TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (ESSAY QUESTION)

Mayella Ewell plays an important role in the novel, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD.

Write an essay in which you discuss this statement. In your essay, refer to specific
incidents in the novel.

You may consider the following ideas, among others:

• Mayella's life
• Mayella's relationship with Tom Robinson
• The trial of Tom Robinson and its outcome

Length: 250–300 words 

Using THREE points, describe what leads to Scout rubbing Walter Cunningham's nose in the dirt in the schoolyard.

The incident in the above extract takes place on an important day for Scout. Why is this day important to her?

Although she is bigger in size than Walter, Scout thinks it is fair to fight him. Give ONE reason why she thinks this.

Refer to lines 1–3 ('Walter looked as ... was moistly pink').

What does the writer's description tell you about Walter? State TWO points.

Whom does Dill visit?

How is Dill related to the person he visits?

What does this show about Jem's character? 

Why does Walter's facial expression change?

What is Calpurnia's position in the Finch household?

Explain the special role Calpurnia plays in the lives of the Finch children.

Choose the correct answer to complete the following sentence.

Atticus's behaviour towards Walter during dinner shows that Atticus is ...

If you were Walter, would you have gone to dinner with Jem and Scout? Give a reason for your answer.

Later in the novel, Jem refers to Boo Radley as a ghost. Considering the entire novel, do you think calling Boo a ghost is appropriate? Discuss your view.

Bob Ewell: 

Dolphus Raymond:

Tim Johnson:

Boo Radley:

What is Aunt Alexandra worried about? 

Why has Aunt Alexandra come to the Finches' home? 

In line 3 of the above extract, Aunt Alexandra refers to Ewell as 'that kind'. How does the rest of the Maycomb society feel about him at this time? State TWO points.

Explain what Aunt Alexandra means when she says that Ewell 'had his way in court'.

Is the following statement TRUE or FALSE? Give a reason for your answer.

Atticus thinks Judge Taylor showed disapproval of Bob Ewell during the trial.

Consider the novel as a whole

Do you think Mayella Ewell deserves your sympathy? Discuss your view.

All the events in the novel are described from Scout's viewpoint

Why do you think the writer chooses such a young girl to tell the story? Discuss your view

In the novel, LORD OF THE FLIES, the boys fail to establish a society that is safe and works well.

Write an essay in which you discuss this statement.

In your essay you may consider the following ideas, among others:

• First attempts to establish order
• How the boys' fear of the beast affects them
• The breakdown of order

Length: 250–300 words

Jack: 

Ralph: 

Piggy:

Simon:

Explain what happens in the novel just before the extract (found above). State TWO points

Refer to lines 1–2 ('I was chief ... out the fire').
What do Ralph's words in these lines show about Jack's attitude towards responsibility? State TWO points.

To what does 'the dismal truth' refer?

Why does one of the hunters begin to cry when he hears this news?

Why does Jack become 'very red'? 

What does the fact that Ralph turns towards Jack, in line 9, show about his feelings? Give a reason for your answer.

Just after the incident described in the extract (above), Piggy's glasses are damaged. How does this happen?

What does this extract show about Ralph's character traits?

At the end of the extract Jack hits Piggy. In your view, why is violent behaviour not acceptable?

Do you sympathise with Jack in this extract? Discuss your view.

Describe the events that lead to Ralph, Piggy and the twins going to Castle Rock. State THREE points.

What does Roger's challenge in line 1 of the extract show about his personality?

Jack's followers are described as 'savages' at this stage in the novel (lines 4, 13 and 18). Name TWO aspects of their behaviour which suggest that they are 'savages'.

Ralph is reckless at times.

Give TWO examples from this extract to prove this

Is the following statement TRUE or FALSE? Give a reasong for your answer:

It is pointless for Ralph to call an assembly at this moment.

Choose the correct answer to complete the following sentence

 In line 9 ('You mind out – see?') Roger thinks that Ralph ...

What happens to Piggy?

What happens to the twins?

In your opinion, how would things have been different on the island if there had been an adult? Discuss your view.

Why does Ralph fail as a leader? Discuss your view. 

In the novel, A GRAIN OF WHEAT, the society's struggle for independence affects
Mugo's character.

Write an essay in which you discuss this statement. In your answer, refer to specific
incidents in the novel.

In your essay you may consider the following ideas, among others:

• How Mugo's loneliness causes him to suffer
• Mugo's views on the struggle
• How Mugo suffers from guilt

Length: 250–300 words

Kihika:

Lieutenant Koina:

Mwaira:

Dr Van Dyke

Explain why it is important for Mugo to 'force society to recognise him'

How does Mugo intend forcing society to recognise him? Use your OWN words.

Briefly describe the incident Mugo is referring to in line 7 ('But then Kihika ... into his life').

How would you describe Mugo's feelings in these lines? State TWO points.

Explain why Mugo behaves in this manner

Choose the correct answer to complete the following sentence

Mugo's 'animosity' (line 12) shows that he wants his visitors to ...

Why are the words 'I no longer care' repeated?

Why does Mugo want to run away from his visitors? 

Do you think Mugo's childhood experiences influence his life as an adult? Give a reason for your answer.

In your opinion, does Mugo deserve the fate he suffers? Discuss your view.

In line 1, the speaker tells us that 'something unexpected happened'. Describe what happened.

Why are they running this race? 

How many times do they compete like this during the course of the novel?

What do these races symbolise for Karanja and Gikonyo? 

Refer to lines 6–8 ('When Gikonyo fell ... his head carefully').

What do Mumbi's actions in these lines show you about her feelings?

Is the following statement TRUE or FALSE? Give a reason for your answer.

Gikonyo wins the race referred to in the above extract.

Write down ONE word to describe Karanja's feelings. 

 Why does he feel this way?

Do you think Mumbi deserves Gikonyo's forgiveness? Discuss your view.

Explain why Mumbi is 'embarrassed' (line 13)

In your opinion, is Karanja a traitor? Discuss your view.

The play deals with the impact of love on the lives of Romeo and Juliet.

Write an essay in which you discuss this statement.

In your answer, you may discuss the following ideas, among others:

•Romeo's and Juliet's experiences of romance
•How love makes Romeo and Juliet act hastily
•The tragic outcome of their actions

Length: 250–300 words

In which city is the main action of the play ROMEO AND JULIET set?

Which other character in the play is a relative of Paris?

Earlier, Paris asks Capulet if he could marry Juliet. What is Capulet's answer to Paris's request?

Choose the correct answer to complete the following
sentence.

When Lady Capulet calls Paris 'valiant' she is referring
to his ...

What does the Nurse mean when she says Paris is 'a man of wax'? (Line 8)

Explain why the Nurse, who is not a family member, is present during this very personal conversation that Lady Capulet is having with her daughter.

Identify the figure of speech in these lines.

Explain why the use of this figure of speech is effective here

What is Juliet's reply to this question?

Explain how the Capulets' attitude here differs from their later treatment of Juliet. State TWO points.

To what does she compare Paris's face?

What does Lady Capulet expect Juliet to discover later about Paris's feelings?

Do you think Paris would have made a good husband for Juliet if Romeo had not appeared in her life? Give a reason for your answer.

The Capulets are eager to arrange a marriage for their daughter.  Do you think their actions are in Juliet's best interests? Discuss your views.

The answer for (a) is:

The answer for (b) is:

The answer for (c) is:

The answer for (d) is:

Is the following statement TRUE or FALSE? Give a reason for your answer.

Juliet's father calls her 'headstrong' in line 2, because he thinks she is a beautiful girl.

Using THREE points, show how Juliet's actions immediately after the extract above lead to great sadness for her father.

What facial expression should the actor playing the part of Capulet have when he is saying these two lines?

Give a reason for your answer to the question above. State TWO points.

Consider the play as a whole.
Do you think Friar Lawrence deserves to be forgiven for his actions? Discuss your view.

In the extract on page 23, Juliet tells a lie to her father and the Nurse. Do you think her behaviour is excusable? Discuss your view.

The issues of truth and reconciliation are at the centre of the play, NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH.

Write an essay in which you discuss this statement. In your essay, refer to specific incidents in the play.

In your essay you may consider the following ideas, among others:

•Thando's need to know the truth
•Sipho's struggle with the truth and eventual reconciliation
•How Mandisa learns important truths

Length: 250–300 words

The answer for (a) is:

The answer for (b) is:

To whom is Thando referring when she says 'it's going to have to do for her too'?

What emotion does Thando display towards Sipho in these lines?

Why did Sipho come home unexpectedly early that day?

On his arrival home that day, Sipho made a sad and unpleasant discovery. Briefly describe what he discovered.

Why do these events lead to Sipho remembering his wire bus?

Explain how these lines are symbolic of the relationship between Sipho and Themba as Sipho remembers it.

Write down ONE word to describe Themba's behaviour.

Quote a sentence from the extract to prove that the incident with the wire bus really made Sipho sad.

In line 28, Sipho's mother becomes angry.
Do you think she is being fair towards Sipho? Discuss your view.

Give TWO aspects of Sipho's character that we learn from this extract

Discuss how sibling rivalry during Sipho's childhood affects him later in his life.

The answer for (a) is:

The answer for (b) is:

Mandisa and Thando have different opinions regarding the TRC. Explain these differences.

What do we learn about Mandisa's upbringing in this extract? State TWO points.

If you were the director of this play, what would you tell Mandisa to do while saying the words in lines 15 and 18–19? State TWO points.

Identify Sipho's tone of voice in lines 20–22.

Sipho has a serious drinking problem.

Luvuyo died because he was ...

What is the answer to Thando's question in the last line of the extract above?

Why, do you think, did Themba choose to stay in London even after the end of apartheid?

In your opinion, is Sipho being fair when he judges Mandisa for breaking away from traditional practices? Discuss your view.

In the short story, 'The secret life of Walter Mitty', the main character escapes into the
world of his imagination and is brought back to reality each time.

Write an essay in which you discuss THREE of the imaginary roles he creates for
himself. In your answer, refer to specific incidents in the story.

You may consider the following ideas, among others:

• Three different roles Walter Mitty creates for himself
• Why Walter Mitty creates these roles
• How Walter Mitty is brought back to reality each time

Length: 250–300 words

The answer to (a) is:

The answer to (b) is:

The answer to (c) is:

The answer to (d) is:

Why does Marta's father ask her to marry Jan Redlinghuis? State TWO points.

Using your own words, explain why Marta agrees to marry Jan Redlinghuis.

Choose the correct answer to complete the following sentence

Sukey thinks that Jan is 'a sinful man' and often 'a little mad' (lines 4–5).

In your opinion, is he mad? Give a reason for your answer.

Briefly describe the relationship between the two sisters, Marta and Sukey. Give an example to substantiate your answer

Name TWO aspects of Marta's character that are shown in this extract.

Explain why Sukey goes to see Jan Redlinghuis.

Identify the theme which is shown here.

Discuss your views on Marta's decision to marry Jan Redlinghuis.

Which aspect of her personality caused Sukey's mother to be severely saddened and upset by the feud between her husband and Jan Redlinghuis?

Is the following statement TRUE or FALSE? Give a reason for your answer

Mrs de Jager died of cancer.

Give ONE reason why the people are looking for Jan Redlinghuis (lines 1–3).

Explain why Jan Redlinghuis goes to the mountain. 

Identify the figure of speech used here.

Explain the meaning of this line in the context of the story.

Briefly explain how Burgert de Jager changes in this story

Quote a sentence which proves that Sukey is submitting to her father.

In your opinion, who is to blame for Marta's death? Explain your choice

The answer to (a) is:

The answer to (b) is:

The answer to (c) is:

In your own words explain the meaning of the first sentence ('Let me not ... Admit impediments').

Write down ONE word which best describes the tone of this poem.

Identify the figure of speech.

Explain why this figure of speech is effective here

What is a tempest?

Is the following statement TRUE or FALSE? Give a reason for your answer.

The 'wand'ring bark' in line 7 refers to a lost dog.

Choose the correct answer to complete the following sentence. 

The word 'Time' in line 9 is written with a capital letter because ...

Refer to lines 9–11 ('Love's not Time's ... hours and weeks').

Explain the meaning of these lines.

What is the term used for a set of four lines in a poem such as this?

Do you think the poem gives the poet's loved one a better understanding of the nature of love? Give a reason for your answer.

Do you think the poet's conclusion in lines 13–14 ('If this be ... man ever loved') is realistic today? Discuss your view

The answer to (a) is:

The answer to (b) is:

The answer to (c) is:

In line 2, the word 'yellow' can have two possible meanings. Explain these TWO meanings.

Refer to lines 4–6. (I stopped there … a severed hand').

The correct figure of speech used in the line above is:

Explain why the poet compares his discovery to the discovery of a severed hand.

The second stanza describes a girl

Using your OWN words, state the effect she had on the onlookers.

Quote FOUR consecutive words from stanza 3 to show that the speaker was badly affected by the war.

Is the following statement TRUE or FALSE? Give a reason for your answer:

The speaker went to war after he was married.

Explain how stanza 4 is a contrast to stanza 2.

Name ONE way in which the speaker and his wife destroyed their relationship.

What is the speaker's tone in the last stanza of the poem? 

Why, do you think, does the speaker keep the picture?

Do you sympathise with the speaker? Discuss your view.

The answer to (a) is:

The answer to (b) is:

The answer to (c) is:

Quote an example of alliteration from stanza 2. Do NOT quote more than THREE words.

Choose the correct answer to complete the following sentence:

The second stanza creates the image that Shaka would have ...

Refer to lines 10–11 ('His heart was ... foil every foe').

Use your OWN words to describe the aspects of Shaka's character that are being shown in these lines.

Is the following statement TRUE or FALSE? Quote a SINGLE word to support your answer.

According to the speaker, creating Shaka was a difficult process.

In your opinion, why is the use of the images of 'water bark' (line 15) and 'syringa thorns' (line 18) suitable in this poem about the Zulu king?

How would 'nerves as sharp as syringa thorns' (lines 16–18) be useful to Shaka?

According to the speaker, which TWO powers were involved in the creation of Shaka?

Explain why Shaka's eyes are described as 'lanterns' in line 19.

Why does the speaker refer to Shaka's brothers as assassins (line 23)?

Identify the tone in the first five stanzas of the poem.

Does the poem present Shaka as a great leader? Discuss your view. 

The answer for (a) is:

The answer to (b) is:

The answer to (c) is:

What do the children have in common in these lines?

Identify the figure of speech used in line 2

Explain why the poet describes the children's hair as 'rootless weeds'.

Choose the correct answer to complete the following sentence:

The stunted boy has ...

Explain the meaning of line 14 ('Where all their future's painted with a fog').

Why does the speaker say that 'Shakespeare is wicked' (line 17)? 

Is the following statement TRUE or FALSE? Quote TWO consecutive words to support your answer.

The children's homes are large and spacious.

Refer to lines 20–21 ('On their slag ... through by bones')

What do these lines tell you about the children?

According to the speaker, who can make a difference to these children's lives? Name two

How can a map (line 26) become a window to these children?

Why do these children deserve sympathy?

This is an American poem. Can it be related to other places in the world? Give a reason for your answer.