ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE PAPER 2
GRADE 12
MEMORANDUM
SENIOR CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS
2016

NOTE TO MARKERS

  • This marking memorandum is intended as a guide for markers.
  • The memorandum will be discussed with the marking panel before marking commences at the marking centre.
  • Candidates' responses must be considered on their merits.

MARKING GUIDELINES

  1. 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.)
  2. If a candidate has answered all four questions in SECTION A, (seen poems), mark only the first two.
  3. If a candidate has answered two contextual or two essay questions in SECTIONS B and C, mark the first one and ignore the second. If a candidate has answered all six questions (novel) and/or all four questions (drama), mark only the first answer in each SECTION, provided that one contextual and one essay have been answered.
  4. If a candidate gives two answers where the first is wrong and the next correct, mark the first answer and ignore the next.
  5. If answers are incorrectly numbered, mark according to the memo.
  6. If a spelling error affects the meaning, mark incorrect. If it does not affect the meaning, mark correct.
  7. Essay question: If the essay is shorter than the required word count, do not penalise, because the candidate has already penalised himself/herself. If the essay is too long, assess on merit and discuss with senior markers. Use the assessment rubrics on pages 23 and 24 to assess candidates' essays.
  8. Contextual questions: If the candidate does not use inverted commas when asked to quote, do not penalise.
  9. For open-ended questions, no marks should be awarded for YES/NO or I AGREE/I DISAGREE. The reason/substantiation/motivation/justification is what should be considered.
  10. No marks should be awarded for TRUE/FALSE or FACT/OPINION. The reason/substantiation/motivation/justification is what should be considered.

SECTION A: POETRY
QUESTION 1: POETRY – ESSAY QUESTION
'IN DETENTION' – Chris van Wyk

  • Use the following points, among others, as a guideline to marking this question. Responses might differ, depending on the candidate's sensitivity to and understanding of the poem.
  • Refer to page 23 for the rubric to assess this question.

Candidates may either find this statement valid/invalid or offer a mixed/equivocal response.

  • During apartheid, prisoners were often held in detention without trial and tortured during interrogations. A number of them died while in detention.
  • Stock statements were offered by the security police to explain these deaths in police custody. By parodying these explanations, the speaker highlights the horror of these deaths.
  • The ridiculous excuses were presented as fact by the police. They reflect indifference, a lack of sincerity and a lack of authentic concern.
  • The tragedy of the prisoners' deaths is made to appear insignificant.
  • The speaker repeats variations on these police statements to emphasise the number of deaths that occurred in detention and to expose the lies the police used to conceal the torture and murder of prisoners.
  • The excuses become increasingly absurd and unbelievable.
  • Police arrogantly assumed that the public would accept the ridiculous reasons they offered to explain the prisoners' deaths.
  • The lack of punctuation might suggest the inconclusive nature of the statements being made.
  • The absurdity resulting from the manipulation of the word order indicates the implausibility and lack of feasibility of the explanations.
  • In context, the verbs, 'fell', 'hanged', 'hung' and 'slipped' emphasise the illogical nature of the statements.
  • By using the active voice, the speaker suggests that the prisoners were the agents of their own demise. This, in turn, implies that the police cannot be held responsible for these deaths.
  • The lack of acknowledgement of identity/individuality of the prisoners is highlighted through the use of the impersonal 'he'. The use of 'he' at the start of every line also conveys the sheer number of deaths in detention.
  • The tone is sarcastic/scornful/ironic. It might also be seen as impersonal/indifferent.

[10]

QUESTION 2: POETRY – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION
'AN ABANDONED BUNDLE' – Mbuyiseni Oswald Mtshali
2.1 The indefinite article, 'an' implies that this could be one of many incidents; it is a common occurrence. The word, 'abandoned' suggests that the infant is unwanted and has been deserted/forsaken, while 'bundle' is usually used when referring to an object/something inanimate. This suggests that the infant is not viewed as human, reducing it to rubbish that has no value/is not worth keeping.
[Award 2 marks for any two relevant and distinct points.] (2)
2.2 The word, 'scavenging' suggests that the dogs are forced to forage for food. They – and by implication, the inhabitants – are in the grip of poverty and resort to wild/desperate means in order to survive.
[Award 2 marks for any two relevant and distinct points.] (2)
2.3 The speaker's tone is sarcastic/bitter/ironic. He pities the infant, revealing his despair/disgust/horror at the utter degradation of an innocent and helpless baby's being surrounded by filth/stinking waste.
OR
The speaker's tone is compassionate. He is hopeful that, in death, the infant will find a sense of peace and acceptance that it would not find in this life.
[Award 3 marks only if tone is discussed.]
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR three ideas.] (3)
2.4 The speaker's focus on the squalor and poverty of the township alludes to how apartheid created conditions that led to the degradation of its people and the distortion of social values. The dumping of the infant on a rubbish heap suggests that human life is devalued and emphasises the level of despair and desperation that the mother might have experienced. The infant is a victim of the system that has failed its mother.
[Candidates might argue that, regardless of the mother's circumstances, nothing condones her abandoning of her baby.]
[Credit a mixed response/other valid alternatives.]
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR three ideas.] (3)
[10]

QUESTION 3: PRESCRIBED POETRY – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION
'WHEN I HAVE FEARS THAT I MAY CEASE TO BE' – John Keats
3.1 'Teeming' suggests a multitude of thoughts and feelings. The speaker thus emphasises the vast number of ideas that he wishes he had time to convey/express in poetry./The word is also used when describing the abundant fertility of living creatures: this is appropriate because it suggests the great fertility of his thoughts.
[Award 2 marks for any two relevant and distinct points.] (2)
3.2 The word, 'shadows' conveys the difficulty of capturing and expressing one's creative thoughts. They are ephemeral/elusive like shadows and difficult to outline or express. The final product is never a true reflection of the idea/aspect/object being captured. The outcome of creativity is insubstantial in comparison to the real thing.
[Award 2 marks for any two relevant and distinct points.] (2)
3.3 The speaker's tone is desperate/regretful/longing. His attitude is that love should be spontaneous/impulsive. He wants to enjoy such spontaneous love, but is concerned that this is one of the many things that he will never experience.
[Award 3 marks only if tone is discussed.]
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR three ideas.] (3)
3.4 The speaker is fearful/anxious about many aspects of life that will elude him. However, the rhyming couplet offers hope and redemption. He realises that love and renown are insignificant when one considers eternity. He gains a new perspective when he distances himself from his concerns and regains peace and contentment.
[Candidates might suggest that the final image is equivocal – there is something lonely and desperate in the closing image.]
[Credit other valid alternatives.]
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR three ideas.] (3)
[10]

QUESTION 4: PRESCRIBED POETRY – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION
'ON THE MOVE' – Thom Gunn
4.1 The bikers deliberately dress alike ('donned impersonality') in order to hide their insecurities./The description suggests that they consciously lose their individuality and find comfort in conformity.
[Award 2 marks for any two relevant and distinct points.] (2)
4.2 The word, 'almost' suggests that the bikers have not reached an understanding of their purpose. The bikers are uncertain and plagued with doubts. They move about in order to find meaning in their lives, yet that meaning remains elusive.
[Award 2 marks for any two relevant and distinct points.] (2)
4.3 The image suggests that man is born into constant movement. He has no option but to participate in the unending motion. The word, 'afloat' suggests man is like a leaf, buoyed by the continuous flow. The use of the words, 'divides and breaks' is appropriate because they show that the motion is not uniform: the movement is unpredictable, just as life cannot be anticipated. The image is appropriate because it conveys the idea that life involves perpetual change.
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR three ideas.] (3)
4.4 The detail indicates that there is a paradox basic to human nature. One is both responsible for movement and part of the movement. One causes movement and is subjected to movement, figuratively understood. The paradox conveys that man is both an initiator and a follower.
[Credit alternative valid responses.]
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR three ideas.] (3) 
[10]

UNSEEN POETRY
QUESTION 5: UNSEEN POETRY – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION
'RIDING IN THE NEW YORK SUBWAY' – Mbuyiseni Oswald Mtshali
5.1 The subway is a dark/dull/dingy/depressing space. People might get lost in all the confusing passageways.
[Award 2 marks for any two relevant and distinct points.] (2)
5.2 The sombre/dark/heavy mood is reinforced by the reference to dreadful monsters.
[Award 1 mark for the characterisation of the mood and 1 mark for the reference to 'zombies and gargoyles'.] (2)
5.3 Yes. The reference is appropriate because the speaker suggests that the graffiti artists are lawless individuals intent on vandalising and causing chaos. They feel as disconnected from their environment as the silent commuters do.
OR
No. Through their art, the graffiti artists display creative spirit and vitality. They bring colour to the scene and are in stark contrast to the 'wooden-faced commuters'.
[Award 3 marks for three ideas OR 3 marks for two ideas well discussed.] (3)
5.4 All these words have connotations of death, which links to the central idea of individuals living a 'death-like' and emotionless existence. Life appears to have sapped them of vitality, resulting in 'wooden-faced', silent individuals. They appear to be isolated from one another. They are the living dead.
[Award 3 marks for three ideas OR 3 marks for two ideas well discussed.] (3)
[10]
TOTAL SECTION A: 30

SECTION B: NOVEL
QUESTION 6: ANIMAL FARM – ESSAY QUESTION

  • Here is the basis for answering this essay. Use the following as a guideline only. However, also allow for answers that are different, original and show evidence of critical thought and interpretation.
  • A range of examples must be used by the candidates to support their arguments.
  • Refer to page 24 for the rubric to assess this question.

The principles of Animalism and the moral climate on Animal Farm are adversely affected by ambition, selfishness and hypocrisy.

  • Snowball's morality is apparent in his genuine desire to uplift the animals and improve their lives. He is courageous during the Battle of the Cowshed. The animals respect him, although his integrity is compromised by his silence when the milk and apples are appropriated by the pigs.
  • Snowball's decency becomes his weakness, as he does not recognise Napoleon's selfish desire for power.
  • Napoleon is unethical. He is opportunistic, self-serving and unwilling to share power with Snowball. He is duplicitous when he espouses the ideals of Animalism. He leads the animals to believe that he has their best interests at heart when, in fact, he takes advantage of their labour while doing very little himself. He and the other pigs use their superior intelligence to enrich themselves at the expense of their followers.
  • Napoleon's lack of integrity and corrupt leadership are evident when he alters the Seven Commandments to justify his increasingly human-like behaviour. His usurping of power and increasingly tyrannical behaviour are evident in his training of the puppies to become his agents of terror.
  • Squealer's propaganda campaign is indicative of the hypocrisy that permeates Animal Farm.
  • The other animals, like Boxer and Clover, are decent animals who are led to believe that they are all working towards a common vision, and they trust that the pigs have everyone's best interests at heart. Their goodness of heart is abused by the pigs. Their naivety and trusting natures ensure that the pigs are easily able to assuage the animals' doubts.
  • Although Benjamin is a decent animal, his silence about the pigs' abuse of power and his sense of self-preservation might be perceived as selfish.
  • Mollie is not prepared to give up her comfortable lifestyle. She is disinclined to participate in the manual labour expected of the animals after the revolution. Her vanity and selfishness see her abandoning the farm.
  • Out of self-interest, Moses supports whoever is in power at the moment.
    [Credit mixed responses/valid alternative responses.]

[25]

QUESTION 7: ANIMAL FARM – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION
7.1 Boxer remembers that Snowball planned the strategy for the defence of Animal Farm. He recalls seeing Snowball fighting bravely and being injured during the battle. Boxer also recollects Snowball's having been awarded medals for bravery.
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3)
7.2 Squealer, who is unaccustomed to being questioned, perceives Boxer as a potential threat. Boxer has dared to challenge Squealer's version. Squealer becomes suspicious of Boxer and regards him as disloyal. It could be suggested that the look he gives Boxer reflects his contempt for Boxer's audacity.
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3)
7.3 Napoleon's awarding himself medals for bravery is an attempt to enhance his public image, even though he has done nothing to deserve them. He portrays himself as a hero and elevates his position in the history of Animal Farm. This re-writing of history also undermines the contribution made by Snowball. His decision is made without consultation, which is typical of Napoleon's dictatorial style. The awarding of medals, as well as the categories of medal, is contrary to the principle of equality.
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3)
7.4 Having the animals confess seems to validate their slaughter. Napoleon coerces the other animals to confess in order to eliminate any opposition and potential rival to his position. It allows him to show his strength and keeps the rest of the animals subdued out of fear of what Napoleon and his dogs might do to them should they rebel.
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3)
7.5 The sheep are ignorant and follow their leaders blindly. Prior to this extract, the sheep have been trained to become part of Squealer's propaganda machine. They now start to bleat after the animals have seen the pigs on their hind legs. The sheep are used to silence/suppress any criticism or opposition. Throughout the novel, they are used as tools and are manipulated by Napoleon and Squealer to quash any debate or voice of dissent.
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3)
7.6 Benjamin has refused to get involved in any discussion about the merits (or lack thereof) of the revolution. Had he pointed out the alterations being made to the Commandments earlier, the other animals might have voiced stronger objections. It is ironic that he now agrees to assist Clover by reading aloud; however, it is too late to change the circumstances in which they find themselves.
[Award 3 marks only if the irony is well discussed.]
[Credit alternative valid responses.] (3)
7.7 The replacement of the commandments with a single commandment shows the pigs' contempt for the ideals of the revolution. The single commandment is illogical and meaningless but it entrenches Napoleon as an autocratic leader who will not recognise the dignity of the lower animals. There is no longer any pretence of equality on the farm.
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3)
7.8 Candidates may find this statement relevant/irrelevant or offer a mixed response.
Extracts A and B both reflect how the animals' minds are manipulated and their protests are silenced. The lack of intelligence of the lower animals contributes to the ease with which they are manipulated, controlled and exploited. Their ignorance means they are easily confused by Squealer's propaganda and are unable to articulate their thoughts. Even when the lower animals do express their doubt, they are easily convinced that their memories and their version of events are faulty. The lower animals' poor grasp of language contributes to their passivity and oppression. It is their misguided loyalty to Napoleon and their unquestioning obedience that enable the entrenchment of the pigs' power. The lower animals' fear of the dogs and of the humans' returning silences their opposition.
[Candidates might argue that the power of the oppressor is so great that the animals have no option but to succumb to subjugation.]
[Award 4 marks only if the candidate makes reference to both extracts and the novel as a whole.]
(4)
[25]

QUESTION 8: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE – ESSAY QUESTION

  • Here is the basis for answering this essay. Use the following as a guideline only. However, also allow for answers that are different, original and show evidence of critical thought and interpretation.
  • A range of examples must be used by the candidates to support their arguments.
  • Refer to page 24 for the rubric to assess this question.

Related Items

Individuals in Austen's society are governed by strict moral codes. However, while some characters live their lives accordingly, others favour personal ambition, selfishness and hypocrisy.

  • Lady Catherine has selfish personal reasons when she confronts Elizabeth about the unsuitability of a liaison with Darcy. She wants Darcy as a son-in-law to protect her lineage and her family's wealth. Elizabeth's class makes her unsuitable.
  • Lady Catherine's hypocrisy is often evident. She professes to speak with sincerity. However, she is unfair to Elizabeth when she confronts her and reveals her (Lady Catherine's) pompous, self-motivated nature.
  • Mrs Bennet's plans for Jane to remain at the Bingley household when she takes ill have everything to do with personal ambition and selfishness, rather than adherence to morally upright conventions. As an opportunistic woman, she will go to any lengths to secure a possible union.
  • On hearing of Lydia's elopement, Mrs Bennet takes to her bed, but as soon as matters are favourably resolved, she undergoes a miraculous recovery and gloats at having a daughter suitably married.
  • To serve their own purposes, the Bingley sisters discredit the Bennet girls.
  • Lydia is driven by selfishness and ambition, resulting in her elopement. She has no qualms about misbehaving and breaking social conventions.
  • Wickham is driven by selfishness and greed. He attempts to seduce Darcy's sister and feels no compunction about it. His involvement with Lydia is dishonourable and based on personal gratification.
  • Despite his being a clergyman, Mr Collins is hypocritical, sycophantic and interested only in his own advancement.
  • However, Elizabeth is not prepared to compromise her moral values, despite society's pressure. She will not marry because it is expected of her, or for mercenary reasons, but rather for love.
  • Darcy takes his moral responsibility very seriously. He blames himself for failing to expose Wickham's nature. For this reason, he goes to great lengths to ensure the marriage of Wickham and Lydia. He warns Bingley about Jane's unsuitability because of her background.
  • The Gardiners are morally upright. They work selflessly in the service of the welfare and the reputation of the Bennet family.
    [Credit mixed responses/valid alternative responses.]

[25]

QUESTION 9: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION
9.1 Elizabeth has just witnessed a frosty meeting between Wickham and Darcy. She is curious about the reason for their obvious differences. She pursues the subject in the hope that Wickham will provide more information on the relationship between Darcy and himself. She resents Darcy, which intensifies her curiosity.
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3)
9.2 Yes. Elizabeth is spirited and intelligent. She is proud of her ability to judge the behaviour and intentions of others. Darcy has offended her greatly and for this reason she judges him immediately. Her fault lies in her stubbornness and determination to see his negative aspects.
OR
A 'No' answer is unlikely; however, treat all responses on their merits.
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3)
9.3 Wickham wishes to ingratiate himself with Elizabeth to garner her support in his tense relationship with Darcy. He uses his charisma and assumed humility to insinuate himself into Elizabeth's good books. He is an opportunist – as soon as he realises that Elizabeth dislikes Darcy, he capitalises on it to gain her sympathy.
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3)
9.4 It is ironic that Wickham says this about Darcy, when this detail is actually an accurate portrayal of Wickham himself. He ensures that everyone sees only the charming, good-looking victim of his birth when they meet him. However, he is cunning, deceitful and determined to forge ahead by unscrupulous means. He is totally self-centred and immoral.
[Award 3 marks only if the irony is well discussed.]
[Consider valid alternative responses.] (3)
9.5 While Mr Bennet sees Elizabeth as his intellectual equal and he regards both Jane and Elizabeth as responsible and respectable young women, the same cannot be said for his attitude to his younger daughters. He realises that Lydia is flighty and irresponsible but he continues to indulge her by allowing her to go to Brighton. He appears dismissive of and indifferent toward the younger girls.
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3)
9.6 Lydia's single-minded pursuit of Wickham and her scandalous elopement will have detrimental consequences for her family. The Bennet girls' marriage prospects would potentially be seriously disadvantaged as their reputations would have been tarnished, along with Lydia's. They would be doomed to spinsterhood and constant humiliation. They would become the objects of gossip.
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3)
9.7 Extract D points to the patriarchal and sexist nature of the society. The assumption was that women needed constant supervision by men in order to prevent harm's being done to their reputations. Using words such as 'silly' and 'an object of prey' suggests a patronising attitude toward women.
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3)
9.8 Candidates may find this statement relevant/irrelevant or offer a mixed response.
In Extract C, the morality of both Darcy and Wickham is questioned. Wickham chooses to malign Darcy's name by painting a picture of him as immoral. Ironically, it is Wickham who is immoral. Furthermore, Wickham breaks a moral rule when he speaks ill of the family that has 'adopted' him.
The focus of Extract D is on Lydia's morality. Lydia's improper behaviour and the consequences thereof reflect the inevitable results of such immoral actions.
These extracts lend credibility to the statement as Austen's novel promotes strict morality: propriety and adherence to valid social norms are at the heart of the novel. The focus is on the relationship between an individual's moral commitments and his expression of them in the social context.
[Award 4 marks only if the candidate makes reference to both extracts and to the novel as a whole.] (4)
[25]

QUESTION 10: THE GREAT GATSBY – ESSAY QUESTION

  • Here is the basis for answering this essay. Use the following as a guideline only. However, also allow for answers that are different, original and show evidence of critical thought and interpretation.
  • A range of examples must be used by the candidates to support their arguments.
  • Refer to page 24 for the rubric to assess this question.
  • Tom's unfaithfulness throughout his marriage is clear evidence of his lack of morals, yet he displays outrage at Gatsby's having no respect for the institution of marriage. This is indicative of his hypocritical nature.
  • Tom's hypocrisy is also evident when he scorns Gatsby for being a bootlegger, yet he himself purchases and consumes alcohol. He accuses Gatsby of shady dealings, yet continues his own friendship with Walter Chase, who is an associate of Wolfshiem.
  • Because of Tom's selfishness and desire for self-preservation, he tells Wilson that Gatsby is the owner of the car that kills Myrtle. This results in Gatsby's death. Tom's refusal to take responsibility for his actions is an indication of his immorality.
  • Jordan is careless and selfish. She hypocritically accuses Nick of being a bad driver (both literally and figuratively) when she is guilty of the same thing. Jordan does not condemn Tom for his affair with Myrtle, merely commenting that his mistress should have the decency not to phone him at dinner.
  • Jordan's personal ambition leads to her cheating in a golf tournament.
  • Gatsby's personal ambition/dream to win Daisy powerfully contributes to the corruption of his dream by the illegal accumulation of wealth. Moreover, he plans to realise his dream through the destruction of Daisy's marriage.
  • Myrtle is ambitious for material gain and social advantage: this causes her to betray her husband.
  • Daisy's selfishness causes her to betray her marriage vows. She leads Gatsby on to think that she will leave Tom and marry him, but has no coherent intentions in this regard. Her desire to protect herself at all costs causes her to allow Gatsby to take the blame for Myrtle's death, while she absolves herself of the moral obligation to take responsibility.
  • The partygoers attend Gatsby's parties only out of a selfish desire to pursue pleasure and to feed off Gatsby's wealth. Their hypocrisy is evident in the wild rumours they spread while taking advantage of his hospitality. A general mood of licentiousness and immorality pervades the parties where people ignore the prohibition laws, indulge in affairs, etc. Klipspringer stays on at Gatsby's mansion, taking advantage of his hospitality, yet displays his hypocrisy by not attending Gatsby's funeral.
  • Nick’s moral ambiguity is apparent in his facilitation of an adulterous relationship between Gatsby and Daisy. His hypocrisy is evident when he does not show any disapproval of Tom’s abuse of Myrtle.
    [Credit mixed responses/valid alternative responses.]

[25]

QUESTION 11: THE GREAT GATSBY – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION
11.1 Daisy is cynical partly because she is in an unhappy marriage. Daisy has been disappointed in love. Her society expects nothing more of women than that they should be adornments to be paraded, resulting in her leading a life of idleness and purposelessness.
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3)
11.2 Daisy has a superficial bond with her daughter. She is not interested in talking about her. The use of the word, 'absently' and Daisy's changing of the subject indicate her self-absorption. Her references to her child are shallow and seem to be mere excuses to make conversation in a suitably dramatic way. Later in the novel, Daisy displays her daughter to Gatsby as if she were a possession to be shown off and then dismissed.
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.]
[Candidates must make reference to the novel as a whole for full marks.] (3)
11.3 Daisy's words imply that Tom is not a devoted husband or a family man. His absence at the birth of his daughter is selfish. He is a womaniser and has indulged in numerous affairs throughout his marriage. He flaunts his sordid relationship with Myrtle by accepting her calls at home.
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3)
11.4 Nick has a feeling that Daisy is manipulating him in an attempt to gain his sympathy and support. This makes him aware of Daisy's shallowness and dishonesty. Moreover, his reaction shows that he is astute, observant and not vulnerable to deception/manipulation.
[Credit alternative valid responses.]
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3)
11.5 Nick is concerned about Gatsby's well-being because of the events of the previous night: the confrontation with Tom, Daisy's rejection of him and Myrtle's death. Despite Nick's earlier reservations about Gatsby, he has come to admire and care for him.
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3)
11.6 Gatsby still clings to the hope that Daisy will leave Tom. However, he does not realise that she has already made her choice and she and Tom are preparing to leave East Egg. It is ironic that, even after the confrontation with Tom, and Daisy's inability to commit to him, Gatsby is unable to accept that his dream is dead.
[Award 3 marks if both ironies are mentioned OR if one irony is well discussed.] (3)
11.7 Each of the seasons referred to in the novel is figuratively significant. The relationship between Gatsby and Daisy, which begins in the summer, comes to an abrupt end in Autumn. Autumn, a symbol of change and of the approach of death, is in the air. It is a reminder of the death of Gatsby's dream, as well as a foreshadowing of Gatsby's death later that day.
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3)
11.8 Valid.
In Extract E, Daisy and Tom display a lack of moral fortitude. In Extract F, Nick's regard for Gatsby and his genuine concern for him are clearly portrayed. He does not want to leave Gatsby. He has come to respect and admire Gatsby for his dedication to his 'incorruptible dream' and his 'extraordinary sense of hope' which sets him apart from others. In Nick's eyes, Gatsby is 'worth the whole damn bunch put together'.
Daisy and Tom's behaviour reveals their selfishness, insincerity and carelessness, making them part of the 'rotten crowd'. Their reaction to Myrtle's death reinforces this perception of them. They are without spiritual/moral values or compassion.
[A cogent 'invalid' response is unlikely. However, credit alternative valid responses.]
[Award 4 marks only if the candidate makes reference to both extracts and to the novel as a whole.] (4)
[25]
TOTAL SECTION B: 25

SECTION C: DRAMA
QUESTION 12: OTHELLO – ESSAY QUESTION

  • Here is the basis for answering this essay. Use the following as a guideline only. However, also allow for answers that are different, original and show evidence of critical thought and interpretation.
  • A range of examples must be used by the candidates to support their arguments.
  • Refer to page 24 for the rubric to assess this question.
  • Iago's behaviour is driven completely by self-interest. He makes use of characters' weaknesses and vulnerabilities to further his cause.
  • He thinks the worst of others and does not believe in love or loyalty: for example, Othello's love for Desdemona or Cassio's loyalty to Othello.
  • He uses people for his own benefit, showing little respect or concern for gullible people. When he gives Cassio and Roderigo advice, it is not because he has any concern for them, but rather because he has an ulterior motive to further his own plans.
  • He does not love Emilia; neither does he treat her with respect. He belittles her in front of others and uses her to procure Desdemona's handkerchief so that he can provide Othello with the proof he has demanded. When she defies him at the end of the play, he kills her.
  • His alerting Othello to the alleged affair is not out of concern for Othello, but rather as part of his plan to bring about Othello's downfall.
  • Emilia's act of stealing Desdemona's handkerchief is motivated by self-interest as she hopes to please her husband, but her shock and horror when she realises that she has inadvertently contributed to Desdemona's death show that she is capable of great loyalty and love for her mistress. She refuses to be silenced, even though it could mean her death.
  • Brabantio, too, acts out of self-interest rather than concern for his daughter's happiness when, because of his racism, he tries to dissolve her marriage.
  • Othello's feelings of betrayal, hurt pride and humiliation at the alleged affair cause him to act out of self-interest and a desire for revenge when he kills Desdemona. His refusal to listen to her pleas of innocence might be construed as his pride's being greater than his love for her.
  • Cassio's appeal to Desdemona to be reinstated is made out of justifiable self-interest: he wants his rank and social position to be restored.
  • Cassio’s affair with Bianca is motivated by self-interest. He has no respect for her.
  • Roderigo is willing to use criminal means to serve his obsession with Desdemona.
  • However, Desdemona's actions throughout the play show loyalty and steadfastness in her love for Othello, as well as in her friendship with Cassio. She is prepared to go to any decent lengths to help Cassio. Her actions are motivated by a concern for others rather than by self-interest.
    [Credit mixed responses/valid alternative responses.]

[25]

QUESTION 13: OTHELLO – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION
13.1 Cassio's appeal for Desdemona's assistance will reinforce Othello's impression that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair. The thought of Desdemona's infidelity will destroy Othello's happiness and peace of mind. Iago uses Cassio's appeal to manipulate the situation and gain revenge on Othello for perceived injustices against him.
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3)
13.2 Desdemona's response reflects her loyalty and commitment. Her response is fully in keeping with her refusal to compromise when it comes to matters important to her, such as her determination to marry Othello and to accompany him to Cyprus. Desdemona's steadfast loyalty to Othello despite her father's disapproval is indicative of her faithfulness.
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3)
13.3 Desdemona says that she 'shall rather die' than give up her attempts to have Cassio reinstated. It is ironic that Desdemona does indeed lose her life in her attempt to keep her promise to Cassio. It is her determination to plead Cassio's case that convinces Othello of her infidelity, culminating in her tragic death.
[Award 3 marks only if irony is well discussed.] (3)
13.4 Othello is sensitive because he now believes Iago's innuendoes regarding the affair. Othello refers to the belief that a man who has been cuckolded wears horns. Thus, when Iago asks him if he has hurt his head, he thinks that Iago is taunting him about the affair. Moreover, Othello realises that he has had a fit. His vulnerability is exposed and he feels humiliated about this weakness.
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3)
13.5 Iago uses derogatory language to describe women who are unfaithful to their husbands, saying that there are women who appear virtuous ('chaste') but are not ('wanton'). Iago is cynical about female virtue. He has a generally disparaging attitude toward women in general.
[Award 3 marks only if the language in the lines is discussed.]
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3)
13.6 Othello sees Iago as being loyal and concerned about Othello's well-being. Iago's willingness to show Othello proof of his accusations will lead Othello to believe in their veracity. Othello feels indebted to Iago, who he believes has his best interests at heart. It will increase his faith in Iago's supposed loyalty and he will be more amenable to any of Iago's future allusions and hints.
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3)
13.7 Earlier in the play, Iago's tone is respectful and deferential, acknowledging Othello's higher status and rank. His tone is used to ingratiate himself with Othello and to gain Othello's trust.
In this extract, Iago's tone is scornful and contemptuous. He mocks Othello's manhood and implies that Othello is behaving in a weak and unbecoming manner for someone of his stature.
Alternatively, Iago's tone in this extract can be seen as confident and firm, but also falsely sympathetic. He is asserting control over Othello while continuing to sound like a true friend.
[Award 3 marks only if the candidate discusses the change in tone.]
[Credit valid alternative responses.] (3)
13.8 Initially one responds favourably toward Othello because of his integrity. However, one might lose respect for Othello because his moral deterioration is evident in his taking satisfaction in being 'cunning' and being 'most bloody', qualities that were alien to his nature at the beginning of the play. Previously he prides himself on being someone who is forthright and honest in his dealings with others; now he has become devious and has lost his honour and integrity.
One might feel sympathy for Othello because Iago has stripped him of his honour and integrity. Othello is reduced to an animal-like state, having lost rational control.
[Award 4 marks only if the candidate assesses how 'these lines' influence attitude to character in the context of the play as a whole.]
[Credit mixed responses.]
[Credit valid alternative responses.] (4)
[25]

QUESTION 14: THE CRUCIBLE – ESSAY QUESTION

  • Here is the basis for answering this essay. Use the following as a guideline only. However, also allow for answers that are different, original and show evidence of critical thought and interpretation.
  • A range of examples must be used by the candidates to support their arguments.
  • Refer to page 24 for the rubric to assess this question.
  • The girls need to protect themselves from punishment. Hale's attitude helps them realise that confessing will enable them to escape whipping.
  • They are encouraged to accuse others. This diverts attention from their activities in the woods. The girls are remorseless in their accusations and people fall victim to their vindictiveness.
  • Abigail threatens the girls with death if they should tell the truth. The girls relish their newly-gained power and collude to entrench it.
  • Abigail is prepared to sacrifice Elizabeth to satisfy her desire for Proctor. She uses the poppet that Mary Warren takes home to fake the black magic spell that Elizabeth has supposedly cast.
  • Mary Warren condones and supports Abigail's plans to destroy Elizabeth and to avoid the consequences of their actions in the woods. When she tries to expose Abigail, she is attacked in court. In order to save herself, she eventually accuses Proctor of planning the destruction of the court.
  • The Putnams and others join the frenzy and accuse villagers to satisfy their greed for land; they also exact vengeance for past grievances.
  • Parris is more concerned with protecting his reputation than exposing the truth. He summons Hale to disprove witchcraft so as to avoid having to explain his daughter's and his niece's involvement with such nefarious activities. He uses the trials to hide his deception as well as his vindictiveness toward Proctor.
  • Parris wants Hale to disprove witchcraft, but is happy to participate once he realises he stands to gain from the situation.
  • Hale's arrogance and determination to discover witchcraft encourage the hysteria.
  • To appease his conscience, Hale encourages the accused to condemn themselves by making false confessions.
  • Proctor initially says nothing about his adultery and his knowledge of Abigail's deception as he is afraid of exposure and the loss of his reputation.
  • Danforth and the court officials enjoy their fame and power and are too proud to admit they have been deceived. They rely on Elizabeth to persuade Proctor to confess, hoping that others will follow suit.
  • On the other hand, Elizabeth has noble intentions and lies to protect Proctor.
  • Even after Elizabeth has been granted a reprieve, Proctor remains in court to save his friends.
  • On the one hand, Proctor, Rebecca Nurse and Giles's refusal to confess might be interpreted as sacrificing their family's well-being in order to serve their own interests. However, on the other hand, their refusal might be interpreted as selfless.
    [Credit mixed responses/valid alternative responses.]

[25]

QUESTION 15: THE CRUCIBLE – CONTEXTUAL
15.1 There are many rumours about witchcraft. Elizabeth is aware that the situation has spiralled out of control since many innocent people have been arrested. She wants Proctor to go to Salem to restore sanity, since Abigail has told him that they were merely indulging in 'sport'. Proctor is respected in the village and his voice will have credibility.
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3)
15.2 Proctor knows that Abigail is determined to revive their affair and that she is vindictive. Proctor is concerned about the repercussions of exposing Abigail as a fraud. She could turn on him and expose him as an adulterer if he were to discredit her. His name/reputation is important to him and he does not want to lose the respect of the villagers.
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3)
15.3 Proctor is concerned that the malicious behaviour of the girls will lead to tragedy. The girls have evil intent. Although at first their intention is simply to escape punishment, they exploit the growing hysteria so as to exercise power for its own sake and to take revenge. It is not only the girls who indulge in witchcraft accusations: many of the other villagers also make use of the hysteria to wreak revenge on enemies, satisfy their greed and entrench their power.
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3)
15.4 Proctor realizes that Abigail is now viewed by the villagers as a saintly, righteous person, who deserves to be honoured for her holiness and dedication to her religion. However, Abigail is a devious, scheming young woman who has had an affair and is determined to destroy Elizabeth in order to resume her affair with Proctor. She is also responsible for the execution of people for alleged witchcraft. It is ironic that Abigail is considered to be an upholder of religious practice, while she is actually attacking/destroying the religious foundation of the town.
[Award 3 marks only if irony is well discussed.] (3)
15.5 Yes. Proctor has done what he can to reassure Elizabeth that the affair is over and has been very patient with Elizabeth's coldness toward him. He deserves to regain her trust.
OR
No. his sensitivity is not justified because he does enjoy Abigail's attention when he visits Parris's house to see what the furore is about. Eventually he does push Abigail away. He has not been honest with Elizabeth and has not told her that he was alone with Abigail for a while.
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.]
[Candidates might agree or disagree or have a mixed response.] (3)
15.6 Parris is concerned about his position in Salem. The fame he enjoyed during the height of the accusations has faded and he has received a death threat. The villagers have turned on him now that respectable people like Proctor and Rebecca Nurse have been condemned. He is keen for Elizabeth to convince Proctor to 'confess' to witchcraft so that Proctor can be saved from hanging. Parris is hopeful that other condemned prisoners will follow suit and that this will reduce the anger of the villagers. These confessions would absolve him of guilt and justify his stance on the accusations of witchcraft.
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3)
15.7 Danforth's tone is threatening and aggressive, reminding Proctor that he will be hanged at sunrise. Danforth is aware that the court has been deceived, but the court officials are too proud to admit their mistakes. There is a note of desperation in Danforth's tone when he presses Proctor to confess because this confession will absolve the court of liability.
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3)
15.8 Initially, one might feel frustrated with Hale's refusal to see the obvious. When he arrives in Salem, Hale truly believes in his power to expose witchcraft – he has the books to 'prove' his 'scientific' knowledge. Hale is reluctant to admit that he has been deceived.
In these lines, Hale is pleading on behalf of Proctor. He wants Danforth to show compassion for Proctor's plight. At this point, one might feel sympathy for Hale when he realises that he has been misled by the girls and that his unremitting attitude has betrayed many innocent people, condemning them to their deaths. One might recognise Hale's tireless efforts to rescue the innocent victims. However, it is also possible to feel indifferent to and enjoy Hale's emotional distress.
[Award 4 marks only if the candidate refers to his/her attitude and to the play as a whole.]
[Credit mixed responses/valid alternative responses.] (4)
[25]
TOTAL SECTION C: 25
GRAND TOTAL: 80

SECTION A: Assessment rubric for literary essay: Poetry (10 marks)

Criteria  Exceptional
8–10 
Skilful
6–7 
Moderate
4–5 
Elementary
2–3 
Inadequate
0–1 
CONTENT
Interpretation of topic. Depth of argument, justification and grasp of text.
7 MARKS
  • In-depth interpretation of topic
  • Range of striking
    arguments; extensively
    supported from poem
  • Excellent understanding
    of genre and poem
  • Shows understanding and has interpreted topic well
  • Fairly detailed response
  • Sound arguments given, but not all of them as well motivated as they could be
  • Understanding of genre and poem
  • Fair interpretation of topic
  • Some good points in support of topic
  • Some arguments supported, but
    evidence is not always convincing
  • Basic understanding of genre and poem
  •  Unsatisfactory interpretation of topic
  • Hardly any points in support of topic
  • Inadequate understanding of genre and poem

  • No understanding of the topic
  • No reference to the poem
  • Learner has not come to grips with genre and poem
STRUCTURE AND LANGUAGE
Structure, logical flow and presentation. Language, tone and style used in the essay.
3 MARKS
  • Coherent structure
  • Arguments well-structured and clearly developed
  • Language, tone and style mature, impressive, correct
  • Virtually error-free grammar, spelling and punctuation
  • Clear structure and logical flow of argument
  • Flow of argument can be followed
  • Language, tone & style largely correct
  • Some evidence of structure
  • Essay lacks a well- structured flow of logic and coherence
  • Language errors minor; tone and style mostly appropriate
  • Structure shows faulty planning
  • Arguments not logically arranged
  • Language errors evident
  • Inappropriate tone & style
  • Poorly structured
  • Serious language errors and incorrect style
 MARK RANGE  8–10  6–7  4–5  2–3  0–1
  • A creative response must be awarded 0 for Content and 0 for Language and Structure.


SECTIONS B AND C: Assessment rubric for literary essay – Novel and Drama: 25 Marks

Criteria  Exceptional  Skilful  Moderate  Elementary   Inadequate

CONTENT

Interpretation of topic. Depth of argument, justification and grasp of text.
15 MARKS

 12–15  9–11  6–8  4–5  0–3
  • Outstanding response: 14-15 Excellent response: 12-13
  • In-depth interpretation of topic
  • Range of striking arguments extensively supported from text
  • Excellent understanding of genre and text
  • Shows understanding and has interpreted topic well
  • Fairly detailed
    response
  • Some sound arguments given, but not all of them as well motivated as they could be
  • Understanding of genre and text evident
  • Mediocre interpretation of topic; not all aspects explored in detail
  • Some good points in support of topic
  • Some arguments supported, but evidence is not always convincing
  • Partial understanding of genre and text
  • Scant interpretation of topic; hardly any aspects explored in detail
  • Few points in support of topic
  • Very little relevant
    argument
  • Little understanding of genre and text
  • Very little understanding
    of the topic
  • Weak attempt to answer the question.
  • Arguments not convincing
  • Learner has not come to grips with genre or text
STRUCTURE AND LANGUAGE
Structure, logical flow and presentation. Language, tone and style used in the essay.
10 MARKS 
 8–10  6–7  4–5  2–3  0–1
  • Coherent structure
  • Excellent introduction and conclusion
  • Arguments well structured and clearly developed
  • Language, tone and style mature, impressive, correct
  • Clear structure & logical flow of argument
  • Introduction & conclusion & other paragraphs coherently organised
  • Logical flow of argument
  • Language, tone & style largely correct
  • Some evidence of structure
  • Logic and coherence apparent, but flawed
  • Some language errors; tone & style mostly appropriate
  • Paragraphing mostly correct
  • Structure shows faulty planning.
  • Arguments not logically arranged
  • Language errors evident.
  • Inappropriate tone & style
  • Paragraphing faulty
  • Lack of planned structure impedes flow of argument
  • Language errors and incorrect style make this an unsuccessful piece of writing
  • Inappropriate tone & style
  • Paragraphing faulty
 MARK RANGE  20–25  15–19  10–14  5–9  0–4
  • There must not be more than two categories' variation between the Structure and Language mark and the Content mark.
  • A creative response must be awarded 0 for Content and 0 for Language and Structure.
Last modified on Wednesday, 02 June 2021 07:57