In this section, questions are set on the following poems:
- ‘Executive’ by John Betjeman
- ‘Shantytown’ by Anonymous
NOTE: Answer the questions set on BOTH poems, i.e. QUESTION 5.1. AND
QUESTION 5.2.
5.1 Read the poem carefully and then answer the questions which follow. The
number of marks allocated to each question serves as a guide to the
expected length of your answer.
5.1.1 Complete the following sentences by using the words in the list below. Write down only the letter next to the question numbers (5.1.1(a)–5.1.1(d)) in the ANSWER BOOK.
The speaker in this poem is a/an (a) … who works as a travelling (b) … of the firm he works for. Because he has a lot of money, he buys a (c) … that he does not use. The speaker is described as a (d) … person. (4)
5.1.2 Refer to stanza 1.
(a) Quote FOUR consecutive words to prove that the executive is famous. (1)
(b) Mention TWO things which prove that the young man is boastful. (2)
5.1.3 Refer to line 6 (‘I am … and partly P.R.O.’).
(a) What does the abbreviation P.R.O. stand for? (1)
(b) Explain the irony in the fact that the executive is a P.R.O. (2)
5.1.4 Refer to line 10 (‘I’ve a scarlet … go? She flies!’).
(a) Identify a figure of speech in this line. (1)
(b) Explain why the figure of speech is appropriate. (2)
(c) What does this line reveal about the character of the executive? Explain your answer. (2)
5.1.5 Do you admire the Executive? Discuss your view. (3)
AND
5.2 Read the poem carefully and then answer the questions which follow. The number of marks allocated to each question serves as a guide to the expected length of your answer.
5.2.1 Choose the correct answer to complete the following sentence.
Write ONLY the letter (A–D) next to the question number (5.2.1) in the ANSWER BOOK.
The word ‘plain’ in the poem means …
A grassland.
B flatland.
C pasture. (1)
D savannah.
5.2.2 Quote EIGHT consecutive words to prove that Jabavu is in a remote place. (1)
5.2.3 Refer to line 7 (‘Cold creeps up … hard night cold’).
(a) Identify the figure of speech in this line. (1)
(b) Explain the appropriateness of this figure of speech. (2)
5.2.4 What is the only source of light for the people of Jabavu? (1)
5.2.5 Give the reason for the repetition of the word ‘cold’ in stanza 2. (2)
5.2.6 Refer to stanza 3.
(a) Identify the tone used in this stanza. (1)
(b) Why is the tone appropriate in this stanza? (2)
5.2.7 Discuss how the theme of poverty is evident in this poem. (3)
5.2.8 Think of Jabavu as a symbol that represented the sufferings and hardships of Black people during apartheid. Do you think South Africans still suffer the same plight? Discuss you view. (3)
[35]
TOTAL SECTION D: 35
GRAND TOTAL: 70