Literature questions ask what a text does and how it does it. Name the device, then show the line that carries it.
The idea
A poem is not a puzzle with one secret. Start with what happens or what is described, in plain sentences. Then look at how the words do the work. A simile compares with "like" or "as". A metaphor says one thing is another. Personification gives a human action to something that is not human. Alliteration repeats a starting sound. Imagery is language that makes you see, hear, smell, taste or touch. On their own, the names of devices earn little. The mark is for the name plus the line plus the effect.
A story question asks about character, event or theme. A theme is an idea the story keeps returning to, such as honesty or friendship, not the plot. Support a point with a moment from the text. The set books change from year to year, so this page does not pretend one title is this year's book. The method is the same for whatever text your paper names: point, evidence, effect. The short poem in the practice question was written for this page. It is not a set text.
The English tips guide sets out the literature items beside the rest of the English paper. BECE English tips
What earns the marks
Device plus quotation plus effect is the usual three part point. "Personification" alone is one mark at most. "The leaves clap" shows the device, and "it makes the tree seem alive and welcoming" is the effect. Do not retell the whole poem if the question asks for one device. In prose, a character point needs something the character does or says, not a label such as "he is kind" with no moment.
Practice questions
These are practice questions in the style of the paper, with a model answer and a mark scheme. They are not a promise of what your paper will ask.
1Question 1
3 marks
Read this poem, written for practice. It is not a set text.
The mango tree by the yard
holds a green shade for the heat.
Its leaves clap when the wind comes,
and the fruit drops, sweet.
(a) Identify one example of personification. (1 mark)
(b) Explain the effect of that example. (2 marks)
Model answer
(a) "Its leaves clap when the wind comes."
(b) Leaves cannot clap. Giving them a human action makes the tree seem lively, as if it is glad when the wind arrives.
Mark scheme
The line about leaves clapping. "Holds a green shade" can be accepted as a weaker personification if the clap line is missed, but the clap line is the clear one1 mark
Leaves are given a human action1 mark
An effect, such as making the tree seem alive, friendly or in motion1 mark
2Question 2
2 marks
From the same poem, what does the tree provide, and which line tells you? (2 marks)
Model answer
It provides shade from the heat. The line is "holds a green shade for the heat."
Mark scheme
Shade, or shelter from the heat1 mark
The line about green shade is cited1 mark
3Question 3
2 marks
In one sentence, say what a theme is, and how it differs from a plot. (2 marks)
Model answer
A theme is an idea the text explores, such as kindness. The plot is the sequence of events.
Mark scheme
Theme defined as an idea, message or concern1 mark
Plot defined as the events or the story sequence1 mark
Practise English Language with Kevin
More questions on this topic are inside GLearn, marked as you answer, with the reason written out. The first ones need no account.
How do I answer a question about a poetic device?+
Name the device, quote the short line that shows it, and say what the line makes the reader notice or feel. The name alone is not the answer.
Will this page name this year's set books?+
No. Set books change, and a wrong title would mislead you. Learn the method here, then use it on the poems, stories and plays named for your own sitting. All BECE English Language past questions