ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE
PAPER 2
GRADE 12 
NSC PAST PAPERS AND MEMOS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017

NOTE TO MARKERS 

• This 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 (prescribed 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 one 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 questions: 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.
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/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 marked.
11. Answers to contextual questions must be assessed holistically in the light of the  discussion during the standardisation of the marking memorandum. 

MEMORANDUM

SECTION A: POETRY 
PRESCRIBED POETRY 
QUESTION 1: POETRY – ESSAY QUESTION 
'AUTUMN' – Roy Campbell 

• Autumn prepares nature for the bare season ahead by stripping the trees of their  leaves.
• Winter is described as 'the paragon of art', which associates it with creativity.
• Together with Autumn, Winter destroys anything that is weak or inessential: 'kills all  forms of life'.
• It might be considered harsh and unforgiving, but it assists in preparing for new  growth/regeneration, keeping 'what is pure and will survive'.
• The geese migrate in order to survive. The weaker birds might not survive but the  stronger birds will return to breed in the summer.
• The trees, having lost their leaves, allow the sun to warm the earth, encouraging  new growth.
• In spite of the force of the wind, the olives continue their natural process of ripening  in order to be transformed into oil.
• The images of harvesting allude to agricultural processes that produce new goods  from the 'death' of natural resources – the 'grape' becomes the 'red froth' of the  fermenting wine; the 'olives' become the 'sun-gold oil' and the 'rotted stems' become  firewood to provide warmth. The fire, in destroying the wood, provides comfort; it is  a symbol of energy, rejuvenation and hope.
• The oxymoron, 'reviving pyre' suggests that life and death are intertwined. The  allusion to the phoenix is significant in that the new rises from the ashes of the old.
• The renewal of nature is dependent on the destruction of certain elements. The  poem conveys the interdependence of the seasons and how they continue the cycle  of life.
• The tone is of admiration/appreciation/joy at the regeneration that comes from the  changing of the seasons.

[10]

QUESTION 2: POETRY – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION 
'RUGBY LEAGUE GAME' – James Kirkup 
2.1 The speaker conveys how inappropriate/ironic it is for adult men to be playing a  boys' game. The speaker makes it clear that the men are not suited to the  game, which is for younger players. He suggests that the men need to let go of  their dreams of recapturing their youth. 
[Award 2 marks for any two relevant and distinct points.] (2) 
2.2 The word means to be chivalrous, gentlemanly, brave. The reference shows  how much effort these men put into the game. The word is used  incongruously/sarcastically: they are ostensibly acting like gentlemen, yet they  are violently tackling each other in the mud in public. The use of 'gallantly' ridicules the gravity and heroic endeavour with which they approach what is  only a game. 
[Award 2 marks for any two relevant and distinct points.] (2) 
2.3 The men's trying to recapture their past glory is compared to a blind man's  feeling his way. They are described as 'blind' as they do not know exactly how  to achieve their objective. Their attempts are awkward and ineffectual. The  image is appropriate because it conveys their lack of clarity and the futility of  their clumsy efforts. 
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three ideas.] (3) 
2.4 The contrast lies in the men who are 'domesticated', yet try to recapture a time  when they were wild and free. The speaker satirises their attempts to be young  and robust. He ridicules their efforts by reminding them that the time is long  gone. They romanticise a bygone era to escape their monotonous lives. 
The details, 'that was then' and 'a gay/And golden age ago', convey the  speaker's scornful opinion that the players idealise/romanticise their youth. The  words, 'golden age' and 'ago', convey that it is a time firmly in the past, yet they  are unable to let go. He mocks their unrealistic expectations. 
The men were still hopeful of a good future, but the words, 'in vain' convey the  futility of their efforts. The speaker satirises their preposterous attempts. 
[Award 3 marks only if the candidate had referred to both contrast and satire.] (3)

[10]

QUESTION 3: POETRY – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION 
'OLD FOLKS LAUGH' – Maya Angelou 
3.1 Old folks do not approach old age in a sombre manner. The speaker's  message is that old age can be enjoyed in spite of its many disadvantages. 
[Award 2 marks for any two relevant and distinct points.] (2) 
3.2 When they were younger, old folks would have held their 'lips this/and that  way', restraining their laughter and being insincere because it was expected of  them to behave with a certain decorum.  
[Award 2 marks for any two relevant and distinct points OR one idea well  discussed.] (2) 
3.3 The laughter is compared to water rising and overflowing. The image is  appropriate because it conveys the unstoppable laughter of old folks. Their  laughter is spontaneous, uncontrolled and infectious. The image conveys the  abundance, uninhibited release and loud resonance of their laughter. The  image conveys the old folks' indifference to social restrictions. 
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR three distinct ideas.] (3) 
3.4 Death is usually associated with fear and apprehension. However, old folks  regard death with affection and something to look forward to. The paradox  conveys the sensible approach of old people to impending death. They have a  balanced attitude toward life and have accepted the good with the bad. Death  will be a release from pain and thus something to be welcomed, rather than  feared. The paradox is effective because it emphasises the reality that death is  an aspect of living. 
[Award 3 marks only if the candidate has referred to both paradox and attitude.] (3)

[10] 

QUESTION 4: POETRY – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION 
'ON THE MOVE' – Thom Gunn 
4.1 The use of 'nested' conveys the idea that the birds are settled; there is stability  in their world. Man, however, is constantly searching and struggles to find a  sense of purpose. 
[Award 2 marks only if the contrast is evident.] (2) 
4.2 The repetition underlines man's constant need to strive to achieve (moving  ‘toward’) his goals. It suggests that man does not succeed in reaching a  destination or a sense of fulfilment. The lack of clear direction is suggested by  the absence of any specific destination. The repetition conveys the shifting  nature of man's objectives. One should always be ambitious and desire more. 
[Award 2 marks only if the repetition has been discussed.] 
[Award 2 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any one idea.] (2) 
4.3 The word, 'dull' suggests that man's words are indistinct, unclear and difficult to  discern. 'Thunder' conveys the concept that our attempt at communication is  indistinguishable from other sounds, so the message is obscured. The use of  'approximate' emphasises the lack of precision of our words. The image is  appropriate because it conveys the ineffectiveness of man's communication.  The main idea of the poem is that man is uncertain about his purpose in life  and therefore is unable to communicate distinctly and with clarity. 
[Award 3 marks only if the candidate has referred to the main idea(s) of the  poem.] 
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three ideas.] (3) 
4.4 The lines are not inherently contradictory as they convey the idea that whether  or not one achieves one's purpose, one is at least in motion and moving toward  a goal. Regardless of the reasons, man is like the bikers who are constantly on  the move in search of a reason for being. 
[It is unlikely that candidates would suggest that there is a contradiction.  However, treat all responses on their merits.] 
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three ideas.] (3)

[10]

UNSEEN POETRY (COMPULSORY) 
QUESTION 5: CONTEXTUAL QUESTION 
'EXODUS' – Don McLennan 
5.1 The word, 'ash' suggests that the day has burnt out and come to an end. The  impression is that the sky has turned grey/gloomy as the light fades at twilight. 
[Award 2 marks for any two relevant and distinct points.] (2) 
5.2 The mood is chaotic/frenzied because of the sudden activity of the bats as they  leave the cave. Their movements appear to be unpredictable and uncontrolled.  The air is alive/filled with various sounds associated with the bats. 
[Award 2 marks for any two relevant and distinct points.] (2) 
5.3 The bats are suspended upside down from the roof of the cave, similar to  foetuses. The bats are curled up in a protected position in the darkness of their  caves, which are like wombs. The 'iron darkness' suggests that the darkness is  impenetrable and enveloping. The image is appropriate because it conveys the  isolation of the bats from the outside world until they are ready to emerge from  the darkness and safety. 
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR three ideas.] (3) 
5.4 The description, 'skinny little birds of death' conveys an unfavourable  impression of the bats. The speaker has a disparaging attitude toward the bats,  regarding them as repulsive creatures. They are opportunistic, taking  advantage of the darkness to prey on the unwary. The speaker regards the  bats as benefitting from the abundance of food available. Bats are traditionally  seen as evil/demonic. 
[Some candidates might suggest that there is some sympathy for the bats.  Credit such responses on their merits.] 
[Award 3 marks only if the response includes a critical comment on the  speaker's attitude.] (3)

[10] 
TOTAL SECTION A: 30

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

The proficient candidate will discuss the degree to which the characters are variously  driven by self-interest and concern for others. 

• Napoleon uses the revolution to enhance his personal position.
• The pigs' early seizure of food indicates that they will look after themselves rather  than concern themselves with the needs of the community. They are greedy and  disregard the tenets of Animalism.
• The dogs are used by Napoleon to protect his position and he excludes the animals  from participation in decision-making, quickly betraying the principles of democracy  and becoming an autocratic leader.
• The pigs are able to convince the gullible animals that they have the animals' best  interests at heart. In reality, they do not uplift the living conditions of the lower  animals. Instead, they take on managerial roles on the farm while the animals work  harder for less. The products of the animals' labour are used to benefit Napoleon  and the other pigs.
• Even Snowball, who wants to uplift the animals, is motivated, to a degree, by self interest (the appropriation of the milk and apples).
• The pigs' mistreatment of their own comrades proves that the animals' best  interests are not considered.
• In an attempt to encourage the animals to see Napoleon as benevolent and acting  in their best interests, Squealer's propaganda portrays Napoleon as altruistic;  however, his actions contradict this portrayal.
• Mollie's departure is motivated by her self-interest: she is not prepared to give up  her luxuries (sugar and ribbons) for a life of hard work.
• Benjamin's unwillingness to oppose the pigs is evidence of his cynicism and his  selfish desire for self-preservation. However, he is spurred into action when he  realises Boxer's fate.
• The humans' attempt to discredit the developments on Animal Farm is based on  self-interest. They wish to protect their own farms from the spread of revolutionary  thoughts.
• However, animals like Boxer and Clover are selfless. They devote their lives to  Animalism. 

[Credit mixed/valid alternative responses.] [25]

QUESTION 7: ANIMAL FARM – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION 
7.1 The animals believed that the revolution would put an end to their suffering. By  overthrowing Mr Jones, they would become their own masters and they would  run the farm in a collaborative and even-handed manner. Instead, the animals  are working harder than ever and have less food to eat. There is an enormous  gap between the tirelessness of their efforts and the benefits they receive.  They are worse off than when they were owned by Mr Jones. 
[Award 3 marks only if the difference between past and present circumstances  is discussed.] 
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3) 
7.2 The windmill is intended to mechanise the farm and generate electricity, thus  lightening the animals' workload, allowing them more leisure time and ensuring  quality of life. Instead, it is used by the pigs to distract the animals from their  hardship and it reflects the exploitative nature of the pigs. The animals' pride in  their achievement helps to unify them, ensuring their compliance with and  acceptance of the pigs' authority and demands. 
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3) 
7.3 The animals have rebelled against Jones in order to take responsibility for their  own lives and to manage the farm. They are aware that the outside world  expects them to fail and they feel the pressure to prove that they can be  successful. Failure would leave them vulnerable to the return of human  domination. 
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3) 
7.4 Boxer becomes a role model for the other animals, who admire his devotion,  determination, hard work and sacrifice to make a success of Animal Farm. This  is detrimental because they do not consider the negative/adverse  consequences of his devotion. The animals are inspired to follow Boxer's maxims and his loyalty to Napoleon, without considering whether they derive  any benefits. Because the animals follow Boxer's example, the success of the  farm becomes more important than their own well-being. 
[Accept valid alternative responses.] 
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3) 
7.5 Previously, the hens had been forced by Napoleon to sacrifice their eggs for  sale to the humans. The hens had objected to the contravention of the  Commandment that no animal should kill another animal. Napoleon forced  them to abandon their protest by cutting their rations. It is ironic that the hen is  now crediting Napoleon with her ability to lay eggs.
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3)
7.6 At first, Napoleon is an ordinary pig. Now, however, he has gained status. The  cockerel announces Napoleon's arrival in public arenas, reminding the animals  of his importance. This reinforces the ceremonial nature of his appearances  and portrays him as someone worthy of being worshipped. The cockerel  introduces Napoleon as a cult figure, emphasising his elevated status/authority  as well as his separation from the other animals. 
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3) 
7.7 The intention is for the animals to view Napoleon as a benevolent if highly  authoritative (‘Leader’) figure. The use of 'our' suggests that Napoleon was  chosen and approved by the animals. The implication is that Napoleon works  for the good of all the animals on the farm; it is intended to create a sense of  camaraderie. The use of the title, 'Comrade' expresses the animals' belief that  they are all equal. This persuades the animals that all derive the same benefits  on Animal Farm and ensures their compliance. The effect is that the animals  are far more malleable and submissive.  
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3) 
7.8 Valid. 
The animals' lack of memory means that they have no basis for any  comparison of the past and the reality of their current situation. The ignorance  and lack of intelligence of the lower animals enable the success of Squealer's  indoctrination. 
The animals believe Squealer's propaganda because of their faulty memories,  allowing for their manipulation and exploitation. Their memory of the past is  unclear because they have been conditioned and they are unable to think  rationally. Their lack of memory allows them to be indoctrinated into accepting  their harsh living conditions. 
The animals accept the altered version of their history. When the  commandments are changed, Squealer easily persuades the animals that their  memories are faulty. 
OR 
Invalid. 
[Such a response is unlikely; however, treat all responses on their merits.] 
[Award 4 marks only if the candidate has made reference to the novel as a  whole.] (4)

[25]

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE – Jane Austen 
QUESTION 8: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE – ESSAY QUESTION 

The proficient candidate will recognise that this statement is not entirely true and argue  that it is partly valid and partly invalid. 

• Mr Bennet manages his household in a self-interested way. He is insufficiently  involved in the lives of his daughters.
• Mrs Bennet is governed by self-interest in her efforts to get her daughters married:  their marriages will elevate her status.
• Lydia is frivolous and headstrong. She has no moral code and is determined to  marry because marriage, for her, equals status.
• Miss Bingley wants to marry Darcy to secure her future. She is envious of Darcy's  growing attachment to Elizabeth and is disdainful and rude to her. She interferes in  the Bingley-Jane relationship because, in her opinion, the Bennets are unsuitable.
• Wickham dreams of a life of ease. He pursues women with money and uses his  charm to disguise his dishonourable motives.
• Lady Catherine's aim is for Darcy to marry her daughter. For this reason, she  confronts Elizabeth about her relationship with Darcy because she wants to secure  the preservation of the old order.
• Charlotte Lucas marries Mr Collins to secure her future. Candidates might argue  that while she has the interests of her future at heart, she is unselfish in not wanting  to be a burden to her parents.
• Mr Collins wants to ingratiate himself with Lady Catherine and will marry because  she expects him to.
• Candidates might argue that Elizabeth is driven by self-interest when she  contemplates the affluence of Pemberley and recalls the material possessions she  could have had if she had accepted Darcy's proposal.
• However, there are characters not driven by self-interest. These include the  Gardiners, who genuinely care for the Bennet girls, and Jane.
• Darcy's unselfish, empathetic nature is illustrated by his housekeeper's description  of him.
• Darcy's intervention in the Lydia-Wickham affair is unselfish. He does so to save the  family embarrassment. On the other hand, candidates might argue that Darcy is  driven by self-interest to gain Elizabeth's favour.
• Darcy's interference in the Bingley-Jane relationship is motivated by his concern for  Bingley, as well as his snobbishness. 

[Credit mixed/valid alternative responses.] [25]

QUESTION 9: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION  
9.1 Lydia is attracted to the officers in their 'scarlet' coats and she pursues them at  every opportunity. She visits Brighton in search of fun. Her concept of romance  is based on physical attraction and romantic stereotyping. She finally elopes  with Wickham, who is an officer. 
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3) 
9.2 In Mr Collins's letter he spoke about his desire to heal the breach that had  existed between his father and the Bennets. He makes reference to his  patroness, Lady Catherine, which impresses Mrs Bennet. He describes his  desire to make amends to the Bennet girls. 
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3) 
9.3 Mr Bennet chooses to remain as disengaged as possible from the concerns of  the people around him. This is typical of his parental style since he avoids  making decisions regarding his family or exerting an influence on them. He is  irresponsible and chooses to remain silent when he could have participated in  discussion about important aspects of the lives of those around him. 
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3) 
9.4 For most women, marriage is a necessity since they rely on men to support  them. A law that favours males over females sees women like the Bennet girls  at the mercy of a male relative because they are forbidden to inherit property.  Women are not permitted to work or attend social events unchaperoned. The  option of remaining single is a dismal alternative. 
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas will discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3) 
9.5 When Mrs Bennet first hears about Mr Collins's visit, she is furious. She thinks  that it is 'impertinent' and 'hypocritical' of him to write to them under the  circumstances. Perhaps she has the idea that he is visiting them to gloat over  his good fortune. Ironically, her own hypocrisy is evident as she has been  critical of him, but now she claims to absolve him of all blame for the situation. 
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3) 
9.6 Elizabeth is witness to Charlotte's life with Mr Collins and the interfering Lady  Catherine. She feels sorry for her friend, who has to endure not only Mr  Collins's constant fawning on Lady Catherine, but also his overbearing  arrogance. In addition, Charlotte's life is lived according to Lady Catherine's  dictates. She appears to be sandwiched between the two with no prospect of  escape. 
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3)
9.7 The novel satirises the obsequious attitude to the nobility of those of lower  social position. Maria Lucas is overwhelmed with excitement at having had the  opportunity to dine and have tea with someone of Lady Catherine's stature.  She will undoubtedly be an object of envy when she shares the details of those  visits with people of her own class. She has been afforded a rare privilege and  her own status in her community will be elevated. The preoccupation with the  trivial obscures any consideration of substantial matters. 
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3) 
9.8 Valid. 
Normally, Elizabeth is forthright in her opinions. Except in the interests of  propriety, she does not usually disguise her own feelings. Here she is  concealing her thoughts and feelings. For the first time she is overwhelmed  emotionally. She has received a marriage proposal from Darcy and does not  know how to react to it. She is in a dilemma for the first time since it is difficult  for her to verbalise this momentous event. Because of her ethics and normally  frank opinions, it is unusual for Elizabeth to experience contradictions. 
OR  
Invalid. 
[Such a response is unlikely; however, treat all responses on their merits.] 

[Award 4 marks only if reference is made to the novel as a whole.] (4) [25]

THE GREAT GATSBY – F Scott Fitzgerald 
QUESTION 10: THE GREAT GATSBY – ESSAY QUESTION 

The proficient candidate will recognise that this statement is not entirely true and argue  that it is partly valid and partly invalid. 

• Daisy is motivated by self-interest. She is spoilt, superficial and purposeless. She  lacks maternal feelings and treats her daughter like a possession to be shown off. ∙ Despite Daisy's love for Gatsby, she cannot remain faithful. It is important for her to  be part of the social scene. She marries Tom and chooses to remain with him out of  self-interest.
• When Daisy kills Myrtle, she does not accept responsibility.
• Tom's actions are driven by self-interest. He has had many affairs and shows no  respect or concern for his wife.
• Myrtle believes that Tom will marry her; however, he has no intention of doing so.  When he does not like her behaviour, he hits her. 
• He toys with Wilson about the car as a pretext to facilitate his affair with Myrtle and  shows no sympathy for Wilson's predicament.
• Jordan has questionable morals; her actions are dictated by self-interest. She  remains aloof when there is conflict. She enjoys gossip and eavesdrops on Tom  and Daisy's arguments, but does not offer comfort to a distraught Daisy at the Plaza  Hotel. After witnessing the scene of Myrtle's death, she feels no compassion.
• Myrtle acts out of self-interest, marrying George, thinking he is wealthy and then  callously discarding him when she realises he is poor. She sees her affair as a  means of escape from her trapped life.
• Gatsby's actions are motivated by his dream of winning Daisy and proving to her  that he is worthy of her. However, his single-minded dedication to his dream means  that he acts selfishly to attain his goals. 
• Nick does not usually act out of self-interest. He grows to admire Gatsby and  understands him. He is Gatsby's only friend at the end of the novel and shows  concern for his wellbeing. He alone takes responsibility for Gatsby's funeral, even  though he is under no obligation to do so.
• The party-goers are motivated by self-interest, abusing Gatsby's hospitality. Except  for Owl Eyes, none of them attends the funeral. 

[Candidates may provide a range of examples in support of their statements.]
[Credit mixed responses/valid alternative responses.] [25]

QUESTION 11: THE GREAT GATSBY – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION 
11.1 Gatsby is nervous and ill-at-ease. He tries to assume a nonchalant pose by  leaning against the mantelpiece; however, he is very awkward and unsure of  what to do or how to behave. The reason for this is that he has waited for five  long years to reconcile with Daisy, but now that the moment has come, he is  plagued by doubts and not confident that Daisy will be pleased to see him. 
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3) 
11.2 Since arriving in New York, Nick has turned a blind eye to the immoral  behaviour of various people. He facilitates the reunion between Gatsby and  Daisy, ignoring the fact that Daisy will be committing adultery. He accepts  Tom's affair with Myrtle, the immoral behaviour at the parties, as well as  Jordan's dishonesty. 
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3) 
11.3 The clock symbolises Gatsby's attempt to stop time and recreate the past. He  later tells Nick that he wants things to be exactly as they were before he left  Louisville for the war. The fact that the clock is 'defunct' clearly symbolises the  impossibility of this happening and the unrealistic nature of his dream.  Moreover, the instability/vulnerability of events in time is suggested. 
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3) 
11.4 Gatsby's response is precise. He can remember exactly how long they have  been apart, which clearly reveals that his whole being, from the time they  parted, has been dominated by thoughts of Daisy. His attitude reveals his  obsession with her, as well as his single-minded determination to win her back. 
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3) 
11.5 Daisy's insistence shows that she wants to avoid a confrontation between Tom  and Gatsby. She would prefer things to continue as they are as she is not  prepared to make a choice between Tom and Gatsby. She also dislikes conflict  and will do anything to avoid such an unpleasant situation. 
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3) 
11.6 Gatsby's belief that his relationship with Daisy has been 'going on for five  years' is based on an illusion as he and Daisy have not been together during  this period. While he may have been faithful to his dream of being with her,  Daisy has moved on and built a life with Tom. 
[Award 3 marks only if the difference between illusion and reality is discussed.] (3)
11.7 Nick, the narrator, compares Tom's behaviour to that of a 'clergyman',  someone of supposed high moral stature. Tom is a philanderer and his self righteous attitude toward Daisy and Gatsby's affair is ironic. He has no moral  qualms about his own extramarital affairs, but here he adopts a holier-than thou attitude. It is Nick's satirical observation on Tom's sanctimonious  behaviour. 
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas. (3) 
11.8 Valid.  
In the given observation, Nick comments that Daisy had never intended to  leave Tom for Gatsby. This clearly illustrates that she has been dishonest with  Gatsby as he is under the impression that Daisy is his. Although she enjoys an  affair with Gatsby, she is unable to commit to him as she prefers her secure life  with Tom. Her dishonesty is also apparent when she allows Gatsby to take the  blame for Myrtle's death. 
Jordan is a dishonest woman who lies and cheats at golf, in order to gain  materially and maintain her social status. She also regards infidelity as wrong  only if one is indiscreet. Myrtle deceives her husband by having an affair with  Tom. 
OR  
Invalid 
[Such a response is unlikely; however, treat all responses on their merits.] 
[Award 4 marks only if the candidate has made reference to the novel as a  whole.] (4)

[25] 
TOTAL SECTION B: 25

SECTION C: DRAMA 
OTHELLO – William Shakespeare 
QUESTION 12: OTHELLO – ESSAY QUESTION 

When people feel effectively omnipotent, they abuse their power and manipulate others  to satisfy their own needs. Candidates, however, might argue that not all characters  with the requisite power abuse it. 

• The Duke does not abuse his power: he displays fairness.
• Initially Othello is fair and just. However, he later abuses his authority/power.
• Othello's pride, insecurities and fear of humiliation lead to his abuse of his position  as husband. He verbally abuses and eventually murders Desdemona.
• His denying Desdemona and Cassio the chance to defend themselves also  demonstrates his abuse of power. He acts as judge and executioner.
• Candidates might argue that it is not Othello's abuse of power that motivates him, but his jealousy.
• Iago's greatest satisfaction comes from asserting his power and superiority over  others. He derives sadistic pleasure from the suffering of his victims.
• Iago's power comes from his superior intellect, his excellent understanding of  human nature, and his ability to discern his victims' weaknesses/vulnerabilities,  which he then exploits: Cassio's weak head for alcohol and need for  popularity/social success; Roderigo's gullibility and lust for Desdemona; Emilia's  desire to please him (Iago).
• Iago taps into Othello's insecurities to drive him mad with jealousy in order to take  revenge on him.
• Iago uses Desdemona's generosity of spirit and loyalty to enmesh her in his plans  to destroy her marriage to Othello.
• Iago abuses people's inaccurate perception of him as honest in order to manipulate  them. He plays God by ending their lives once their usefulness to him is over. ∙ Brabantio abuses his position as a senator and nobleman in Venice in his attempt  to satisfy his desire to have Othello punished.
• Cassio abuses both his social status and his identity as a man in his mistreatment  of Bianca. 

[Credit mixed/valid alternative responses.] [25]

QUESTION 13: OTHELLO – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION 
13.1 Othello is sent to Cyprus to conduct the war. Iago is in another ship, with  Desdemona. The ships are caught in a very bad storm. There is fear for their  safety. Iago and Desdemona's safe arrival is cause for great relief. 
[Award 3 marks for any three distinct ideas.] (3) 
13.2 Cassio's attitude to Desdemona is respectful and admiring. He puts her on a  pedestal. The word, 'divine' suggests she is like a goddess. He also refers to  her as precious treasure on board the ship. 
Iago uses sexual innuendo when referring to Desdemona. He is disrespectful  when referring to her as being 'full of game'. In his comments to Othello, he  suggests that her choice of Othello as husband is unnatural and abnormal. 
[Award 3 marks only if both Cassio's and Iago's attitudes are discussed.]
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3) 
13.3 Referring to Desdemona as Othello's 'captain' suggests that Desdemona is  important in Othello's life and that she has influence over him. Othello's  emotions are therefore that much easier to control because his love for  Desdemona makes him vulnerable. If Iago then raises doubts about her in  Othello's mind, he will cause Othello to act irrationally and to destroy himself. 
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3) 
13.4 The storm is a device used by Shakespeare to remove the Turkish threat,  allowing the reader to focus on Iago's plot to destroy Othello. 
Symbolically, the storm is a foreshadowing of the destruction and chaos that  will be unleashed as a result of Iago's machinations. The storm is also symbolic  of the chaos unleashed in Othello's mind as a result of his overwhelming  jealousy, as well as the conflict between his love for Desdemona and his desire  to make her pay for her betrayal of their love. 
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3) 
13.5 When Iago uses the words 'duty' and 'slave', he uses them ironically, to create  the impression that he is subservient and loyal. However, he disregards 'duty' and all other virtues. He focuses only on himself and has no honour. He does  not regard himself as bonded to anybody. 
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3)
13.6 For example, Iago might raise his arms in a pleading manner. He might place  one hand on his heart, with the other outstretched toward Othello. This would  be to convince Othello of his sincerity. 
His tone might be concerned/sincere/self-effacing in order to convince Othello  that he has Othello's best interests at heart. 
[Award 3 marks only if the candidate discusses both body language and tone.]
[The candidate's response should be convincing in context.] 
[Accept valid alternative responses.] (3) 
13.7 Cassio and Othello regard their reputations as crucial to their honour. When  Cassio is stripped of his position as a result of his drunken brawling, he is  devastated about losing his reputation, referring to it as 'the immortal part' of  himself. He is desperate to regain his reputation as well as Othello's esteem. 
Othello, too, highly prizes his reputation as a soldier, as well as the regard in  which he is held by the Duke and the Senate. He believes that Desdemona's  alleged infidelity is a stain on his reputation. 
Iago, on the other hand, uses the concept of reputation expediently and to  manipulate characters. In this extract, he calls reputation 'the immediate jewel' of men's souls. In order to win Cassio's trust and to use him in his plot to  destroy Othello, Iago dismisses reputation as a 'false imposition' which is  unfairly gained. 
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3) 
13.8 Iago's manipulative strategy ensures that he keeps Othello's trust and creates  the impression that he has Othello's best interests at heart. This exacerbates  Othello's mistrust of Cassio and Desdemona, and ultimately leads to his desire  to have them both killed. 
Despite the fact that Othello has pledged his trust in Desdemona's love and  loyalty ('my life upon her faith'), he later believes Iago and doubts Desdemona,  leading to the tragic ending of the play. 
Brabantio mistrusts Othello's courting and marrying his daughter. This causes  a rift in his relationship with Desdemona, later resulting in his own death.  Othello's insecurities are awakened by Brabantio's words. This makes Othello  more susceptible to Iago's innuendo, contributing to the tragedy. 
Candidates might argue that other factors, such as Othello's and Desdemona's  naivety, as well as Iago's deviousness, are important elements in the tragedy. 
[Award 4 marks only if candidates discuss how mistrust culminates in tragedy.] (4)

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THE CRUCIBLE – Arthur Miller 
QUESTION 14: THE CRUCIBLE – ESSAY QUESTION 

• Abigail and the girls are granted unusual power which goes largely unchallenged.  Their recently-gained respect makes them arrogant. They abuse their power for  their own selfish interests, leading to tragedy.
• The girls are prepared to protect their power at all costs, even to the extent of  sacrificing innocent people. They ruthlessly exploit the villagers' superstitions and  turn on anyone who dares to challenge them.
• The girls are remorseless in their accusations. They have no concern for the people  they accuse, even morally upright and frail villagers like Rebecca Nurse. They  conspire and target the weak, such as Mary Warren.
• Abigail is merciless and exercises tyrannical power over the girls. She has  persuaded them to cast spells in the woods. She threatens them with death if they  dare tell the truth. Abigail is the instigator of the attack on Mary Warren in the court. 
• Abigail cruelly exploits the trials and her new-found respect. She is callously  prepared to sacrifice Elizabeth to satisfy her desire for Proctor.
• Some exploit the gullibility of the other villagers to settle grudges and satisfy their  greed for land. They become increasingly corrupt to feed their desire for  vengeance.
• Parris is believed to be honest and immune to witchcraft. He abuses this belief to  further his power and status in the village. He shamelessly sacrifices others to  protect his reputation. Parris is a corrupt hypocrite who brazenly participates in the  trials once he realises the advantages.
• Hale is arrogant and abuses the respect the villagers initially have for his 'scientific' knowledge of witchcraft. This single-minded and uncompromising attitude gives rise  to the hysteria.
• The judges, aided and abetted by the court officials, take advantage of the fame  and power they derive from the trials. They are too arrogant and selfish to show  compassion when they realise they have been deceived. Instead, they callously  continue the executions to protect their power and escape censure.
• Elizabeth is self-absorbed and too proud to forgive Proctor in spite of his best  efforts. On the other hand, she selflessly compromises her morality, to some extent,  by lying to protect Proctor. 

[Credit mixed/valid alternative responses.] [25]

QUESTION 15: THE CRUCIBLE – CONTEXTUAL QUESTION 
15.1 Ruth's mother (Mrs Putnam) sends her to commune with her dead babies to  find out what has caused their deaths. Ruth joins Tituba and the other girls to  cast a spell in the woods. They are caught by Parris. Ruth is afraid of the  repercussions and has apparently fallen ill in an attempt to escape punishment. 
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3) 
15.2 Hale is supposedly experienced in rooting out witchcraft, yet he has 'found' only  one alleged witch. Parris believes that Hale will refute the rumours of witchcraft;  however, Hale is determined to find evidence of witchcraft. Parris wishes to use  Hale as a safety measure to discount accusations of witchcraft, but Hale only  intensifies the hysteria. On the one hand, Parris wants to use Hale as a  safeguard ('precaution'), while, on the other, he will exploit Hale's fervour to  uncover witchcraft. It is ironic, therefore, that Parris relies on Hale to save the  situation while Hale actually exacerbates it. 
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3) 
15.3 The inhabitants use the supposed presence of the devil to accuse others of  witchcraft. The accused are helpless in the face of the accusations. The  villagers use the alleged presence of evil to serve their own nasty purposes,  namely revenge, as in the case of Abigail and Mrs Putnam, and/or personal  gain, as in the case of Mr Putnam's wanting to grab more land. 
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3) 
15.4 Putnam is saying that the events that are unfolding in Salem are a result of  God's intervention. However, these events have been brought about by the  girls who are pretending to be afflicted in order to avoid punishment for  behaving contrary to Puritan values. Moreover, Putnam is a hypocrite since he  is willing to use these events for material gain. 
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3) 
15.5 Proctor is both rational and perceptive. He is outspoken and determined to  stand for what is right. He has a forceful character and a passionate preference  for honesty. 
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3) 
15.6 Proctor brings Mary to court in an attempt to refute the girls' lies and save  Elizabeth. The stage directions make it clear that Danforth does not want Mary  to expose the truth since he is too arrogant to admit that he has been  responsible for the execution of innocent people. Mary is intimidated by  Danforth's attempts to frighten her into submission. His aggressive style of  talking and body language are threatening and make her hesitant. Mary is in a  position to disrupt the court proceedings and judgements, and Danforth is  determined to prevent her from revealing the truth. 
[Award 3 marks for any two ideas well discussed OR any three distinct ideas.] (3)
15.7 Abigail might look fearful and desperate. She might be cowering in a  corner/holding her hands up to ward off the 'yellow bird'. Her face might be  contorted in 'fear'. Her tone might be anxious/panicky/fearful/desperate in order  to convince those present that there really is evil in the room and that Mary  does have supernatural powers. Abigail has to put on a display so that the girls' deception is not exposed. Abigail's plan to destroy Elizabeth is working and she  will not allow anything to thwart her. 
[Award 3 marks only if the candidate refers to and motivates both body  language and tone.] 
[The candidate's response should be convincing in context.] 
[Accept valid alternative responses.] (3) 
15.8 Hale remains logical and rational, and attempts to remind Danforth that he  needs to listen objectively and maintain perspective. Danforth is arrogant and  refuses to listen to reason. He adamantly perseveres in his single-minded  determination to root out witchcraft. 
Since Hale's advice is ignored, the implication for Salem is that the innocent  people are hanged, while the girls are allowed to wield power and exact  revenge on their chosen victims. The court proceedings are allowed to  continue; Danforth's power and reputation increase and more lives are  destroyed. The conflict leads to Hale's brief departure from Salem, which  allows the hysteria to escalate unchecked. 
[Award 4 marks only if the candidate has discussed both characters.] 
[Award 4 marks for any three points well discussed OR any four distinct ideas.] (4)

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TOTAL SECTION C: 25 
GRAND TOTAL: 80

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

• A creative response must be awarded 0 for Content and 0 for Language and Structure.

SECTION B AND C: Assessment rubric for literary essay – Novel and Drama (25) 

• 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.