Section A

[15 marks]
For each of the questions in this section, read the question first and then study the
information given to find the best answer. Then circle the answer A, B, C or D.

Question 31
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Read the poem In the Midst of Hardship below and answer the questions that
follow.
In the Midst of Hardship by Latiff Mohidin
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
The whole day and night just passed
they had to brave the horrendous flood
in the water all the time
between bloated carcasses
and tiny chips of tree barks
desperately looking for their sons
albino buffalo that was never found
They were born amidst hardship
and grew up without a sigh or a complaint
now they are in the kitchen, making
jokes while rolling their ciggarete leaves

(a) When did the personas get home?

___________________________________________________________________________
[1 mark]
(b) What happened to the personas hands and legs?
___________________________________________________________________________
[1 mark]
(c) Write two words that are related to water.
(i)

____________________________________________________________________
[1 mark]

(ii)

____________________________________________________________________
[1 mark]

(d) Why do you think they do not despair? In your own words, give a reason to support your
answer.
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___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
[2 marks]

Answer scheme
31. Poem
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(a) At dawn
(b) They were scratched and cut
(c) (i) soaky
(ii)flood
(d) they do not despair because they are stoic and as farmers they could have experienced such
a problem before (any suitable answer)

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