GRAAD 12

GRADE 12

UMLAZI DISTRICT
ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE P2

PREPARATORY EXAMINATION 2023

MARKS: 80

TIME: 2½ hours

This question paper consists of 28 pages.

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English Home Language/P2 2 UMD PREPARATORY EXAMINATION 2023

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

1. Read these instructions carefully before you begin to answer the questions.

2. Do NOT attempt to read the entire question paper. Consult the table of
contents on page 4 and mark the numbers of the questions set on texts you
have studied this year. Thereafter, read these questions and choose the ones
you wish to answer.

3. This question paper consists of THREE sections:

SECTION A: Poetry (30)

SECTION B: Novel (25)
SECTION C: Drama (25)

4. Answer FIVE questions in all: THREE in SECTION A, ONE in SECTION B

and ONE in SECTION C as follows:

SECTION A: POETRY
PRESCRIBED POETRY – Answer TWO questions.
UNSEEN POEM – COMPULSORY question

SECTION B: NOVEL
Answer ONE question.

SECTION C: DRAMA
Answer ONE question.

5. CHOICE OF ANSWERS FOR SECTIONS B (NOVEL) AND C (DRAMA):

• Answer questions ONLY on the novel and the drama you have studied.
• Answer ONE ESSAY QUESTION and ONE CONTEXTUAL QUESTION. If
you answer the essay question in SECTION B, you must answer the
contextual question in SECTION C.
If you answer the contextual question in SECTION B, you must answer the
essay question in SECTION C.
Use the checklist to assist you.

6. LENGTH OF ANSWERS:
• The essay question on Poetry should be answered in about 250–300 words.
• Essay questions on the Novel and Drama sections should be answered in
400–450 words.
• The length of answers to contextual questions should be determined by the
mark allocation. Candidates should aim for conciseness and relevance.

7. Follow the instructions at the beginning of each section carefully.

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8. Number your answers correctly according to the numbering system used in

this question paper.

9. Start EACH section on a NEW page.

10. Suggested time management:

SECTION A: approximately 40 minutes

SECTION B: approximately 55 minutes
SECTION C: approximately 55 minutes

11. Write neatly and legibly.

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UMD PREPARATORY EXAMINATION 2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION A: POETRY
Prescribed poetry: Answer ANY TWO questions
QUESTION NO QUESTION MARKS PAGE
NO
1. ‘At a Funeral’ Essay question 10 6
2. ‘This Winter Coming’ Contextual 10 7
question
3. ‘The Morning Sun is Shining’ Contextual 10 9
question
4. ‘It is a Beauteous Evening, Calm and Contextual 10 10
Free’ question

AND
Unseen Poetry: COMPULSORY QUESTION
5. ‘The Dark Side of Humanity’ Contextual 10 11
question
SECTION B: NOVEL

Answer One question. *

6. The Picture of Dorian Gray Essay question 25 12

7. The Picture of Dorian Gray Contextual 25 12
question
8. Life of Pi Essay question 25 15
9. Life of Pi Contextual 25 15
question
SECTION C: DRAMA

Answer One question. *

10. Hamlet Essay question 25 18
11. Hamlet Contextual 25 18
question
12. Othello Essay question 25 22
13. Othello Contextual 25 22
question
14. The Crucible Essay question 25 26
15. The Crucible Contextual 25 26
question

*NOTE: In SECTIONS B AND C, answer ONE ESSAY and ONE CONTEXTUAL

Question. You may not answer TWO ESSAY questions or TWO
CONTEXTUAL questions.

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English Home Language/P2 5 UMD PREPARATORY EXAMINATION 2023

CHECKLIST

Use this checklist to ensure that you have answered the correct number of questions.

SECTION QUESTION NUMBER OF

NUMBERS QUESTIONS TICK(√)
ANSWERED
A: Poetry
(Prescribed Poetry)
1–4 2
A: Poetry
(Unseen Poetry) 5 1

B: Novel
(Essay or Contextual) 6–9 1

C: Drama
(Essay or Contextual) 10–15 1

NOTE: In SECTIONS B AND C, answer ONE ESSAY and ONE CONTEXTUAL

Question. You may not answer TWO ESSAY questions or TWO CONTEXTUAL
questions.

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English Home Language/P2 6 UMD PREPARATORY EXAMINATION 2023

SECTION A: POETRY

PRESCRIBED POETRY

Answer any TWO of the following questions.

QUESTION 1: ESSAY QUESTION

Read the poem below and then answer the question that follows.

AT A FUNERAL – Dennis Brutus

(for Valencia Majombozi, who died shortly after qualifying as a doctor)

1 Black, green and gold at sunset: pageantry

2 And stubbled graves Expectant, of eternity,
3 In bride’s-white, nun’s-white veils the nurses gush their bounty
4 Of red-wine cloaks, frothing the bugled dirging slopes
5 Salute! Then ponder all this hollow panoply
6 For one whose gifts the mud devours, with our hopes.

7 Oh all you frustrate ones, powers tombed in dirt,

8 Aborted, not by Death but carrion books of birth
9 Arise! The brassy shout of Freedom stirs our earth;
10 Not Death but death’s-head tyranny scythes our ground
11 And plots our narrow cells of pain defeat and dearth:
12 Better that we should die, than that we should lie down.

In the poem ‘At a funeral’, the speaker depicts the hardships and sacrifices of those who
fought for freedom.

With close reference to diction, imagery and tone, critically discuss the validity of this
statement.
[10]
Your response should take the form of a well-constructed essay of 250–300 words
(about ONE page).

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English Home Language/P2 7 UMD PREPARATORY EXAMINATION 2023

QUESTION 2: CONTEXTUAL QUESTION

Read the poem below and then answer the questions that follow.

THIS WINTER COMING – Karen Press

1 walking in the thick rain

2 of this winter we have only just entered,
3 who is not frightened?

4 the sea is swollen, churning in broken waves

5 around the rocks, the sand is sinking away
6 the seagulls will not land
7 under this sky, this shroud falling
8 who is not frightened?

9 in every part of the city, sad women climbing onto buses,

10 dogs barking in the street, and the children
11 in every doorway crying,
12 the world is so hungry, madam’s house is clean
13 and the women return with slow steps
14 to the children, the street, the sky is tolling like a black bell;
15 these women are a tide of sadness
16 they will drown the world,
17 who is not frightened?

18 on every corner men standing

19 old stumps in the rain, tombstones
20 engraved with open eyes
21 watching the bright cars full of sated faces
22 pass them, pass them, pass them,
23 who is not frightened?

24 into the rain the children are running

25 thin as the barest twigs they kindle a fire
26 to fight the winter, their bare bodies
27 a raging fire of dead children
28 and the sky collapsing under centuries of rain
29 the wind like a mountain crying,
30 who is not frightened of this winter
31 coming upon us now?

2.1 Refer to lines 1–3: ‘walking in the thick rain … not frightened?’.
(2)
How is the mood established in these lines?

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2.2 Refer to lines 4–5: ‘The sea is swollen … sinking away’. (2)

Account for the speaker’s tone in these lines.

2.3 Refer to lines 9–12: ‘in every part … madam’s house is clean’.

Discuss the effectiveness of the juxtaposition in these lines. (3)

2.4 Refer to lines 30–31: ‘Who is not … coming upon us now?’

Critically comment on the suitability of these lines as a conclusion to the poem. (3)

[10]

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English Home Language/P2 9 UMD PREPARATORY EXAMINATION 2023

QUESTION 3: CONTEXTUAL QUESTION

Read the poem below and then answer the questions that follow.

THE MORNING SUN IS SHINING – Olive Schreiner

1 The morning sun is shining on

2 The green, green willow tree,
3 And sends a golden sunbeam
4 To dance upon my knee.
5 The fountain bubbles merrily,
6 The yellow locusts spring,
7 Of life and light and sunshine
8 The happy brown birds sing.

9 The earth is clothed with beauty,

10 The air is filled with song,
11 The yellow thorn trees load the wind
12 With odours sweet and strong
13 There is a hand I never touch
14 And a face I never see;
15 Now what is sunshine, what is song,
16 Now what is light to me?

3.1 Refer to lines 1–4: ‘The morning sun … upon my knee’.

How is the mood established in these lines? (2)

3.2 Refer to lines 13–14: ‘There is a hand … face I never see;’.

Account for the change of tone in these lines. (2)

3.3 Refer to line 9: ‘The earth is clothed with beauty’.

Comment on the effectiveness of the image in the context of the poem. (3)

3.4 Refer to lines 15–16: ‘Now what is sunshine … light to me?’.

Critically comment on the suitability of these lines as a conclusion to this poem. (3)

[10]

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QUESTION 4: CONTEXTUAL QUESTION

Read the poem below and then answer the questions that follow.

IT IS A BEAUTEOUS EVENING, CALM AND FREE – William Wordsworth

1 It is a beauteous evening, calm and free,

2 The holy time is quiet as a nun
3 Breathless with adoration; the broad sun
4 Is sinking down in its tranquility;
5 The gentleness of heaven is on the sea:
6 Listen! the mighty Being is awake,
7 And doth with his eternal motion make
8 A sound like thunder–everlastingly.
9 Dear child! dear girl! that walkest with me here,
10 If thou appear untouched by solemn thought
11 Thy nature is not therefore less divine:
12 Thou liest in Abraham's bosom all the year,
13 And worshipp'st at the Temple's inner shrine,
14 God being with thee when we know it not.

4.1 Refer to line 1: ‘It is a beauteous evening, calm and free’.

How is the mood created in the above line? (2)

4.2 Refer to lines 2–3: ‘The holy time is quiet … with adoration’.

Account for the speaker’s use of the image in these lines. (2)

4.3 Refer to lines 5–8: ‘The gentleness of heaven … like thunder–everlastingly’.

Comment on the effectiveness of these lines in highlighting the speaker’s

appreciation for the beauty of God’s work. (3)

4.4 Refer to lines 9–14: ‘Dear child! dear girl! … we know it not’.

Critically discuss how the diction in these lines conveys the speaker’s view of
the girl. (3)

[10]

AND

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 English Home Language/P2 11 UMD PREPARATORY EXAMINATION 2023

UNSEEN POETRY (COMPULSORY)

QUESTION 5: CONTEXTUAL QUESTION
Read the poem below and then answer the questions that follow.

THE DARK SIDE OF HUMANITY – Kenneth Maswabi

1 Caught in the act

2 The dark side of humanity exposed
3 Magnified by the sheer brutality of the acts
4 And the remorseless faces of the suspects
5 As well as the stupefied pose of the
6 bystanders
7 The dark side of humanity lives on

8 Caught in the act

9 History repeats itself so often
10 Unpatented acts of humanity
11 The same brutality displayed
12 The same undeclared evil intentions
13 Unprovoked and unparalled
14 The dark side of humanity is alive

15 Caught in the act

16 Slavery, black Africans commercialized
17 Holocaust in Germany
18 Genocide in Rwanda
19 Apartheid in South Africa
20 Terrorism in the world
21 Xenophobia in South Africa
22 The list continues unabated
23 The dark side of humanity reincarnated

5.1 Discuss the impact of the repetition of the line ‘Caught in the act’. (2)

5.2 Refer to lines 10–14: ‘Unpatented acts … humanity is alive’.

Explain how the above lines contribute to the mood of the poem. (2)

5.3 Refer to lines 3–7: ‘Magnified by the sheer brutality … humanity lives on’.

What does the imagery in these lines convey about the terrorists’ attitude
towards their victims? (3)

5.4 Refer to lines 16–21: ‘Slavery, black Africans … Xenophobia in South Africa’.

Critically discuss how these lines reinforce the central idea of the poem. (3)

[10]
TOTAL SECTION A: 30

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 English Home Language/P2 12 UMD PREPARATORY EXAMINATION 2023

SECTION B: NOVEL

Answer ONLY on the novel you have studied.

THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY – Oscar Wilde

Answer EITHER QUESTION 6 (essay question) OR QUESTION 7 (contextual

question).

QUESTION 6: THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY – ESSAY QUESTION

The overwhelming influence of Lord Henry Wotton contributes to Dorian Gray's

narcissistic character.

Critically discuss to what extent you agree with this statement.

Your response should take the form of a well-constructed essay of 400–450 words

(2–2½ pages). [25]

QUESTION 7: THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION

Read the extracts below and then answer the questions that follow.

EXTRACT A
'Sibyl is the only thing I care about. What is it to me where she came from? From her
little head to her little feet, she is absolutely and entirely divine. Every night of my life I
go to see her act, and every night she is more marvellous.'
'That is the reason, I suppose, that you never dine with me now. I thought you must
have some curious romance on hand. You have; but it is not quite what I expected.' 5
'My dear Harry, we either lunch or sup together every day, and I have been to the
Opera with you several times,' said Dorian, opening his blue eyes in wonder.
'You always come dreadfully late.'
'Well, I can't help going to see Sibyl play,' he cried, 'even if it is only for a single act. I
get hungry for her presence; and when I think of the wonderful soul that is hidden away 10
in that little ivory body, I am filled with awe.'
'You can dine with me to-night, Dorian, can't you?' He shook his head.
'To-night she is Imogen,' he answered, 'and to-morrow night she will be Juliet.'
'When is she Sibyl Vane?'
'Never.' 15
'I congratulate you.'
'How horrid you are! She is all the great heroines of the world in one. She is more than
an individual. You laugh, but I tell you she has genius. I love her, and I must make her
love me. You, who know all the secrets of life, tell me how to charm Sibyl Vane to love
me!' 20
[Chapter 4]

7.1 Place the above extract in context. (3)

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 English Home Language/P2 13 UMD PREPARATORY EXAMINATION 2023

7.2 Refer to lines 1–2: ‘What is it to me … she is absolutely and entirely

divine’.

Discuss the irony of Dorian’s words in the context of the novel as a (3)
whole.

7.3 Refer to lines 4–5: ‘That is the reason … romance on hand’.

Comment on Lord Henry’s (Harry) reaction to Dorian spending more (3)

time with Sybil Vane.

7.4 Refer to lines 13–15: “ ‘To-night she is Imogen’ ... ‘Never’ ’’.

Discuss how these lines contribute to your understanding of Dorian’s

love for Sibyl. (3)

AND

EXTRACT B

That evening, at eight-thirty, exquisitely dressed and wearing a large button-hole of

Parma violets, Dorian Gray was ushered into Lady Narborough's drawing-room by
bowing servants. His forehead was throbbing with maddened nerves, and he felt
wildly excited, but his manner as he bent over his hostess's hand was as easy and
graceful as ever. Perhaps one never seems so much at one's ease as when one has 55
5
to play a part. Certainly no one looking at Dorian Gray that night could have believed that
that he had passed through a tragedy as horrible as any tragedy of our age.
…
"I want it to be what The Morning Post calls a suitable alliance, and I want you both to be
happy."
"What nonsense people talk about happy marriages!" exclaimed Lord Henry. "A man 10
can be happy with any woman, as long as he does not love her."
"Ah! what a cynic you are!" cried the old lady, pushing back her chair and nodding to
Lady Ruxton. "You must come and dine with me soon again. You are really an
admirable tonic, much better than what Sir Andrew prescribes for me. You must tell me
what people you would like to meet, though. I want it to be a delightful gathering." 15
"I like men who have a future and women who have a past," he answered. "Or do you
think that would make it a petticoat party?"
[Chapter 15]

7.5 Refer to lines 3–4: ‘His forehead was … felt wildly excited’.
Account for Dorian’s feelings of excitement and anxiousness. (3)

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7.6 Refer to lines 6–7: ‘Certainly no one looking … of our age’.

Explain what these lines suggest about Dorian’s accountability for Basil’s
death. (3)

7.7 Refer to lines 14–15: ‘ ‘‘You must tell me ... to meet, though’’.’

Discuss the significance of Lady Narborough’s view of people as revealed in

these lines. (3)

7.8 Refer to Extracts A and B:

Using Extracts A and B as a starting point, critically discuss Lord Henry’s views
on marriage. (4)

[25]

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English Home Language/P2 15 UMD PREPARATORY EXAMINATION 2023

LIFE OF PI – Yann Martel

Answer EITHER QUESTION 8 (essay question) OR QUESTION 9 (contextual

question).

QUESTION 8: LIFE OF PI – ESSAY QUESTION

The reward for taming Richard Parker is life; failing to tame him means death.

Critically discuss to what extent you agree with this statement.

Your response should take the form of a well-constructed essay of 400–450 words
(2–2½ pages).
[25]

QUESTION 9: LIFE OF PI – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION

Read the extracts below and then answer the questions that follow.

EXTRACT C

I made it to the middle of the boat, to the edge of the tarpaulin. It was a hard crawl. I felt
I was climbing the side of a volcano and I was about to look over the rim into a boiling
cauldron of orange lava. I lay flat. I carefully brought my head over. I did not look over any
more than I had to. I did not see Richard Parker. The hyena was plainly visible, though. It
was back behind what was left of the zebra. It was looking at me. 5

I was no longer afraid of it. It wasn’t ten feet away, yet my heart didn’t skip a beat. Richard
Parker’s presence had at least that useful aspect. To be afraid of this ridiculous dog when
there was a tiger about was like being afraid of splinters when trees are falling down. I
became very angry at the animal. “You ugly, foul creature,” I muttered. The only reason I
didn’t stand up and beat it off the lifeboat with a stick was lack of strength and stick, not 10
lack of heart.

Did the hyena sense something of my mastery? Did it say to itself, “Super alpha is
watching me- I better not move”? I don’t know. At any rate, it didn’t move. In fact, in the
way it ducked its head it seemed to want to hide from me. But it was no use hiding.
It would get its just deserts soon enough. 15
[Chapter 49]

9.1 Explain why Pi describes the story with the animals as the ‘better story’. (3)

9.2 Refer to lines 2–3: ‘I was climbing … boiling cauldron of orange lava’.

Discuss what these lines convey about Pi's state of mind at this point in the
novel. (3)

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 English Home Language/P2 16 UMD PREPARATORY EXAMINATION 2023

9.3 Refer to lines 12–13: ‘Did the hyena sense something … “Super alpha is
watching me– I better not move”?’

Discuss how Pi asserts himself as the super alpha on the boat. (3)

9.4 Refer to lines 9–11: ‘ “You ugly, foul creature, I muttered.” …lack of strength and
stick, not lack of heart’.

Critically discuss how these lines parallel the encounter between Pi and the (3)
French cook in the second story.
.
AND

EXTRACT D

Then Richard Parker, companion of my torment, awful, fierce thing that kept me
alive, moved forward and disappeared forever from my life. I struggled to shore
and fell upon the sand. I looked about. I was truly alone, orphaned not only of my
family, but now of Richard Parker, and nearly, I thought, of God. Of course, I wasn’t.
…
After some hours, a member of my own species found me. He left and returned 5
with a group. They were six or seven. They came up to me with their hands covering
their noses and mouths. I wondered what was wrong with them. They spoke to me
in a strange tongue. They pulled the lifeboat onto the sand. They carried me away.
…
I wept like a child. It was not because I was overcome at having survived my ordeal,
though I was. Nor was it the presence of my brothers and sisters, though that too was 10
very moving. I was weeping because Richard Parker had left me so unceremoniously.
What a terrible thing it is to botch a farewell.
…
That bungled goodbye hurts me to this day. I wish so much that I’d had one last look
at him in the lifeboat, that I’d provoked him a little, so that I was on his mind. I wish
I had said to him then-yes, I know, to a tiger, but still– I wish I had said, “Richard 15
Parker, it’s over. We have survived. Can you believe it? I owe you more gratitude
than I can express. I couldn’t have done it without you. I would like to say it formally:
Richard Parker, thank you. Thank you for saving my life.
[Chapter 94]

9.5 Place the above extract in context. (3)

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 English Home Language/P2 17 UMD PREPARATORY EXAMINATION 2023

9.6 Refer to lines 3–4: ‘I was truly alone, orphaned … nearly, I thought, of God’.

Explain what these lines reveal about Pi’s relationship with God. (3)

9.7 Refer to lines 11–12: ‘I was weeping because Richard Parker had left
me … to botch a farewell’.

Account for Richard Parker’s unceremonious departure. (3)

9.8 Refer to line 18: ‘ “Richard Parker, thank you. Thank you for saving my
life”.’

Based on your knowledge of the novel as a whole, critically discuss to

what extent you agree with Pi’s assertion that Richard Parker saved his life. (4
(4)

[25]

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 English Home Language/P2 18 UMD PREPARATORY EXAMINATION 2023

SECTION C: DRAMA

Answer ONLY on the play you have studied.

HAMLET – William Shakespeare

Answer EITHER QUESTION 10 (essay question) OR QUESTION 11 (contextual

question).

QUESTION 10: HAMLET – ESSAY QUESTION

In Hamlet, trust is either won or lost amidst the conflict and turmoil that is central to the
play.

Critically assess the validity of the above statement.

Your response should take the form of a well-constructed essay of 400–450 words
(2–2½ pages).
[25]

QUESTION 11: HAMLET – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION

Read the extracts below and then answer the questions that follow.

EXTRACT E

Polonius
Madam, I swear I use no art at all.
That he is mad, tis true: ‘tis pity;
And pity ‘tis ‘tis true–a foolish figure!
But farewell it, for I will use no art.
Mad let us grant him then. And now remains 5
That we find out the cause of this effect
Or rather say, the cause of this defect,
For this effect defective comes by cause.
Thus it remains, and the remainder thus.
Perpend. 10
I have a daughter– have while she is mine–
Who in her duty and obedience, mark,
Hath given me this. Now gather, and surmise.

[The Letter.]
To the celestial, and my soul's idol, the most beautified Ophelia —
That's an ill phrase, a vile phrase; ‘beautified’ is a vile 15
phrase. But you shall hear.

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English Home Language/P2 19 UMD PREPARATORY EXAMINATION 2023

[Reads.]
Thus in her excellent white bosom, these,

QUEEN
Came this from Hamlet to her?
POLONIUS
Good madam, stay awhile. I will be faithful.

[Reads Letter.]

Doubt thou the stars are fire; 20

Doubt that the sun doth move; 22220
Doubt truth to be a liar;
But never doubt I love.
O dear Ophelia, I am ill at these numbers; I have not art to reckon
my groans. But that I love thee best, O most best, believe it. Adieu. 25 25
Thine evermore, most dear lady, whilst this machine is to him,
Hamlet.
This, in obedience, hath my daughter shown me;
And more above, hath his solicitings,
As they fell out by time, by means, and place, 30
All given to mine ear.
[Act 2, Scene 2]

11.1 Refer to lines 1–3: ‘Madam I swear … ‘tis true’.

Explain the irony of Polonius’s words in these lines. (3)

11.2 Refer to lines 11–13: ‘I have a daughter ... given me this.’

Discuss how these lines reflect Polonius’s attitude towards Ophelia. (3)

11.3 Refer to lines 20–27: ‘Doubt thou the stars are fire … whilst this machine is to him,
Hamlet’.

Based on your knowledge of the play as a whole, discuss whether the sentiments
expressed in Hamlet’s letter to Ophelia, are justified. (3)

11.4 Refer to lines 28–31: ‘This, in obedience… All given to mine ear’.

In your view, are Polonius’s words typical of his character? (3)

AND

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English Home Language/P2 20 UMD PREPARATORY EXAMINATION 2023

EXTRACT F

HAMLET
Ay, lady, it was my word.
Thou wretched, rash, intruding fool, farewell!
I took thee for thy better. Take thy fortune.
Thou find'st to be too busy is some danger.
Leave wringing of your hands. Peace! sit you down, 5
And let me wring your heart; for so I shall,
If it be made of penetrable stuff;
If damned custom have not braz'd it so
That it be proof and bulwark against sense.
QUEEN
What have I done, that thou darest wag thy tongue 10
In noise so rude against me?
HAMLET
Such an act
That blurs the grace and blush of modesty;
Calls virtue hypocrite; takes off the rose
From the fair forehead of an innocent love, 15
And sets a blister there; makes marriage vows
As false as dicers' oaths—O, such a deed
As from the body of contraction plucks
The very soul, and sweet religion makes
A rhapsody of words! Heaven's face doth glow; 20
Yea, this solidity and compound mass,
With tristful visage, as against the doom,
Is thought-sick at the act.
QUEEN
Ay me, what act,
That roars so loud and thunders in the index? 25
HAMLET
Look here upon this picture, and on this,
The counterfeit presentment of two brothers.
See what a grace was seated on this brow;
Hyperion's curls; the front of Jove himself;
An eye like Mars, to threaten and command; 30
A station like the herald Mercury
New lighted on a heaven-kissing hill:
A combination and a form indeed
Where every god did seem to set his seal
To give the world assurance of a man. 35
This was your husband. Look you now what follows.
Here is your husband, like a mildew'd ear
Blasting his wholesome brother. Have you eyes?
Could you on this fair mountain leave to feed,
And batten on this Moor? Ha! have you eyes?
[Act 3, Scene 4]

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English Home Language/P2 21 UMD PREPARATORY EXAMINATION 2023

11.5 Place the above extract in context. (3)

11.6 Refer to lines 28–30: ‘See what a grace was seated… Mars, to threaten
and command’.

Discuss what these lines reveal about Hamlet’s differing views of his father and
his uncle. (3)

11.7 Refer to lines 10–11: ‘What have I done … rude against me?’.

If you were the director of a production of Hamlet, how would you instruct the
actor to deliver these? Pay special attention to body language and tone. (3)
Motivate your instructions.

11.8 Hamlet views women as immoral and deceptive.

Using Extract F as a starting point, comment on this assessment of

Hamlet’s perception of women in the play. (4)

[25]

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English Home Language/P2 22 UMD PREPARATORY EXAMINATION 2023

OTHELLO – William Shakespeare

Answer EITHER QUESTION 12 (essay question) OR QUESTION 13

(contextual question).

QUESTION 12: OTHELLO – ESSAY QUESTION

In the play Othello, Desdemona is depicted as a bold and independent character who displays
courage and faith.

Critically assess the validity of the above statement.

Your response should take the form of a well-constructed essay of 400–450 words
(2–2½ pages).

[25]

QUESTION 13: OTHELLO – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION

Read the extracts below and then answer the questions that follow.

EXTRACT G

IAGO
If I can fasten but one cup upon him,
With that which he hath drunk tonight already,
He’ll be as full of quarrel and offense
As my young mistress' dog. Now my sick fool Roderigo,
Whom love hath turned almost the wrong side out, 5
To Desdemona hath tonight caroused
Potations pottle-deep, and he’s to watch.
Three lads of Cyprus, noble swelling spirits
(That hold their honors in a wary distance,
The very elements of this warlike isle) 10
Have I tonight flustered with flowing cups,
And they watch too. Now ’mongst this flock of
drunkards
Am I to put our Cassio in some action
That may offend the isle. 15
But here they come.
If consequence do but approve my dream
My boat sails freely, both with wind and stream.

Enter CASSIO, MONTANO and gentlemen

…
CASSIO
Why, very well then. You must not think then that I am drunk

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English Home Language/P2 23 UMD PREPARATORY EXAMINATION 2023

MONTANO
To th' platform, masters. Come, let’s set the watch. 20
Exit GENTLEMEN
IAGO
You see this fellow that is gone before,
He is a soldier fit to stand by Caesar
And give direction. And do but see his vice,
'Tis to his virtue a just equinox,
The one as long as th' other. 'Tis pity of him. 25
I fear the trust Othello puts him in
On some odd time of his infirmity
Will shake this island.

MONTANO
But is he often thus?
IAGO
'Tis evermore the prologue to his sleep. 30
He’ll watch the horologe a double set If drink rock not his cradle.
MONTANO
It were well The general were put in mind of it.
Perhaps he sees it not, or his good nature …

[Act 1, Scene 3]

13.1 Place the above extract in context. (3)

13.2 Refer to lines 4–5: ‘Now my sick fool Roderigo … almost the wrong side’.

What do the above lines reveal about Iago’s opinion of Roderigo? (3)

13.3 Refer to lines 11–15: ‘Have I tonight flustered…That may offend the isle’.

Using these lines as a starting point, discuss how Iago’s manipulation brings
about Cassio’s downfall. (3)

13.4 Refer to lines 26–28: ‘I fear the trust Othello puts him in … Will shake this
island’.
(4)
Based on your knowledge of the play as a whole, critically discuss the irony
of Iago’s words. .

AND

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English Home Language/P2 24 UMD PREPARATORY EXAMINATION 2023

EXTRACT H

OTHELLO
. . . But there where I have garnered up my heart,
Where either I must live or bear no life,
The fountain from the which my current runs
Or else dries up – to be discarded thence!
Or to keep it as a cistern for foul toads 5
To knot and gender in! Turn thy complexion there;
Patience, thou young and rose-lipped cherubin,
Ay, there look grim as hell!
DESDEMONA
I hope my noble lord esteems me honest.
OTHELLO
O, ay! As summer flies are in the shambles, 10
That quicken even with blowing. O, thou black weed
Who art so lovely fair and smell’st so sweet
That the sense aches at thee, would thou hadst ne’er been born!
DESDEMONA
Alas, what ignorant sin have I committed?
OTHELLO
Was this fair paper, this most goodly book, 15
Made to write ‘whore’ on? What, committed!
Committed! O, thou public commoner!
I should make very forges of my cheeks,
That would to cinders burn up modesty,
Did I but speak thy deeds. What committed! 20
Heaven stops the nose at it, and the moon winks;
The bawdy wind, that kisses all it meets,
Is hushed within the hollow mine of earth
And will not hear it. What committed!
Impudent strumpet! 25
DESDEMONA
By heaven, you do me wrong.
OTHELLO
Are you not a strumpet?
DESDEMONA
No, as I am a Christian.
If to preserve this vessel for my lord
From any hated foul unlawful touch, 30
Be not to be a strumpet, I am none.
OTHELLO
What, not a whore?
DESDEMONA
No, as I shall be saved.
OTHELLO
Is’t possible?
DESDEMONA
O, heaven forgive us! 35
[Act 4, Scene 2]

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English Home Language/P2 25 UMD PREPARATORY EXAMINATION 2023

13.5 Refer to lines 1–4: ‘But there where... to be discarded thence!’

Explain what these lines convey about Othello’s feelings at this (3)
point in the play.

13.6 Refer to lines 11–13: ‘O, thou black weed … hadst ne’er been born!’

Comment on the impression that Othello creates of Desdemona. (3)

13.7 Refer to lines 15–25: ‘Was this fair paper … Impudent strumpet!’.

Discuss how Othello’s diction in the above lines reflects a change in his
character.
(3)

13.8 Refer to lines 28-31: ‘No, as I am a Christian … I am none’.

If you were the director of a production of the play Othello, how would you
instruct the actress to deliver these lines? Motivate your instructions with
reference to both body language and tone. (3)
.
[25]

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English Home Language/P2 26 UMD PREPARATORY EXAMINATION 2023

THE CRUCIBLE – Arthur Miller

Answer EITHER QUESTION 14 (essay question) OR QUESTION 15 (contextual

question).

QUESTION 14: THE CRUCIBLE – ESSAY QUESTION

In The Crucible, Abigail Williams takes on the role of an outcast within the constraints of a
puritanical society.

Critically discuss the validity of this statement.

Your response should take the form of a well-constructed essay of 400–450 words
(2–2½ pages).

[25]

QUESTION 15: THE CRUCIBLE – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION

Read the extracts below and then answer the questions that follow.

EXTRACT I

TITUBA: He say, “Mister Parris must be kill! Mister Parris no

goodly man. Mister Parris mean man and no gentle man,” and
he bid me rise out of me bed and cut your throat! I tell him, no! I
don‘t hate that man! I don‘t want kill that man! But he say, “You
work for me, Tituba, and I make you free! I give you pretty dress 5
to wear, and put you way high up in the air and you gone fly
back to Barbados!” And I say, “You lie, Devil, you lie!” And then
he come one stormy night to me, and he say, “Look! I have
white people belong to me.” And I look … and there was Goody
Good. 10
PARRIS: Sarah Good!
TITUBA: Aye, sir, and Goody Osburn…
MRS PUTNAM: I knew it! Goody Osburn were midwife to me three times.
My babies always shriveled in her hands…
HALE: Take courage, you must give us all their names. How can 15
you bear to see this child, Betty, suffering? Look at her, Tituba
look at her God-given innocence; her soul is so tender; we must
protect her, Tituba; the devil is out and preying on her like a
beast upon the flesh of the pure lamb…God will bless you for
your help… 20
ABIGAIL: (Hands clasped, eyes closed.) I want to open myself! I
want the light of God, I want the sweet love of Jesus! I danced
for the Devil; I saw him; I wrote in his book; I go back to Jesus; I
kiss His hand—I saw Sarah Good with the Devil! I saw Goody
Osburn with the devil! I saw Bridget Bishop with the Devil! 25
[Act 1]

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English Home Language/P2 27 UMD PREPARATORY EXAMINATION 2023

15.1 Refer to lines 9–12: ‘And I look … and Goody Osburn’.

Account for Tituba accusing Sarah Good and Goody Osburn of witchcraft. (3)

15.2 Refer to lines 15–20: ‘Take courage, you must give…God will bless you
for your help’.

Based on your knowledge of the play as a whole, discuss the consequences of

Hale’s plea. (3)

15.3 Refer to lines 18–19: ‘the devil is out and preying … flesh of the pure lamb’.

Explain the irony in Hale’s assertion. (3)

15.4 Refer to lines 21–25: ‘I want to open myself … I saw Bridget Bishop with the Devil!’

Comment on the significance of Abigail’s outburst. (3)

AND

EXTRACT J
PROCTOR: It is a pretense, Elizabeth.
ELIZABETH: What is?
PROCTOR: I cannot mount the gibbet like a saint. It is a fraud. I am not that
man. My honesty is broke, Elizabeth, I am no good man.
ELIZABETH: Oh, John. 5
PROCTOR: Nothing‘s spoiled by giving them this lie that were not rotten long
before.
ELIZABETH: And yet you‘ve not confessed till now. That speak goodness in you.
PROCTOR: Spite only keeps me silent. It is hard to give a lie to dogs!
(He holds her hand) I would have your forgiveness, Elizabeth. 10
ELIZABETH: It is not for me to give, John. I am –
PROCTOR: I’d have you see some honesty in it. Let them that never lied die
now to keep their souls. It is pretense for me, a vanity that will not
blind God nor keep my children out of the wind. What say you?
ELIZABETH: John, it come to naught that I should forgive you, if 15
you’ll not forgive yourself. It is not my soul, John, it is yours. Only
be sure of this, for I know it now: Whatever you will do, it is a
good man does it. I have read my heart this three month, John.
I have sins of my own to count. It needs a cold wife to prompt
lechery. 20
PROCTOR: Enough, enough –
ELIZABETH: Better you should know me!
PROCTOR: I will not hear it! I know you!
ELIZABETH: You take my sins upon you, John –
PROCTOR: No, I take my own, my own. 25
ELIZABETH: John, I counted myself so plain, so poorly made, no
honest love could come to me! Suspicion kissed you when
I did; I never knew how I should say my love. It were a cold
house I kept! [Act 4]

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English Home Language/P2 28 UMD PREPARATORY EXAMINATION 2023

15.5 Place the extract in context. (3)

15.6 Refer to lines 6–7: ’nothing’s spoiled … were not rotten long before’.

Discuss the effectiveness of the imagery in conveying Proctor’s feelings.

(3)

15.7 Refer to lines 26–29: ‘John, I counted myself so plain … It were a cold
house I kept!’

If you were the director of a production of The Crucible, how would you
instruct the actor to deliver these lines? Motivate your instructions with
(3)
reference to both body language and tone.

15.8 Refer to lines 15–20: ‘John it come naught that I… a cold wife to prompt
lechery.’

Using the above lines as a starting point, critically comment on the

progression of the relationship between Proctor and Elizabeth, with
reference to the play as a whole. (4)

.
TOTAL SECTION C: 25
GRAND TOTAL: 80

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