/NOVEMBER 2017)
NOTE TO MARKERS
This marking memorandum is intended as a guide for markers.
Candidates’ responses must be considered on their merits.
MARKING GUIDELINES
Wherever a candidate has answered more than the required number of
questions, mark only the first answer/response. (The candidate may not
answer the essay and the contextual question on the same genre.)
In SECTION A, if a candidate has answered all four questions on seen
poems, mark only the first two.
In SECTIONS B and C, if a candidate has answered two contextual or two
essay questions, mark the first one and ignore the second. If a candidate has
answered all four questions, mark only the first answer in each section,
provided that one contextual and one essay has been answered.
If a candidate gives two answers where the first one is wrong and the next
one is correct, mark the first answer and ignore the next.
If answers are incorrectly numbered, mark according to the memo.
If a spelling error affects the meaning, mark incorrect. If it does not affect the
meaning, mark correct.
Essay question: If the essay is shorter than the required word count, do not
penalise because the candidate has already penalised him/herself. If the
essay is too long, consider and assess a maximum of 50 words beyond the
required word count and ignore the rest of the essay.
Contextual questions: If the candidate does not use inverted commas when
asked to quote, do not penalise.
Answers to contextual questions must be assessed holistically. Part marks
should be awarded in proportion to the fullness of the response to each
question.
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(EC/NOVEMBER 2017) ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE P2 3
SECTION A: POETRY
QUESTION 1: PRESCRIBED POETRY – ESSAY QUESTION
In a carefully planned essay, critically discuss how the poet uses the title and
imagery to convey the message of the poem. Your essay must be 200–250
words (about ONE page) in length.
Message:
Death changes everything; relatives and relationships change when
someone dies.
Title:
The title suggests a happy occasion – a short vacation in the middle
of the school term.
This idea is in contrast with the reason the speaker returns home; it
is not for a holiday, but for his brother’s funeral.
The title is thus unexpectedly ironic.
Imagery:
The ‘bells knelling’ are an ominous indication of something
unpleasant.
The unusual sight of the speaker’s crying father is the first
confirmation of a sad family gathering.
The old men standing up to greet the schoolboy show a shift in his
relationship with acquaintances – his family’s sadness causes people
to treat him differently, and he is ‘embarrassed’ by it.
He witnesses his mother’s anguish (‘angry tearless sighs’), yet seems
unaffected by her unusual behaviour.
He is alone. His parents are grieving, and he has to make sense of it
all.
When the speaker finally sees his younger brother’s corpse, it is the
very specific reference to the size of the coffin (‘four foot box’) that
jolts the reader as well. The image of a small child in his coffin is
unnatural and heart breaking.
The speaker witnesses the reason for his brother’s death – ‘poppy
bruise on his left temple’, and is faced with the shocking truth.
The repetition of ‘four foot’ underlines the tragedy of the child’s death.
It is also an attempt by the speaker to come to terms with this
untimely death. If he can measure the coffin, he can come to terms
with his brother’s death.
Grief isolates people, and changes them. His father is crying; his
mother is angry; adults behave differently. The speaker has to deal
with his grief on his own; he is not comforted by anyone. The mid-
term break reveals a broken family. [10]
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4 ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE P2 (EC/NOVEMBER 2017)
QUESTION 2: PRESCRIBED POETRY – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION
WE WEAR THE MASK – Paul Laurence Dunbar
2.1 Explain how the word ‘guile’ (line 3) supports the title.
‘guile’ means deceit; cunning.
When ‘we wear the mask’, we deceive others because the mask
hides the truth. (2)
2.2 Comment on the speaker’s attitude as it is revealed in stanza 2.
The attitude is defiant. (1)
The question is confrontational. (1)
The answer to the rhetorical question starts with an emphatic ‘Nay’,
and continues to confirm that ‘We (will) wear the mask.’ (1) (3)
2.3 Discuss the poet’s use of sound devices.
The poet uses rhyme (‘lies ... eyes’) and assonance (‘grins ... hides’)
throughout the poem to emphasise the main idea contained in the
title, viz. deception.
The alliteration in ‘mouth with myriad’ also points to the great extent
to which we deceive.
The alliteration in ‘Christ’ and ‘cries’ reveals the anguish we
experience through this constant deception.
The repetitive sounds echo the determination of the speaker not to
reveal his real feelings.
[Any 2 aspects well discussed.] (2)
2.4 Explain how the diction in lines 10–11 creates the tone in the last stanza.
‘O great Christ’ is a very strong call, and shows the depth of the
speaker’s agony. (1)
He refers to ‘tortured souls’ to indicate how deeply hurt and
mangled his people are. Torture is a deliberate act, and relates to
the image of the ‘torn and bleeding hearts’ in line 4. (1)
The tone is one of despair, hopelessness, suffering. (1) (3)
[10]
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(EC/NOVEMBER 2017) ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE P2 5
QUESTION 3: PRESCRIBED POETRY – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION
FUNERAL BLUES – W.H. Auden
3.1 Explain the title.
Funerals are usually sad affairs.
‘Blues’ is associated with sadness, depression. (2)
3.2 What does the metaphor in line 9 mean?
The reference to the cardinal points (‘my North, my South, my East
and West) (1) indicates that the speaker’s lover gave meaning and
direction, similar to the indicators on a map, to his life. (1) (2)
3.3 What is the effect of the use of the possessive adjectives and the pronouns
in the third stanza?
The repetition of the first person creates an intimate and direct
account of the speaker’s grief.
Every aspect of the speaker’s everyday existence is affected by his
loved one’s death – ‘my moon, my midnight, my song’. He is
overwhelmed by grief.
In the last line he refers to ‘I’ – his grief is internalised, and
undeniable. (3)
3.4 How is the mood created by the instructions in the last stanza?
The commands indicate that there are no choices; the speaker is
adamant that his wishes must be obeyed.
The orders (‘Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun’ etc.) are
improbable.
The speaker’s mood of despair has no bounds; he has lost touch
with reality, because he is devastated by his lover’s death. (3)
[10]
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6 ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE P2 (EC/NOVEMBER 2017)
QUESTION 4: PRESCRIBED POETRY – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION
HOUSING TARGETS – Kelwyn Sole
4.1 What does the word ‘foundation’ (line 4) reveal about the speaker’s hopes?
The future would be sure and strong just as foundations are strong
enough to support structures. (2)
4.2 Comment on the use of pronouns in stanza 3.
‘No one’ and ‘anyone’ suggest uncertainty and vagueness.
There is nobody taking charge or helping people build houses with
‘foundations’. (2)
4.3 Refer to lines 16–25. Comment on how the images in these lines contrast
with the rest of the poem, thus supporting the theme of the poem.
‘Limousines’ and ‘a suit’ are in stark contrast with the image of men
with ‘darkening skins/scribbled on by weather’ (lines 13–14).
‘Camera lights’ (line 22) suggest a celebrity life far removed from a
life of physical hard work that would cause ‘gnarled fingers’
(line 34).
These images show that politicians make grand promises that poor
people believe, but these promises are empty. The contrast
indicates the two different worlds occupied by politicians and their
loyal supporters. (3)
4.4 Refer to the last 4 lines. How does the use of the negative form add to the
tone of the poem?
‘no doors’ – houses must have doors, otherwise they are
incomplete.
‘no sky’ – if a place is confined, one is unable to see the sky. The
speaker is suggesting there is no future.
The repetition of the negative form creates a despondent/
disappointed/disillusioned tone. (3)
[10]
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(EC/NOVEMBER 2017) ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE P2 7
QUESTION 5: UNSEEN POETRY – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION
ma – Antjie Krog
5.1 How does the metaphor a barefoot poem in line 6 convey the speaker’s
attitude?
To go barefoot indicates relaxation and informality.
The speaker’s attitude is informal and unpretentious. (2)
5.2 Explain how words and a look can chisel (line 9) a child.
Parents’ advice (‘words’) and observations shape (‘chisel’) and
guide a child’s character. (2)
5.3 Refer to stanza 2. Describe, in your own words, the speaker’s mother.
She is religious, because every night she prays for her child.
She knows her daughter very well, because she ‘collapses her
tents’ of insecurities; isolation.
She is strong because she raised her child, even though she had
‘small ... hands’.
She is her daughter’s confidante.
She protects (‘breakwater’) her child against the difficulties of life.
[Any 3. Accept other interpretations.] (3)
5.4 Refer to the last stanza. Identify the tone by discussing the speaker’s
apology.
The speaker apologises for the fact that she is not the daughter
she ought to be; that she falls short of what she thinks her mother
deserves. (2)
It is a tone of regret. (1) (3)
[10]
TOTAL SECTION A: 30
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8 ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE P2 (EC/NOVEMBER 2017)
SECTION B: NOVEL
QUESTION 6: ESSAY QUESTION – THINGS FALL APART
In a carefully planned essay of 350–400 words (1½–2 pages) in length, critically
discuss to what extent the title of the novel is reflected in Okonkwo’s life and the
lives of the villagers.
The title is a clear indication of the ‘fall’ of Okonkwo and of the relatively
peaceful and regulated village life shared by the clans.
Okonkwo grows up in a home where his father’s gentle nature and
laziness caused him humiliation and shame. He is determined not to be
his father’s child.
He believes that his ‘inflexible will’ is a necessary and admirable quality,
and that it is the only way to become successful.
To achieve this, he becomes a forbidding husband and father. He
cannot show any emotion other than dissatisfaction with his family, or
rage at their ‘faults’ and simple demands. ‘To show affection was a sign
of weakness’ is his mantra.
He severely beats up his wife and her child when he suspects that she
had cut banana leaves. Afterwards, he shoots the same wife because
she muttered something about his use of guns. He is extremely violent,
and does not know how else to make himself count except through
punishment and bullying.
Okonkwo places his hopes on his son Nwoye to be his successor, yet
Nwoye is unlike his father. He does not enjoy listening to his father’s
stories about war and brave men; instead, he prefers his mother’s
gentle stories and songs. Okonkwo’s severity causes Nwoye to be a
‘sad-faced youth’.
Okonkwo regards his son as ‘despicable’, ‘effeminate’ and an
‘abomination’. He cannot hide his deep resentment and disappointment
in Nwoye. He feels even more betrayed when Mr Kiaga is instrumental
in making a Christian convert out of Nwoye – things are indeed falling
apart. He distances himself with distinction from his ‘weak’ father, but
faces a son who probably has more in common with his father Unoka
than with him, the strong leader, father, husband, etc.
He dotes on his favourite child, ironically a daughter, called Ezinma. He
wishes that she were a boy, because he sees in her a kindred spirit. His
rejection of Nwoye, because he is ‘effeminate’ and therefore inadequate,
is somewhat ameliorated by the presence of his very feminine daughter.
The irony is almost sublime.
The arrival of Europeans disrupts the villagers’ lives dramatically and
permanently. The missionaries appear to be kind and non-judgemental,
but they introduce a religion that is contrary to all beliefs that are held
dearly by clans. It causes a rift, because missionaries also bring with
them western education.
Mr Brown appears to understand that African religious beliefs and the
Christian faith share commonalities. His replacement (Rev. James
Smith) is the worst kind – he regards all things African as inferior,
primitive, base and objectionable.
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(EC/NOVEMBER 2017) ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE P2 9
With the District Commissioner, Rev. Smith is keen to get rid of all that
which represents Ibo religion and culture, and to replace it with
whatever version of Western ideas and beliefs they purport. They are
arrogant and dangerous.
With an increasing number of the clansmen and -women openly
professing their new-found Christianity, traditionalists such as
Okonkwo are horrified at the betrayal. Their rigid belief system does
not allow them to consider change. They are threatened by the White
man’s power.
Nwoye and Obierika are able to distance themselves from the rigid and
relentless traditions and superstitions that are often deadly and cruel.
They are more flexible and agreeable. They will probably endure the
colonial invasion.
But the arrival of rapacious whites will forever undo the orderly and
happy existence that the clans knew.
In the same way that Okonkwo destroys himself because he cannot
accept and change, the villagers will be destroyed and humiliated by
colonialism and corruption. They will ‘fall apart’ in no uncertain terms. [25]
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10 ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE P2 (EC/NOVEMBER 2017)
QUESTION 7: CONTEXTUAL QUESTIONS – THINGS FALL APART
7.1 Briefly relate how Okonkwo’s visible prosperity (line 1) is the result of his
upbringing and single-mindedness.
His father was a lazy and unsuccessful man.
Okonkwo’s embarrassment of his father’s weakness and resulting
humiliation compelled Okonkwo to work harder than most, and to
gain wealth and status.
His determination not to be like his father, drove him to achieve
success. (3)
7.2 Describe Okonkwo’s character as it is revealed in lines 1–11.
He is a traditional man – the compound is specifically laid out, with
each family member allocated his or her place.
He is a spiritual man, who keeps to the rituals necessary to
communicate with his god and ancestral spirits.
He is a responsible husband and father – he worships and offers
sacrifices on behalf of his family.
[Award 3 marks for 3 points.] (3)
7.3 Explain why Ikemefuna was brought to Okonkwo’s household.
The wife of Ogbuefi Udo, a member of the Umuofia clan, had been
murdered when she went to a neighbouring market at Mbaino.
An ultimatum was given to the Mbaino clan: either war, or they had
to sacrifice a young man and a virgin.
Ikemefuna was the sacrificial young man from the Mbaino clan.
Okonkwo had led the mission to Mbaino and he was asked to look
after Ikemefuna and so the boy came to live in his household. (3)
7.4 Refer to lines 15–19. What do you understand about the relationship
between Okonkwo and his most senior wife (line 14)?
Okonkwo is authoritarian. He makes decisions that his wife has to
accept without hesitation or question.
When he is questioned about the child, he flies into a rage, and
does not answer his wife.
She has no say, and is threatened when she seeks answers.
[Award 3 marks for 2 points well explained.] (3)
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(EC/NOVEMBER 2017) ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE P2 11
7.5 Ikemefuna could not understand what was happening to him or what he had
done (lines 20–21). To what extent does Ikemefuna’s bewilderment reflect
the way in which Okonkwo expects his wife to accept his decision?
Both are ignored.
Ikemefuna is simply and cruelly taken away from home without any
explanation.
When Okonkwo’s wife questions how long the child will stay, she
is rebuked in the sternest terms because she dares ask a question.
But she is not given an answer.
[Award 3 marks if similarity is clearly explained.] (3)
7.6 Explain how the lonely forest paths (line 26) that Ikemefuna walks on his
way to Umuofia are an ominous sign.
He will be taken away from Okonkwo’s home later on, also
without any clear explanation.
He will walk along a path, ostensibly on his way home, only to be
murdered by Okonkwo and some of the other Umuofia
tribesmen.
This will be done in obedience to the Oracle of the Hills and the
Caves. (3)
7.7 Comment on the significance of Obierika’s presence.
He has been Okonkwo’s best friend.
His dignity and confidence stand in contrast to the banal death of
his friend’s ‘dangling’ corpse.
His loyalty and love for his friend last beyond death.
[Award 3 marks for 2 points well explained.] (3)
7.8 Refer to Extracts A and B. Account for the change in mood. Consider the
portrayal of Okonkwo’s character in the first extract and the image of his
dangling body in Extract B as the basis of your answer.
Extract A: Okonkwo is in charge and commanding. He is a man
with status and wealth. The mood is one of fierceness; power
and control.
Extract B: Okonkwo is no more. His pitiful corpse, once strong
and potent, is dangling in shame from a tree. He has become ‘an
abomination’ that has ‘desecrated’ the land. The mood is one of
despair, hopelessness, tragedy. (4)
[25]
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12 ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE P2 (EC/NOVEMBER 2017)
QUESTION 8: ESSAY QUESTION – TSOTSI
In a carefully planned essay of 350–400 words (1½–2 pages) in length, discuss to
what extent the title of the novel – Tsotsi – determined the outcome of the main
character’s life.
To an extent.
Tsotsi is a very young when he runs away from home because his life is
in danger. He meets other children who are living on the streets and
together they fend for themselves. His ability to survive, to rob, his
clever reading of situations, his ruthlessness – these qualities gradually
help build his reputation as a dangerous gangster; i.e. a ‘tsotsi’.
Although he is younger than his friends, Tsotsi is clearly the leader. He
plans their robberies and murders in cold blood.
People are scared of him and avoid him in the street. He lives up to his
name – he is a thug and a gangster.
His decision to take responsibility for the baby reveals a major change.
He is protective of a helpless child – something he has been avoiding
for many years.
His pursuit of Miriam simply because she can help with taking care of
the baby, is also a change – earlier, he viewed women as prey and
treated them as such.
Petah’s desperate call when he names Tsotsi David, starts the
unravelling of Tsotsi’s defences; his buried ‘darkness’. At first it is an
unwelcome reminder, but gradually Tsotsi recognises who he is, and
acknowledges it. Now his name no longer determines his actions.
He seeks forgiveness and guidance from Boston, whom he has severely
beaten up because he asked too many questions. This is not behaviour
associated with a tsotsi.
He tells Miriam that the baby’s name is David. He is seeing himself as a
child, and allowing himself to remember his past.
He is deeply affected by the hurt he caused Boston – something that he
would never have admitted before. His typical tsotsi behaviour is
changing.
He questions Isaiah at the ‘Church of Christ the Dreamer’ in an effort to
find some spiritual peace. Tsotsi would never have visited a church,
much less sought spiritual advice from a church member.
The next morning he admits to himself for the first time that he is David
Madondo. He is on his way to get David and to return to Miriam when
he and David are killed by the collapsing wall.
He dies as David, not Tsotsi. He has made his peace with who he is,
and one of the last things he does is to call out his own name. This
recognition emphasises that he is not a tsotsi anymore. He is a man
who has a son, and he has a future, possibly with a good, strong
woman.
Finally, David Madondo has come full circle. He is his own man. His
death, although sad, leaves the reader with a sense of relief, because he
has made peace with himself. [25]
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(EC/NOVEMBER 2017) ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE P2 13
QUESTION 9: CONTEXTUAL QUESTIONS – TSOTSI
9.1 Mention two things from lines 1–3 that can be ascribed to the Apartheid era. (3)
The brutal way in which a man is treated by the Police.
The pervasive poverty – the man’s hunger is visible.
[Award 3 marks for a well-rounded answer.]
9.2 Given his circumstances, explain why you think Petah’s recognition of Tsotsi
could give him ‘wild hope’ (line 5). (3)
Petah is being led away by the Police. Policemen did not treat
prisoners kindly, and Petah knew that.
Petah knows that Tsotsi and his gang could easily take on a lone
policeman and free Petah. Petah had been one of the group of
homeless boys that Tsotsi had joined as a child. Petah presumes a
bond that Tsotsi might respect.
Petah’s ‘wild hope’ reflects his desperate situation. He will seize
any opportunity to escape the inevitable brutality that awaits him.
He sees in Tsotsi the chance of escape.
[Award 3 marks for understanding of the unique circumstances.]
9.3 From what you know about his past, what is it that Tsotsi does not
remember clearly?
When he fled his home after his mother’s arrest, he joined a group
of homeless boys. Petah was one of them.
Together they scavenged and committed petty crimes to stay alive.
These boys became a family in order to survive.
Tsotsi avoids thinking of the past so as not to disturb his inner
darkness and to become vulnerable to his feelings. (3)
9.4 … he made himself forget. (line 20) Describe how Tsotsi’s refusal to
remember his past influences his relationships with Boston and Die Aap.
Consider the rest of the novel as part of your answer. (3)
Tsotsi becomes aggressive whenever they enquire about his past.
His friends are intimidated by his aggression.
Boston’s insistence on getting an answer from him leads to Tsotsi
beating him up within an inch of his life.
9.5 Comment critically on the significance of Petah calling Tsotsi David.
It is his real name.
‘Tsotsi’ is a nickname he has earned on the streets.
He associates his painful past with ‘David’, and has great difficulty
in hearing it or being reminded of it. (3)
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14 ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE P2 (EC/NOVEMBER 2017)
9.6 Explain how the baby (line 7) had started a ‘compulsion’ (line 5) in Tsotsi’s
mind.
As somebody who is a hardened criminal and who lives a violent
life, Tsotsi experiences emotions he had never experienced
before.
He feels a ‘compulsion’ to take care of the helpless baby; he does
not rape Miriam.
He is no longer in control of his gangster existence; he allows
himself to remember his past.
[Award 3 marks for reference to ‘compulsion’ and subsequent
changes.] (3)
9.7 Explain why it is ironic that Tsotsi chooses Boston with whom to converse.
Tsotsi almost killed Boston when Boston asked questions about
Tsotsi’s past.
Now he is asking Boston’s advice, because he realises that he has
to deal with his past.
[Award 3 marks if irony is well explained.] (3)
9.8 Refer to EXTRACTS C and D. Critically comment on the change, if any, in
Tsotsi’s attitude.
EXTRACT C: Tsotsi ignores Petah’s cry for help, by pretending he
did not hear it. (1) His attitude is cold-hearted. (1)
EXTRACT D: Tsotsi is asking Boston for help. (1) His attitude has
changed to one of dependence; seeking answers; relying on
somebody else; vulnerability. (1) (4)
[25]
TOTAL SECTION B: 25
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(EC/NOVEMBER 2017) ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE P2 15
SECTION C: DRAMA
QUESTION 10: ESSAY QUESTION – MACBETH
In a carefully planned essay of 350–400 words (1½–2 pages) in length, discuss
what causes ‘noble Macbeth’ to become the ‘hell-hound’ Macduff faces at the
end of the play.
Macbeth is a highly regarded general in King Duncan’s army. His
bravery is a decisive factor in winning the battle for Scotland against
the insurgents.
He is a fearless soldier with ‘his brandished steel’, and earns deep
respect and acknowledgement from Duncan, who gives him the title of
Thane of Cawdor in recognition for what he has done.
He is singled out by the witches, and upon their first meeting, they
greet him with three titles, the last being ‘king’. This prediction affects
Macbeth and he shares it with Lady Macbeth.
The ‘noble’ soldier admits that becoming king would entail killing
Duncan, and he will have none of it.
He says that ‘vaulting ambition’ is the only reason to kill the king, and
he will not do it.
Lady Macbeth does not share his reluctance to consider and execute
murder. She is keen to become queen. She immediately starts
planning Duncan’s murder, and is able to manipulate Macbeth to set
aside his squeamish conscience in order to kill Duncan.
Macbeth’s ‘valiant’ and ‘noble’ aspect is compromised by ‘his fiend-
like queen’.
Although the witches never tell Macbeth what to do, their sly
equivocations seduce him. Gradually and increasingly he relies on
them and their utterances, and eventually he consults them regularly
for advice.
Macbeth is beset by his conscience – ‘To know my deed, ‘twere best
not to know myself.’ But now the worst lies ahead.
Macbeth has to commit more murders to cover his tracks and to get
rid of anybody who is suspicious of him.
He orders the killing of his best friend Banquo, Macduff’s family and
others too. He has lost his humanity; he is a cruel king. There is
nothing ‘noble’ about him.
He is increasingly isolated, but still believes that nobody can harm
him.
He is ultimately disillusioned when he realises too late that his life is
worthless because he is ruined – ‘I am in blood/Stepped in so far’.
His blind belief in the witches, his love for everything his wife stands
for, and his ‘vaulting ambition’ change the ‘noble’ warrior into a ‘hell-
hound’ who does not deserve to live. [25]
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16 ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE P2 (EC/NOVEMBER 2017)
QUESTION 11: CONTEXTUAL QUESTION – MACBETH
11.1 Place the extract in context.
Macbeth has just arrived home from the battlefield.
He has defended Scotland most bravely against insurgents and
traitors.
Lady Macbeth already knows about his meeting with the witches
from a letter he had sent her.
She is enthusiastic about the witches’ predictions.
[Any 3 relevant points.] (3)
11.2 Comment on the titles Lady Macbeth uses when she greets Macbeth in
line 1.
These are titles with which the witches greeted Macbeth on his
return from the battlefield.
He is thane of Glamis, and Duncan gave him the title of Cawdor
in recognition of his bravery.
Lady Macbeth is therefore very confident that the third
prediction, that he will be king, will come true. (3)
11.3 “O, never/Shall sun that morrow see! (lines 10–11). Explain the
metaphor in Lady Macbeth’s words, and how it reveals her attitude.
She is comparing King Duncan to the sun. She has already
decided that he will be dead by the next morning – he will not
see the ‘morrow’.
She is determined and resolute.
[Award 2 marks for explaining the metaphor.]
[Award 1 mark for identifying her attitude.] (3)
11.4 How do Lady Macbeth’s instructions in lines 13–16 support one of the
themes from the play?
She is telling Macbeth to ‘beguile the time’, i.e. to be dishonest,
deceptive. (1)
This reflects the theme of appearance vs reality. (1) By
pretending to be loyal and hospitable, Macbeth will hide his
murderous plans. (1) (3)
11.5 By referring to the extract and from what you know about the rest of the
play, does Macbeth at this stage share his wife’s confidence?
He does not. (No mark)
His reply ‘We will speak further’ (line 21) indicates that he has
not made up his mind about possibly killing Duncan to make the
witches’ prophecy true.
Later, he explains that Duncan is his king, his relative and his
guest – each reason enough not to kill or harm him.
[Award 3 marks for 2 points well discussed.] (3)
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(EC/NOVEMBER 2017) ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE P2 17
11.6 Provide possible reasons for Macbeth’s admission ‘I am sick at heart’
(line 3) at this stage.
He has been deserted by his friends and associates because they
know that he is a murderer and a traitor.
Malcolm, with the help of the English forces and Macduff, is
approaching Dunsinane castle.
Lady Macbeth, once his ‘dearest chuck’, is incapacitated by her
guilt and they are no longer close.
[Award 3 marks for any 2 reasons well argued.] (3)
11.7 Refer to lines 27–33. Macbeth is indirectly referring to himself here. With
close reference to these lines, describe Macbeth’s frame of mind in your
own words.
He feels trapped by his ‘diseased mind’ – he says his sorrow is
‘rooted’, i.e. it is deeply ingrained.
He feels burdened by his conscience and memories (‘stuffed
bosom’, ‘perilous stuff’).
He wishes to be cleansed; he wants to be rid of his poisoned
thoughts.
[Award 3 marks for any 2 ideas well expressed and clearly
supported from the text.] (3)
11.8 Compare Lady Macbeth’s situation in EXTRACT E to her being ‘troubled
with thick-coming fancies’ (line 25) in EXTRACT F.
EXTRACT E: She is confident and keen to put her plan into
action. She assures Macbeth that he must leave all the
arrangements to her; she will take care of everything. (2)
EXTRACT F: She is off-stage. She is looked after by a doctor.
His diagnosis is that she is mentally ill, and ‘not so sick’
physically. She is no longer in control, and has lost her will and
mind. (2) (4)
[25]
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18 ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE P2 (EC/NOVEMBER 2017)
QUESTION 12: ESSAY QUESTION – THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
‘Money is power.’
In a carefully planned essay of 350–400 words (1½–2 pages) in length, discuss to
what extent the quote is relevant to the play.
It is very relevant.
Firstly, the title refers to a ‘merchant’, which indicates a businessman
who trades in order to make money. In this case, it is a reference to
Antonio.
Antonio is a wealthy merchant, who trades overseas; he owns cargo
ships that regularly ply the seas with goods to buy or sell. He is well-
known in Venice because he is wealthy.
However, as soon as Antonio is unsure about the return of his ships and
earnings, he has to rely on somebody else to meet his friend’s
requirements. This shifts Antonio’s ‘power’ (money) to Shylock, a
person whom Antonio despises. So, by not having cash available to help
Bassanio, Antonio is vulnerable and dependent on someone else.
Bassanio is a spendthrift. He wastes money, and can always rely on
Antonio to help him out financially. He is not independent. When he
plans to ‘get clear of all the debts’ he owes, it is a plan involving a
wealthy heiress. Without money, Bassanio is powerless. He realises he
cannot continue borrowing from Antonio. He resorts to meet ‘a lady
richly left’ in order to continue an easy life. Unless he makes plans to
acquire money, and unless he can persuade others to part with their
money, Bassanio has no power.
Initially, Shylock’s wealth makes him powerful. Bassanio and Antonio
are compelled to borrow money from a Jew, something that they would
not ordinarily do.
Shylock admits, ‘I hate him for he is a Christian’ but finds the irony that a
Christian needs to borrow money from him irresistible. Never before has
this happened – the idea that Bassanio and Antonio are badly in need of
money, leaves him overly confident and slightly bemused.
When Jessica humiliates her father by eloping with a Christian, he is
equally galled that she took money and jewellery with her. His
possessions define him; he is who he is because of his wealth.
Shylock’s mulish insistence that he wants his ‘pound of flesh’ is an
attempt to regain some respectability. The loss of his loan and his
daughter, is too much. He realises his daughter will not return, but
insists on getting his money back.
The punishment he receives when he has to part with his money at the
end of the trial, breaks him. He loses everything.
Portia is a wealthy heiress. Her father tries to control her future from the
grave, by prescribing who she should marry. If she does not obey the
terms of his will, she will lose her inheritance.
She chooses the right husband, and has no qualms about being a
traditional wife: ‘… and what is mine, to you and yours/Is now converted.’
It is fair to assume that she loves Bassanio.
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(EC/NOVEMBER 2017) ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE P2 19
Portia is not going to let her husband get away with unacceptable
behaviour. Despite her wealth (also now her husband’s) Portia
retains her independence. She might be admired because she is
wealthy, but she is a woman in her own right. She challenges
Bassanio’s lies about the ring. This indicates that power in their
relationship is about character, and not money. Portia is used to
money, but, unlike the other characters, money does not determine
her relationships. [25]
QUESTION 13: CONTEXTUAL QUESTION – THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
13.1 Place the extract in context by explaining why Bassanio is talking to
Shylock.
Bassanio wants money from Antonio to visit Portia.
Antonio does not have enough cash to lend to Bassanio, and
suggests he tries to borrow from someone else so Bassanio
approaches Shylock.
Antonio will stand surety for the loan. (3)
13.2 In lines 2–7 Shylock lists a number of things he will and will not do.
Explain.
Shylock is a devout Jew. His faith requires that he adheres to a
strict diet.
According to his faith, he is allowed limited socialising with
non-Jews.
In these lines he explains exactly what he will and will not do
according to his faith. (3)
13.3 What does Shylock reveal about himself in lines 9–15?
His hatred for Christians is deep-rooted; when he sees Antonio
for the first time he insults him by calling him a ‘fawning
publican’ – not a flattering term.
Because Antonio (and other Christians) do not charge interest,
Shylock resents him. Shylock is an astute businessman who
values money.
[Award 3 marks for any 2 reasons well argued.] (3)
13.4 From what Antonio says in lines 28–32, describe his friendship with
Bassanio.
He admits that the does not lend nor borrow ‘of excess’, yet he
is willing to ‘break a custom’ to help his friend. Antonio is very
loyal to Bassanio.
He is risking to take out a loan to help Bassanio woo Portia; he
is unselfish; generous; kind.
[Award 3 marks for 2 characteristics well explained.] (3)
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20 ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE P2 (EC/NOVEMBER 2017)
13.5 Explain why Shakespeare uses prose in lines 1–7, and then iambic
pentametre in the rest of the extract.
In the first lines, Shylock and Bassanio are having an informal
conversation, hence the prose form.
In the next lines, with the arrival of Antonio, whom Shylock
addresses as ‘signior’, the tone becomes formal.
Shylock regards Antonio as more important because he enjoys a
certain status in Venice. (3)
13.6 Explain why Nerissa’s aside in lines 4–5 would provide comic relief.
Nerissa (and Portia) are in disguise, because Portia is
defending her bridegroom’s best friend.
Gratiano is unaware that he is speaking to his wife about his
wife.
The mistaken identity creates humour. (3)
13.7 Shylock refers to his daughter (line 6). Describe his relationship with her
at this stage.
She has eloped with a Christian.
She has taken money and jewellery that belonged to her father.
Shylock is deeply hurt because of her betrayal. She has turned
her back on her father and on his religion by choosing a
Christian husband.
[Award 2 marks for explanation; 1 mark for Shylock’s feelings.] (3)
13.8 Comment critically on how Shylock’s attitude in EXTRACT G changes to
that in EXTRACT H.
Extract G: Shylock is confident, because he has the upper
hand – Christians need his help.
Extract H: Shylock’s confidence is shattered when he realises
that it will not be possible to extract his pound of flesh from
Antonio; the law is not on his side after all. (4)
[25]
TOTAL SECTION C: 25
GRAND TOTAL: 80
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RUBRIC FOR MARKING THE POETRY ESSAY (QUESTION 1)
Outstanding Meritorious Substantial Adequate Moderate Elementary Not achieved
LANGUAGE
- Coherent structure. - Essay well - Clear structure & - Some evidence of - Structure shows - Poor presentation and - Difficult to
- Excellent structured. logical flow of structure. faulty planning. lack of planned structure determine if topic
introduction and - Good introduction argument. - Essay lacks a well- - Arguments not impedes flow of has been
RUBRIC FOR MARKING THE POETRY ESSAY
Structure, logical flow and
conclusion. and conclusion. - Introduction and structured flow of logically arranged. argument. addressed.
- Arguments well- - Arguments and line conclusion and logic and - Language errors - Language errors and - No evidence of
structured and of thought easy to other paragraphs coherence. evident. Tone and incorrect style make this planned structure
HOME LANGUAGE clearly developed. follow. coherently - Language errors style not a largely unsuccessful or logic.
presentation. Language, tone
- Language, tone - Language, tone and organised. minor, tone and appropriate to the piece of writing. Tone - Poor language.
10 MARKS and style mature, style correct and - Flow of argument style mostly purpose of and style not appropriate Incorrect style and
impressive, suited to purpose. can be followed. appropriate. academic writing. to the purpose of tone.
and style used in the essay.
correct. - Good presentation. - Language, tone Paragraphing - Paragraphing academic writing. - No paragraphing or
and style largely mostly correct. faulty. - Paragraphing faulty. coherence.
correct.
CONTENT
Interpretation of topic. Depth of argument, justification and
7 6 5 4 3 2 1
grasp of poem. 80–100% 70–79% 60–69% 50–59% 40–49% 30–39% 0–29%
Outstanding
- In-depth interpretation of topic, all aspects fully explored. 7
- Outstanding response: 90%+. Excellent response: 80–89%. 80– 8–10 7–7½ 7–8
- Range of striking arguments extensively supported from poem. 100%
- Excellent understanding of genre and poem.
Meritorious
- Above average interpretation of topic, all aspects adequately
explored. 6
- Detailed response.
7½–8½ 7–8 6½–7½ 6–7
70–79%
- Range of sound arguments given, well supported from poem.
- Very good understanding of genre and poem.
Substantial
- Shows understanding and has interpreted topic well.
- Fairly detailed response. 5
- Some sound arguments given, but not all of them as well
7–8 6½–7½ 6–7 5½–6½ 5–6
60–69%
motivated as they could be.
- Understanding of genre and poem evident.
Adequate
- Fair interpretation of topic, not all aspects explored in detail. 4
- Some good points in support of topic. 6–7 5½–6 ½ 5–6 4½–5 ½ 4–5
- Most arguments supported but evidence is not always convincing. 50–59%
- Basic understanding of genre and poem.
Moderate
- Very ordinary, mediocre attempt to answer the question. 3
- Very little depth of understanding in response to topic. 5–6 4½–5½ 4–5 3½–4½ 3–4
- Arguments not convincing and very little justification from poem. 40–49%
- Learner has not fully come to grips with genre or poem.
Elementary
- Poor grasp of topic.
- Response repetitive and sometimes off the point. 2
- No depth of argument, faulty interpretation/Arguments not
4–5 3½–4½ 3–4 1–3½
30–39%
supported from poem.
- Very poor grasp of genre and poem.
Not achieved
- Response bears some relation to the topic but argument difficult
to follow or largely irrelevant. 1
- Poor attempt at answering the question. The few relevant points
3–4 1–3½ 0–3
0–29%
have no justification from the poem.
- Very poor grasp of genre and poem.
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ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE P2 (EC/NOVEMBER 2017)
RUBRIC FOR MARKING THE ESSAY QUESTION FOR NOVEL AND DRAMA
CODES AND MARK CONTENT [15] STRUCTURE AND LANGUAGE [10]
ALLOCATION Interpretation of topic. Depth of argument, justification Structure, logical flow and presentation. Language,
and grasp of text. tone and style used in the essay
- In-depth interpretation of topic, all aspects fully explored. - Coherent structure.
Code 7 Outstanding Outstanding
- Outstanding response: 90%+. Excellent response: 80–89%. - Excellent introduction and conclusion.
- Range of striking arguments extensively supported from text. - Arguments well-structured and clearly developed.
80–100% 12–15 marks 8–10marks
- Excellent understanding of genre and text. - Language, tone and style mature, impressive, correct.
- Above average interpretation of topic, all aspects adequately - Essay well structured.
Meritorious explored. - Good introduction and conclusion.
Code 6 Meritorious
- Detailed response. - Arguments and line of thought easy to follow.
10½–11½ - Range of sound arguments given, well supported from text. - Language, tone and style correct and suited to
70–79% 7–7½ marks
marks - Very good understanding of genre and text. purpose.
- Good presentation.
- Shows understanding and has interpreted topic well. - Clear structure and logical flow of argument.
Code 5 Substantial - Fairly detailed response. - Introduction and conclusion and other paragraphs
Substantial
- Some sound arguments given, but not all of them as well coherently organised.
60–69% 9–10 marks motivated as they could be. - Flow of argument can be followed.
6–6½ marks
- Understanding of genre and text evident. - Language, tone and style largely correct.
- Fair interpretation of topic, not all aspects explored in detail. - Some evidence of structure.
Code 4 Adequate - Some good points in support of topic. Adequate - Essay lacks a well-structured flow of logic and
- Most arguments supported but evidence is not always coherence.
50–59% 7½–8½ marks convincing. 5–5½ marks - Language errors minor, tone and style mostly
- Basic understanding of genre and text. appropriate. Paragraphing mostly correct.
- Very ordinary, mediocre attempt to answer the question. - Structure shows faulty planning.
Code 3 Moderate - Very little depth of understanding in response to topic. Moderate - Arguments not logically arranged.
- Arguments not convincing and very little justification from - Language errors evident. Tone and style not
40–49% 6–7 marks text. 4–4½ marks appropriate to the purpose of academic writing.
- Learner has not fully come to grips with genre or text. - Paragraphing faulty.
- Poor grasp of topic. - Poor presentation and lack of planned structure
- Response repetitive and sometimes off the point. impedes flow of argument.
Elementary Elementary
Code 2 - No depth of argument, faulty interpretation/Arguments not - Language errors and incorrect style make this a
30–39% supported from text. largely unsuccessful piece of writing. Tone and style
4½–5½ marks 3–3½ marks
- Very poor grasp of genre and text. not appropriate to the purpose of academic writing.
- Paragraphing faulty.
- Response bears some relation to the topic but argument - Difficult to determine if topic has been addressed.
Code 1 Not achieved difficult to follow or largely irrelevant. Not achieved - No evidence of planned structure or logic.
- Poor attempt at answering the question. The few relevant - Poor language. Incorrect style and tone.
0–29% 0–4 marks points have no justification from the text. 0–2½ marks - No paragraphing or coherence.
- Very poor grasp of genre and text.
NOTE: If a candidate has ignored the content completely and written a creative essay instead, award a 0 for both content, and structure and language.
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