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SECTION C: SHORT STORIES
In this section questions are set on the following short stories:
- ‘THE LOVE POTION’ by H.C. Bosman
- ‘SWIMMING PARTNERS’ by T. Lipenga
- ‘FORBIDDEN CLOTHES’ by J. Gavin
- ‘PINK BOW TIE’ by P. Jennings
Read the extracts from the FOUR short stories and answer the questions set on
each. The number of marks allocated serves as a guide to the expected length of
your answer.
NOTE: Answer questions in your own words unless you are asked to quote.
Answer the questions set on FOUR extracts, i.e. QUESTION 4.1,
QUESTION 4.2, QUESTION 4.3 AND QUESTION 4.4.
4.1 ‘THE LOVE POTION’
EXTRACT M
[Oom Schalk visits Lettie’s father.]
4.1.1. Choose a description from COLUMN B that matches a name in
COLUMN A. Write only the letter (A–E) next to the question
numbers (4.1.1(a) to 4.1.1(d)) in the ANSWER BOOK.
4.1.2 Explain why Oom Schalk visits Lettie’s home. (2)
4.1.3 Refer to lines 3–4. (‘The colour crept into her cheeks.’)
(a) Identify the figure of speech in these lines. (1)
(b) Explain why this figure of speech is relevant in this extract. (2)
4.1.4 What does this extract reveal about the character of Oom Schalk?
Substantiate your answer. (2)
4.1.5 State why the following statement is FALSE
Gideon fell down the Krantz when trying find the juba plant. (1)
4.1.6 With reference to the story, explain why people in Marico believe
that the juba plant must be picked at midnight, under the full
moon. (2)
4.1.7 One of the themes in this story is love and courtship.
Discuss how this theme is relevant to Gideon and Lettie. (3)
AND
4.2 ‘SWIMMING PARTNERS’
EXTRACT N
[Aisha wants her sister to go with her to the city.]
4.2.1 Refer to line 1. (‘Then one day … in the evening.’)
Why do the sisters have to work in the fields? (2)
4.2.2 What does ‘back-breaking’ mean in line 4? (1)
4.2.3 Refer to line 8. (‘But Aisha, how will we survive in town’?)
(a) What tone would Linda use in this line? (1)
(b) Explain why Linda would use this tone in this line. (1)
4.2.4 Discuss the relationship between the two sisters. (2)
4.2.5 Refer to line 13. (But taking a plunge into the city …?)
(a) When in the story did Linda’s sister expect her to ‘take a
plunge’? (1)
(b) In your own words, explain what it means to ‘take a plunge’
in this sentence. (1)
4.2.6 What does this extract tell you about Aisha’s character?
Substantiate your view. (2)
4.2.7 How long does Aisha stay in the city? (1)
4.2.8 One of the themes in the story is poverty.
Discuss how this theme is relevant to Aisha and Linda. (3)
4.2.9 Linda made a good decision by not going with her sister to the city.
Discuss your view. (3)
AND
4.3 ‘FORBIDDEN CLOTHES’
EXTRACT O
[Mrs Khan is worried about her daughter.]
4.3.1 In your own words, explain why Mrs Khan is very worried about Nasreen. (2)
4.3.2 Refer to line 12. (‘That was when … Mrs Khan’s heart.’)
(a) Identify the figure of speech in this line. (1)
(b) Explain why this figure of speech is relevant in this extract. (2)
4.3.3 Refer to lines 13–14 (‘They are taking … understand her fears.’)
(a) To whom does ‘they’ refer? (2)
(b) Explain the onomatopoeia in this line. (2)
4.3.4 State why the following statement is FALSE.
Mrs Khan no longer sees her English teacher because she is dead. (1)
4.3.5 (a) Compare the Dibbens’ and the Khans’ way of life. (2)
(b) How does Louise help Nasreen in making her own decisions? (1)
4.3.6 What does this extract reveal about Mrs Khan?
Substantiate your answer. (2)
4.3.7 Nasreen is a heroic figure who stands up for what she believes in.
Discuss your view. (3)
AND
4.4 ‘PINK BOW TIE’
EXTRACT P
[Outside the Principal’s office.]
4.4.1 Quote a word from line 1 which shows that it is not for the first
time that the boy has to go to the principal’s office. (1)
4.4.2 Explain why the boy is sitting outside the principal’s office. (2)
4.4.3 Why is the following statement TRUE?
The boy is new at this school. (1)
4.4.4 Choose the correct answer to complete the following sentence.
Write only the letter (A–D) next to the question number (4.4.4) in
the ANSWER BOOK.
(a) ‘Getting a strap’ means getting …
A) a tie.
B) corporal punishment.
C) a strip of cloth.
D) a stick. (1)
(b) Explain why the boy gets ‘the strap’. (2)
4.4.5 Refer to lines 4–5. (‘I see this … attacking his neck.’)
Explain the contrast in the simile in this line. (2)
4.4.6 Refer to lines 15–16. (‘She is called … a real knockout.’)
Quote THREE consecutive words to show that the secretary is
good-looking. (1)
4.4.7 What reason does the boy give the principal for his offence? (1)
4.4.8 One of the themes in this short story is fantasy.
Discuss how this theme is relevant to the boy. (3)
4.4.9 The principal’s old age is a reason why he is harsh with the boy.
Discuss your view. (3)
[70]
TOTAL SECTION C: 70