LEELA'S ESL BUGGY

The literature titles studied for poems are: ‘In the Midst of Hardship’- Latiff Mohidin and ‘He had Such Quiet Eyes’- Bibsy Soenharjo. There are also two short stories to be studied. They are : ‘QWERTYUIOP’- Vivian Alcock and ‘The Fruitcake Special’- Frank Brennan. There is also one Drama called ‘Gulp and Gasp’ – Lord Townsend. Now we shall review each one of them.

Synopsis of the poem ‘In the Midst of Hardship’:

As the title suggest, this poem is trying to convey the hardship that a family in a village is facing after a big flood. In this poem, the poet tells of the situation of a farmer and his family. They only returned at dawn after being out in the floodwater for a day and night after tirelessly looking for their son’s albino buffalo. They are all wet and hurt but they do not show any despair or of losing hope. Although they have been born into a life of hardship, they have never complained. They spend time together, enjoying each other’s company. They are grateful for what they still have instead of what is lost. Now, they are in the kitchen and they joke and talk while preparing to relax with a smoke.

Sample Question for the poem ‘In the Midst of Hardship’:

 

Read the following stanza of In the Midst of Hardship and answer the questions that follow.

                                   

At dawn they returned home

their soaky clothes torn

and approached the stove

their limbs marked by scratches

their legs full of wounds

but on their brows there was not a sign of despair

Latiff Mohidin

 

a.         What does the word dawn mean?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

b.         Write down two phrases from the poem which indicate injury.

1. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………
2. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………

c.         How did they feel when they reached home?

Using your own words, give a reason to support your answer.

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Synopsis for the poem ‘He had Such Quiet Eyes’:

This is a poem about the love of a man and how deceptive in can actually be. A man with seductive, powerful and alluring eyes sometimes melt the heart of a naive, innocent, foolish young lady, who will eventually give her everything to him, devote herself to satisfy his starving lust. In other words, it is a story of a girl who meets a boy and falls in love with him. The boy makes her believe that he loves her very much. The girl gives her everything to the boy and the girl loses everything. Finally the boy leaves her. This poem brings out the concept of the power of the eyes and how, since ages and ages ago up till today, men all around the world are still using the same old trick and women, all over the world still fall for it. Young girls should be prepared to face the ugliness of the real world.

Sample Question for the poem ‘He had Such Quiet Eyes’:

 

Read the following stanza of He had Such Quiet Eyes and answer the questions that follow.

               He Had Such Quiet Eyes

He had such quiet eyes
She did not realise
They were two pools of lies
Layered with thinnest ice
To her, those quiet eyes
Were breathing desolate sighs
Imploring her to be nice
And to render him paradise

Bibsy Soenharjo-1968

 

a.         The phrase “two pools of lies’ is a metaphor. What does it refer to?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

b.         Write down two words or  phrases from the poem that describe the eyes.

i) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………

ii)………………………………………………………………………………………………………

c.         Describe in your own words how the girl is being deceived by the eyes.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Answers to Sample question for the poem ‘In the Midst of Hardship’:

1. Sun rise / early in the morning
2. i.Marked by scratches

iifull of wounds

3. Not sad because they do not show any sign of sadness and continue with their normal routine and joke.

Answer to Sample question for the poem ‘He had such Quiet Eyes’:

1. the eyes that are deceiving
2. i)quiet

ii) the desolate sighs

c.  the man eyes is very deceiving, deep, calm but dangerous, just like a pool in winter. It may look inviting and peaceful to see a still lake, but when you try to walk on the thin ice, it will break and you will drown in the icy cold water.

Short Stories

Synopsis for the short story ‘The Fruitcake Special’

Anna, a chemist who works at the Amos cosmetics factory inNew Jersey,USAis trying to discover a new perfume. One day she mixes a slice of the fruitcake given by her Aunt Mimi into a mixture of flowers. It smells wonderful so she tried it on her. Not too long, her boss, David Amos who is a handsome English guy never saying nice thing to ordinary girl like her asked her to have a dinner with him. That would be because of fruitcake. Anna realises now that the perfume is responsible for his strange behaviour. At dinner, there was a competition between David Amos and the waiter for her attention. The night ended with both men hitting each other and Sabina (David’s girlfriend) punching David. Anna later found out more about the fruitcake from her Aunt Mimi and realized that it was made by an old woman who had just passed away. Later David apologized and offered Anna a raise as compensation. Anna feels insulted and quit her job. Then, the pizza man appears at her door with pizza and a box of flowers. He is now the owner of his pizza company. Anna decides to go out with him.

 

Sample Question for the short story ‘The Fruitcake Special’:

Read the extract from the short story “THE FRUITCAKE SPEACIAL” below and answer the  questions that follow.

a.         Why was the writer confused?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

b.         What is the meaning of “Intrigue”?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

c.         What is “Intrigue’ in the context of the story?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

d.         Do you think the fruitcake perfume actually made girls attractive to men?

Give a reason for your answer.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Synopsis of the short story ‘QWERTYUIOP’

‘QWERTYUIOP’ by Vivien Alcock is about a young graduate named Lucy Beck who has just finished her ‘O’ levels atBelmontSecretarialCollege. Being a slow learner herself, she has no confidence that she will find a job. Fortunately, she is offered a job by Mr. Ross, the Manager of Ross and Bannister’s. During her first day, she encounters many peculiar incidents. Later, she finds out that there is a spirit lingering around the office who is adamant in holding on to her position as the company’s secretary. Towards the end of the story, Lucy tries to get rid of the spirit that has been haunting that place for many years by putting the spirit at peace.

Sample Question for the story ‘QWERTYUIOP’:

Read the extract from the short story QWERTYUIOP below and answer the

 questions that follow.

 

a.         Why was Lucy horrified?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

b.         What were the common and strange mistakes that she made?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

c.         What did she decide to do after making the repeated mistakes?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

d.         Do you think you would make such mistakes. Give a reason for your answer.

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Answers to Sample Question for the story ‘ Fruitcake Special’:

a.         The boss took a liking of her when he was not interested at all a little while ago

b.         carry on an underhand plot

c.         name of the perfume

d.         (accept any logical answer)

Answers to Sample Question for the story ‘QWERTYUIOP’

 

a.         She had made a lot of ridiculous mistakes in her letter.

b.         QWERTYUIOP, the top line of letters on a typewriter repeated over and over again.

c.         To type more carefully / keep her mind on the job / not to allow her mind to wonder

d.         Yes, because it is the work of Miss Broome’s ghost

No, I would be more careful.

 

DRAMA- Gulp and Gasp

 

Synopsis

 

This is a melodrama about a villain, Lord Septic who is greedy for more power, money and fame. He is even ca[able of committing murder to get what he wants. He owns the railways and is after the Gatsby gold. Crouch, Lord Septic’s manservant is a big bully. Rose is a damsel in distress who meets Percy, the hero. They fall in love and he rescues her from a bloody death at the railway tracks. Later, Percy learns he is the heir to the Gatsby gold and is known as Sir Percy. Lord Septic loses everything.

 

Read the extract from the drama Gulp and Gasp below and answer the

 questions that follow.

 

a.         Where do you think this conversation took place?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

b.         When Lord Septic says he is just a step away, where did Crouch say he was?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

c.         What was Lord Septic longing for?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

d.         Do you think you should follow Lord Septic’s footsteps? Give a reason for your answer.

Answers to Sample Questions for Drama

 

a.         At the railway station

b.         At the edge of the platform

c.         Power, money and fame

d.         Yes, so that I can be a powerful person.

No, because it shows our greed and would not last long.

Practice 1

I WONDER

I wonder why the grass is green,

And why the wind is never seen?

Who taught the birds to build a nest,

And told the trees to take a rest?

O, when the moon is not quite round,

Where can the missing bit be found?

Who lights the stars, when they blow out,

And makes the lightning flash about?

Who paints the rainbow in the sky,

And hangs the fluffy clouds so high?

Why is it now, do you suppose,

That Dad won’t tell me, if he knows?

Jeannie Kirby

 

1. Who is the persona in the poem?

_______________________________________

 

1. (a) Can a tree take a rest?

 

_______________________________________

 

(b)What does the poet really mean when she says that the trees take a rest?

 

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Practice 2

‘Heir Conditioning’
Grand dad did you breathe
before air cons were invented?
was it hard staying
alive without modern inventions?
Grandma weren’t you flustered
as you fluttered with paper fans?
could you communicate before
faxes and long distance calls
became basic necessities?

Grandchild we lived
before your age. Because
of our ignorance,
we did not know
pollution, stress, traffic jams
destruction of forests, streams and
hills
we feared God and nature
now nature fears you and
money is your new God.

by SHANmugalingam

 

1. List three things in the poem that indicate the negative effects of modernization?

 

__________________________________________________________________

 

1. What does the title of the poem mean to you? Provide an explanation for your answer

 

___________________________________________________________________

 

___________________________________________________________________

 

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Practice 3

I WONDER

I wonder why the grass is green,

And why the wind is never seen?

Who taught the birds to build a nest,

And told the trees to take a rest?

O, when the moon is not quite round,

Where can the missing bit be found?

Who lights the stars, when they blow out,

And makes the lightning flash about?

Who paints the rainbow in the sky,

And hangs the fluffy clouds so high?

Why is it now, do you suppose,

That Dad won’t tell me, if he knows?

Jeannie Kirby

 

 

1. List three things that the persona is wondering about.

 

_______________________________________________________

 

1. State one moral value found in the poem.

 

___________________________________________________________________

 

___________________________________________________________________

 

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Practice 4

‘Heir Conditioning’
Grand dad did you breathe
before air cons were invented?
was it hard staying
alive without modern inventions?
Grandma weren’t you flustered
as you fluttered with paper fans?
could you communicate before
faxes and long distance calls
became basic necessities?

Grandchild we lived
before your age. Because
of our ignorance,
we did not know
pollution, stress, traffic jams
destruction of forests, streams and
hills
we feared God and nature
now nature fears you and
money is your new God.

by SHANmugalingam

 

1. What is the poet’s main concern in the second stanza?

 

_______________________________________________________

 

1. What is the message that the poet wishes to express in this poem?

 

___________________________________________________________________

 

___________________________________________________________________

 

___________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Practice 5

I WONDER

I wonder why the grass is green,

And why the wind is never seen?

Who taught the birds to build a nest,

And told the trees to take a rest?

O, when the moon is not quite round,

Where can the missing bit be found?

Who lights the stars, when they blow out,

And makes the lightning flash about?

Who paints the rainbow in the sky,

And hangs the fluffy clouds so high?

Why is it now, do you suppose,

That Dad won’t tell me, if he knows?

Jeannie Kirby

 

 

1. Identify the word that means –‘to make something look bright’?

 

 

_______________________________________________________

 

1. (a) What does the title of the poem imply about the persona?

 

___________________________________________________________________

 

___________________________________________________________________

 

(b) Explain in your own words, what you understand by the last two lines.

___________________________________________________________________

 

___________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

Practice 6

‘Heir Conditioning’
Grand dad did you breathe
before air cons were invented?
was it hard staying
alive without modern inventions?
Grandma weren’t you flustered
as you fluttered with paper fans?
could you communicate before
faxes and long distance calls
became basic necessities?

Grandchild we lived
before your age. Because
of our ignorance,
we did not know
pollution, stress, traffic jams
destruction of forests, streams and
hills
we feared God and nature
now nature fears you and
money is your new God.

by SHANmugalingam

 

1. What can you infer from the line Grand child we lived before your age?

_______________________________________________________

 

1. Explain why “Grand child” would find it difficult to live without modern inventions.

 

___________________________________________________________________

 

___________________________________________________________________

 

___________________________________________________________________

 

 

Practice 7

 

I WONDER

I wonder why the grass is green,

And why the wind is never seen?

Who taught the birds to build a nest,

And told the trees to take a rest?

O, when the moon is not quite round,

Where can the missing bit be found?

Who lights the stars, when they blow out,

And makes the lightning flash about?

Who paints the rainbow in the sky,

And hangs the fluffy clouds so high?

Why is it now, do you suppose,

That Dad won’t tell me, if he knows?

Jeannie Kirby

 

 

1. Who is the speaker relating the events to?

 

___________________________________________________________

 

1. (a) What is the half moon seen as?

 

___________________________________________________________

 

(b) The poem somehow portrays the thinking of a child. Describe the characteristics of the child.

 

__________________________________________________________

 

__________________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Practice 8

 

 

‘Heir Conditioning’
Grand dad did you breathe
before air cons were invented?
was it hard staying
alive without modern inventions?
Grandma weren’t you flustered
as you fluttered with paper fans?
could you communicate before
faxes and long distance calls
became basic necessities?

Grandchild we lived
before your age. Because
of our ignorance,
we did not know
pollution, stress, traffic jams
destruction of forests, streams and
hills
we feared God and nature
now nature fears you and
money is your new God.

by SHANmugalingam

 

 

1. What is the tone of the poem?

 

____________________________________________________

 

1. (a) Who is the persona in the second stanza?

 

____________________________________________________

 

(b)    How does the poet view modernization?

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

 

 

Practice 9

 

I WONDER

I wonder why the grass is green,

And why the wind is never seen?

Who taught the birds to build a nest,

And told the trees to take a rest?

O, when the moon is not quite round,

Where can the missing bit be found?

Who lights the stars, when they blow out,

And makes the lightning flash about?

Who paints the rainbow in the sky,

And hangs the fluffy clouds so high?

Why is it now, do you suppose,

That Dad won’t tell me, if he knows?

Jeannie Kirby

 

1. Identify a phrase/line that shows human characteristics in non living things?

 

______________________________________________________________

 

1. (a) What is the mood of the poem?

 

______________________________________________________________

 

(b) What is the poem about?

______________________________________________________________

 

_______________________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

Practice 10

 

 

‘Heir Conditioning’ (stanza 1)

Grand dad did you breathe
before air cons were invented?
was it hard staying
alive without modern inventions?
Grandma weren’t you flustered
as you fluttered with paper fans?
could you communicate before
faxes and long distance calls
became basic necessities?

by SHANmugalingam

 

 

1. Based on stanza 1, list two things that the grandparents did not have.

 

____________________________________________________

 

1. (a) What is another word which sounds similar to the title?

 

____________________________________________________

 

(b)What does the title suggests? Briefly explain as you understand it.

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

 

ANSWERS;

Practice 1

1. A young child
2. (a) No, they are not human

(b) Wind is not blowing to make the leaves sway or move.

Practice 2

1. pollution, stress, traffic jams
   destruction of forests, streams and
   hills
2. The title of the poem “Heir Conditioning” suggests about the conditioning of the minds of the younger generation who are so dependent on modern inventions in their daily life. Their minds are so tuned/conditioned to having modern inventions to manage their daily life that to them it may seem impossible to live without these inventions.

 

 

Practice 3

1. Why the grass is green/ why the wind is never seen/who taught the birds to build a nest/
2. We must always be resourceful and independent in enriching our world of knowledge. As for example, by being inquisitive and asking people around us and taking the initiative to read to broaden our horizon!

 

Practice 4

1. The poet expresses his concern that though there is progress with modern inventions, man is regressing.  If modern amenities and development are there to give us comfort, easy access and a better lifestyle, how come we have to deal with calamities and problems like stress and traffic jams?
2. The poet is trying to impart the message that modernization should be a gradual process and  that mankind should not be overly dependent or taken up with new inventions that could  lead to the destruction of the environment.

 

Practice 5

1. Flash
2. (a) curious child who seeks for answers to questions about the wonders of life and nature.

(b) Towards the end of the poem, she is annoyed as her father fails to answer her questions.

 

 

 

Practice 6

1. The grandparent explains that he/she lived a longer life(before your age)
2. The grandchild’s questions seem naive, childlike and amusing when the grandchild asks grandparents how they could actually live without modern inventions such as air conditioners, fans, and fax machines. It is as though without these inventions, the older generations seemed to have suffered living.

Practice 7

1. The persona himself/herself
2. (a) incomplete puzzle

(b) In this poem, the persona is a child who is enthusiastic in exploring the nature. The inspiring curiosity within the child himself leads him to learn more about the miracles of nature. He seems to appreciate every detail of the world and he wants to know how such things happen

Practice 8

1. The poem is light yet punctuated with irony and scarsm.
2. (a) The grandfather

(b) Here, he is speaking very strongly from a personal point of view. He uses “we” to show that the older generation lived a rich and peaceful life. They were spared from living in a polluted world as they were not dependent on modern gadget.

Practice 9

1. the trees to take a rest
2. (a) the tone of the poem is informal, easy and relaxed.

(b) The poem shows that our beautiful world is so big and mysterious and that there are so many unanswered questions. But we always try and look for ways to find out the answers to all of our questions.

 

Practice 10

1. Electric fan, telephone.
2. (a) air conditioning

(b) The poet is deeply conscious of the fact that the new generation are ‘heirs’ to a future world doomed by the conditioning need for development and modern gadgets.

TEST 1
Form 4 Poem

In the Midst of Hardship

Read the following stanza of In the Midst of Hardship and answer the questions that follow.

                                   

 

 

a.         What does the word dawn mean?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

b.         Write down two phrases from the poem that indicate injury.

1. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………

1. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………

c.         Describe their feelings when they reached home. Provide a reason to support your answer.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Form 4 Short Story

QWERTYUIOP

Read the extract from the short story QWERTYUIOP below and answer the

 questions that follow

1. What does the phrase ‘new broom’ imply?

…………………………………………………………………………………

1. Describe the man who opened the door for Lucy.

…………………………………………………………………………………..

1. What is the meaning of ‘hobbling’?

…………………………………………………………………………………..

1. In your opinion, why did Lucy arrive early that Monday morning?

………………………………………………………………………………………….

………………………………………………………………………………………….

Novel

The following are the novels studied in the literature component in English Language

1. The Curse by Lee Su Ann
2. Step by Wicked Step by Ann Fine.
3. Catch Us If You Can by Catherine McPhail

Based on the novel that you have studied, choose a character and discuss how good values are being demonstrated through the character you have chosen.

Provide evidence from the text to support your answer.

Your response should be:

• Not less than 50 words
• In continuous writing (not in note form)

TEST 2

(Form 5 poem)

a.         “What seasons did the poet say that they did not have?”

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b.         List out the verbs found in the poem ‘Nature’.

__________________________________________________________________

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c.         List words that describe the following in the poem.

i)         sunny days

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ii)        rainy days

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d.         Do you agree that the sunny days are “the best days” as compared to rainy days? Explain why or why not?

__________________________________________________________________

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Form 4 drama/short story

1. Why is Lord Septic very angry?

…………………………………………………………………………………..

1. What does the word ‘sack’ mean?

…………………………………………………………………………………..

1. Describe the condition at the station.

…………………………………………………………………………………..

1. How would you describe Lord Septic? Provide a reason for your answer.

…………………………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………..

Novel question

The following are the novels studied in the literature component in English Language

1. The Curse by Lee Su Ann
2. Step by Wicked Step by Ann Fine.
3. Catch Us If You Can by Catherine McPhail

Based on the novel that you have studied, describe two different settings or situations.

Provide evidence from the text to support your answer.

Your response should be:

• Not less than 50 words
• In continuous writing (not in note form)

suggested answers:

TEST 1

Form 4 Poem

In the Midst of Hardship

1. Sun rise / early in the morning
2. i.Marked by scratches

iifull of wounds

3. Not sad because they do not show any sign of sadness and continue with their normal routine and joke. (Accept any suitable answer)

Form 4 Short Story

QWERTYUIOP

1. usually someone new will do a job very well in the beginning.
2. Elderly, has dark eyes and white hair.
3. Walk lamely or limp
4. She wants the job badly and did not want to be late.

Novel

The Curse

TEST 2

(Form 5 poem)

Nature

 

1. summer, winter, spring and autumn.
2. rain – beat, trees – struggle, reaped canefields – lie, tall grass – sways / shiver, buttercups – pave
3. i) gold sun shines

ii) rain beats like bullets on the roof

1. any logical answer.

Form 4 Drama

1. the weather was bad so the vision was not clear.
2. to fire someone from a job or position/ dismiss  from a job
3. it was a foggy night. The air was cold.
4. He is an evil man. He is desperate to find the gold and is willing to do anything for it.

Novel

Novels (6 Practices)

 

 

PRACTICE SECTION

 

The following are the novels studied in the literature component in English Language

1. The Curse by Lee Su Ann
2. Step by Wicked Step by Ann Fine.
3. Catch Us If You Can by Catherine McPhail

Based on one novel above, write about the following.

 

Provide evidence from the text to support your answer.

Your response should be:

• Not less than 50 words
• In continuous writing (not in note form)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUGGESTED ANSWERS-

Practice 1

 

 

 

 

 

Practice 2

 

Practice 3

 

Practice 4

 

Practice 5

 

Practice 6