English - Notes

Class English

ManageBac https://bdsomani.managebac.com/student/classes/12244795

Reviewed

Mock Paper English - Mock Paper.pdf

Status Done

Teacher Ms. Minaz Marker

Literature
The Afternoon Nap - Arthur Yap

Poem

the ambitious mother across the road

is at it again. proclaming her goodness
she beats the boy. shouting out his wrongs, with raps
she begins with his mediocre report-book grades.

she strikes chords for the afternoon piano lesson,

her voice stridently imitates 2nd. lang. tuition,

all the while circling the cowering boy
in a manner apt for the most strenuous p.e. ploy.

swift are all her contorted movements,

ape for every need; no soft gradient
of a consonant-vowel figure, she lumbers
& shrieks, a hit for every 2 notes missed.

his tears are dear. each monday,

English - Notes 1
 wednesday, friday, miss low & madam lim
appear & take away $90 from the kitty
leaving him an adagio, clause analysis, little
pocket-money

the embittered boy across the road

is at it again. proclaming his bewilderment
he yells at her. shouting out her wrongs, with tears
he begins with her expensive taste for education.

Analysis

Central Message

Educating a child should be more humane

The effects of and how it affects the mother-son relationship to a

significant degree

How a tiger mother’s demands are too high to meet

How challenging and mentally taxing it is to cope with the demands

of a tiger mother, who only cares about “grades,” not her child’s
holistic improvement

How a child’s good academic grades come at the expense of their

mental well-being and happiness

Speaker

A third-person omniscient narrator, preferably poet Arthur Yap

In a conversational manner

Narrator has access to every character’s thoughts and emotions.

They see and know everything that’s happening in a story

Poetic Form

Free verse

No rhyme scheme or pattern

Indicates how troubled the speaker’s mind is after

witnessing the same mother-son episode again and again

English - Notes 2
 5 stanzas

Narrative

Lowercase letters used

Themes

The main theme of the poem is the discord in a mother-son

relationship caused by the constant pressure of academic and
extracurricular performance. In this piece, Yap also explores the
themes of tiger parenting, discipline, strictness, and emotional
suffering

Disappointment

Failure

Relationships

Oppression

Emotions Evoked

Anger

Fear

Frustration

Guilt

Pain

Sadness

Terror

Summary

Afternoon routine of a mother and son

Mother rebukes her child for his poor academic grades

She wants him to be good at everything, be it academics or music

He has to be an all-rounder

Mother fulfils her personal desires through him

The boy reacts to the mother’s cruelty

Literary Devices

English - Notes 3
 Enjambment

When a line is cut off before its natural stopping point

Irony

When an outcome is different than expected

“proclaming her goodness/ she beats the boy.”

The quality of being good to one’s child is contrasted with the

very idea of beating him

Imagery

The elements of a poem that engage a reader’s senses

Auditory images

“shouting out his wrongs”

“with raps / she begins”

“she strikes chords for the afternoon piano lesson”

Metaphor

used to make a comparison, but without using like or as

Yap compares the mother’s voice during piano lessons to that of

a teacher of the second language, which could be a reference to
the English language in the Singaporean education system

“her expensive taste for education.”

Important Insights

Critique of Tiger Parenting

The poem highlights the harsh realities of tiger parenting, where

excessive emphasis on academic and extracurricular success
can lead to emotional and physical distress for the child.

Impact of High Expectations on Children

Illustrates the detrimental effects of unrealistic expectations

placed on children, emphasising the mental and emotional strain
they experience.

Mother-Son Relationship Strain

English - Notes 4
 Explores the strained relationship between the ambitious mother
and her son, showcasing how parental pressure can damage
familial bonds.

Irony of Proclaimed Goodness

The mother's proclamation of her goodness juxtaposed with her

abusive actions underscores the irony of her self-perception
versus her actual behaviour.

Emotional and Physical Turmoil

Depicts the emotional and physical turmoil of the boy,

highlighting the intense pressure he faces from his mother's
demands.

Societal Pressure and Educational System

Reflects on the broader societal and educational pressures that

drive parents to push their children excessively, questioning the
value system behind such practices.

Child’s Perspective and Response

Provides insight into the child's perspective and his response to

the mother's actions, portraying his bewilderment and
helplessness in the face of such strict parenting.

Sources

https://poemanalysis.com/arthur-yap/an-afternoon-nap/

Songs of Ourselves

The Instant of my Death - Sarah Jackson

Poem

The bus was crammed and the fat man rubbed against my leg like a damp
cat

while you read The Jataka Tales three rows from the back

and we all stumbled on; wheels and hours grinding, tripping

as Spiti rose up around us, sky propped open by its peaks.

English - Notes 5
 I traced the rockline on the window with my finger,

counted cows and gompas, felt my eyes glaze over

until we reached Gramphoo. There, where the road divided,

I saw a thin boy in red flannel squat between two dhabas;

a black-eyed bean, slipped in between two crags, he was so small

that I almost missed him, until he turned, gap-toothed, and shot me

with a toy gun. And a piece of me stopped then, though the bus moved on,

and the fat man cracked open an apple with his thumb.

Analysis

Central Message

Reflections on a bus journey and the fleeting yet impactful

encounters we have in life.

The contrast between the mundane and the vibrant, and how small
moments can have a significant impact on us.

The bus journey is a metaphor for life's journey and the diverse
experiences and people we encounter.

The significance of small, often overlooked interactions and how

they can leave a lasting impression.

The poem captures the essence of travel, not just as a physical

journey but as an emotional and psychological experience.

Speaker

A first-person narrator, likely the poet themselves.

Narrative is introspective and observational.

Narrator shares their personal experiences and feelings,

allowing the reader to connect with the journey.

Poetic Form

English - Notes 6
 Free verse

No specific rhyme scheme, reflecting the unpredictability and

flow of the journey.

Varied stanza lengths, mirroring the changing scenery and

experiences of a bus ride.

Narrative style.

Mix of lowercase and capital letters.

Themes

The poem explores themes of journey and discovery, the contrast

between the mundane and the extraordinary, and the impact of brief,
seemingly insignificant moments.

Exploration

Innocence

Observation

Reflection

Emotions Evoked

Curiosity

Nostalgia

Surprise

Wonder

Contemplation

Summary

Describes a crowded bus journey.

The narrator observes various scenes and people, including a young

boy.

The journey is both literal and metaphorical, highlighting the small

yet significant moments in life.

The boy with the toy gun leaves a lasting impression on the narrator,
signifying the power of simple encounters.

Literary Devices

English - Notes 7
 Simile

"The bus was crammed and the fat man rubbed against my leg
like a damp cat"

This simile vividly portrays the discomfort and closeness in

the crowded bus, likening the fat man's presence to an
unpleasant, intrusive damp cat.

Imagery

"Spiti rose up around us, sky propped open by its peaks"

This line uses visual imagery to describe the landscape,

creating a picture of the towering peaks and vast sky,
enhancing the reader's visual experience of the journey.

"a black-eyed bean, slipped in between two crags, he was so

small"

This phrase gives a detailed visual portrayal of the boy,

emphasizing his small stature and the vividness of his
appearance amidst the surroundings.

Symbolism

"shot me with a toy gun"

The boy shooting with a toy gun symbolizes innocence and

the unexpected, impactful moments of life. It's a symbolic
action that leaves a deep impression on the narrator, despite
its simplicity.

"the bus moved on, and the fat man cracked open an apple with
his thumb"

This represents the continuation of life and the mundane,

everyday actions that contrast with the more striking
moments of the journey.

Metaphor

"sky propped open by its peaks"

This metaphor suggests the grandeur and majesty of the

landscape, implying that the peaks are so tall they seem to

English - Notes 8
 hold the sky up, adding to the awe-inspiring nature of the
journey.

Enjambment

"I traced the rockline on the window with my finger, / counted

cows and gompas, felt my eyes glaze over"

The use of enjambment here mirrors the continuous motion

of the bus and the flowing thoughts of the narrator, creating
a sense of ongoing movement and reflection.

Important Insights

Reflecting on Life's Journey

The poem uses the metaphor of a bus journey to reflect on life's

path. It highlights how life is filled with a series of moments,
some mundane and others impactful. The journey itself, with its
ups and downs, represents the various phases and experiences
of life.

Power of Small Moments

The interaction with the boy and the toy gun illustrates how
small, seemingly insignificant moments can leave a lasting
impression. This highlights the idea that often, it's the minor,
unexpected encounters that profoundly affect us, reminding us
to be more observant and appreciative of life's little details.

Contrast Between the Mundane and Extraordinary

The poem juxtaposes everyday occurrences, like a crowded bus

ride and a man eating an apple, with more vivid and memorable
scenes, such as the stunning landscape and the boy in red
flannel. This contrast underscores the coexistence of the
ordinary and extraordinary in our daily lives.

Innocence and Joy in Simplicity

The image of the boy playing with a toy gun in a remote area
suggests a sense of innocence and simplicity. It serves as a
reminder of the uncomplicated joy and purity found in simple,
unguarded moments, often overlooked in the hustle of daily life.

Evocative Landscape as a Backdrop

English - Notes 9
 The setting of Spiti, with its towering peaks and scenic beauty, is
not just a backdrop but an integral part of the poem. It
symbolises the vastness and beauty of the world around us,
inviting introspection about our place in the larger scheme of
things.

Importance of Observational Skills

The narrator’s detailed descriptions and observations indicate

the importance of being attentive to one’s surroundings. The
poem suggests that being observant enhances our experiences
and allows us to find beauty and meaning in everyday scenarios.

Embracing the Journey

The poem subtly encourages embracing the journey of life with

all its variations. It's a reminder that while the destination is
important, the experiences and insights gained along the way
are what truly enrich our lives.

Sources

Songs of Ourselves

The Bus - Arun Kolatkar

Poem
the tarpaulin flaps are buttoned down
on the windows of the state transport bus.

all the way up to Jejuri.

a cold wind keeps whipping

and slapping a corner of tarpaulin at your elbow.

you look down to the roaring road.

you search for the signs of daybreak in what little light spills out of bus.

your own divided face in the pair of glasses

English - Notes 10
 on an old man’s nose
is all the countryside you get to see.

you seem to move continually forward.

toward a destination

just beyond the castemark beyond his eyebrows.

outside, the sun has risen quietly

it aims through an eyelet in the tarpaulin.

and shoots at the old man’s glasses.

a sawed off sunbeam comes to rest gently against the driver’s right temple.
the bus seems to change direction.

at the end of bumpy ride with your own face on the either side
when you get off the bus.

you dont step inside the old man’s head.

Analysis

Central Message

Exploration of the internal journey within a physical journey.

Reflection on self-identity and perception through travel.

The contrasting experiences of the inside and outside worlds during

a journey.

The significance of small, overlooked details in shaping our

experiences.

The journey as a metaphor for self-discovery and understanding.

Speaker

A first-person observer, possibly the poet themselves.

English - Notes 11
 Reflective and introspective tone.

Offers a personal perspective on the journey, inviting readers to

share in their observations and insights.

Poetic Form

Free verse

No regular rhyme scheme, mirroring the unpredictable nature of

the journey.

Varied line lengths, reflecting the ebb and flow of the traveler's
thoughts.

Imagistic and narrative.

Themes

The poem touches on themes of self-reflection, the dichotomy

between inner and outer worlds, and the transformative nature of
travel.

Perception

Reality vs. Illusion

Isolation

Inner Journey

Emotions Evoked

Contemplation

Curiosity

Solitude

Wonder

Summary

Describes a bus journey to Jejuri.

The narrator observes the landscape, fellow passengers, and their

own reflection.

The poem captures the essence of travel as both a physical and an

internal journey.

English - Notes 12
 Focuses on the small, often unnoticed details that contribute to the
overall experience.

Literary Devices

Imagery

"the tarpaulin flaps are buttoned down"

Creates a vivid picture of the bus and its environment.

Metaphor

"your own divided face in the pair of glasses"

Suggests the fragmented nature of self-perception.

Symbolism

"a sawed off sunbeam comes to rest gently against the driver`s
right temple"

Symbolizes moments of clarity or realization.

Personification

"the sun has risen quitely"

Gives the sun human-like qualities, enhancing the mood.

Juxtaposition

Contrast between the inner experience of the narrator and the

external reality of the journey.

Important Insights

Internal vs. External Journey

Highlights the distinction and interaction between the physical

journey and the internal, psychological journey.

Perception of Self and World

Explores how travel can alter our perception of ourselves and

the world around us.

Significance of Minor Details

Emphasizes the importance of small details in shaping our

experiences and understanding.

English - Notes 13
 Journey as a Metaphor for Life

Suggests that life, like the journey to Jejuri, is full of unexpected

twists and insights.

Reflective Nature of Travel

Illustrates how travel can be a deeply introspective and

transformative experience.

Sources

https://poemanalysis.com/arun-kolatkar/the-bus/

Songs of Ourselves

The Road - Nancy Fotheringham Cato

Poem
I made the rising moon go back

behind the shouldering hill,

I raced along the eastern track
till time itself stood still.

The stars swarmed on behind the trees,

but I sped fast as they,

I could have made the sun arise,
and night turn back to day.

And like a long black carpet

behind the wheels, the night

unrolled across the countryside,
but all ahead was bright.

The fence-posts whizzed along wires

like days that fly too fast,

English - Notes 14
 and telephone poles loomed up like years

and slipped into the past.

And light and movement, sky and road

and life and time were one,
while through the night I rushed and sped,

I drove towards the sun.

Analysis

Central Message

The interplay between time and movement, and the power of motion
to manipulate the perception of time.

The exhilarating experience of traveling at high speeds and the

feeling of outrunning time itself.

A metaphorical journey representing life's rapid pace and the fleeting

nature of time.

The sense of empowerment and freedom found in traversing a path

or pursuing a goal.

Reflection on the human desire to control time and the inevitability of

its passage.

Speaker

A first-person narrator, likely embodying the poet's perspective.

Expressive and vivid in description.

Experiencing a profound connection with the environment and

time during the journey.

Poetic Form

Rhymed verse with a consistent meter.

Rhyme scheme and rhythm reflect the steady, rhythmic

movement of the journey.

Four stanzas, each painting a different aspect of the journey.

Imagistic and vivid in description.

English - Notes 15
 Themes

The poem delves into themes of time, movement, life's journey, the
human condition, and the relationship between humans and nature.

Speed

Transience

Empowerment

Nature

Emotions Evoked

Exhilaration

Nostalgia

Wonder

Contemplation

Summary

Describes a journey in a car at night, moving swiftly through the

landscape.

The narrator feels as if they can control celestial bodies and time
itself through their speed.

The poem captures the surreal experience of traveling at night,

where familiar objects take on new meanings.

Emphasizes the blending of the natural world with the human

experience of movement and time.

Literary Devices

Personification

"I made the rising moon go back"

Attributes human-like control to the narrator over natural

phenomena.

Imagery

"like a long black carpet / behind the wheels, the night"

Vividly describes the night unfolding like a carpet, creating a

strong visual image.

English - Notes 16
 Metaphor

"fence-posts whizzed along wires / like days that fly too fast"

Compares the passing landscape to the swift passage of time.

Hyperbole

"I could have made the sun arise"

Exaggerates the narrator's control over time and nature,

emphasizing the poem's theme.

Important Insights

Perception and Control of Time

Explores the human perception of time and the illusion of

controlling it through speed and movement.

Life's Journey as a Metaphor

Uses the journey as a metaphor for life's rapid passage and the
human experience of traversing it.

Empowerment Through Movement

Highlights the sense of empowerment and liberation found in

movement, and the freedom it represents.

Interplay of Human and Natural Worlds

Reflects on the relationship between humans and the natural

world, and how movement blurs the lines between them.

Sources

https://poemanalysis.com/nancy-fotheringham-cato/the-road/

Songs of Ourselves

How to write an essay answer for poetry

Criteria

Use of relevant quotations

Interpretation and inference of deeper meaning

Identification of the intention of the poet

English - Notes 17
 Understanding of how ideas are presented and why are they presented
that way

Presentation of ideas and points in a developed and coherent way

Development of a unique and personal idea or interpretation

How to choose quotes

What is the point you are trying to make?

What is the evidence and how and why does it prove your point?

Will you be able to elaborate on the reasoning of this quote selection?

Structure

4 - 5 paragraphs

Introduction

Brief overview of what the poet is talking about (main theme, central
idea)

Use the keyword that is used in the question

What will you talk about? (keywords from main ideas)

Use poet’s name and mention the form of the poem (perspective,
narrator, speaker, etc.)

Point 1 (PEEL)

Point

What is your point? (simply state it, without much elaboration)

Evidence

What evidence supports this? (quotes, maybe 1 or 2)

What does it show?

How does it show it?

Explanation

What technique has been used? (name it)

How does this technique show your point?

Why has this been used?

English - Notes 18
 What words stand out?

Why have they been used?

What is your additional idea? (additionally, the poet may also

be…)

Link (optional)

Link to the next point, or reinforce this one

Point 2 (PEEL)

Point 3 (PEEL)

Conclusion (if there is time)

What have you proven?

What is to be learnt or picked up from this analysis or poem?

Link back to the keyword of the question, what is the message of the
poem relating to this?

Language
Extended Writing Tasks

Letter

Take 20 minutes for this

Do not use abbreviations and contractions such as can’t, won’t, etc.

Informal Letters

Salutation

Dear / Dearest

Introduction

How have you been? / I hope you’re having a great day. / I’ve
been wanting to reach out, and I wonder how you are doing?

I trust that all is well with you and your family

Tell them why you’re writing the letter, and keep it short (will be
specified in the question paper)

English - Notes 19
 I’ve been dying to tell you about…

Body (2 - 3 paragraphs)

Cover 1 pointer per paragraph to cover 3 pointers in your body

or you can club 2 pointers and write them in 1 paragraph so you
have 2 paragraphs in all (pointers given in the question paper)

Use adjectives and verbs

Explain and take the recipient through all the emotions you were
feeling

Use time phrases

shortly after that / later / that afternoon / after dinner / etc.

Conclusion

All in all, the experience was…

I really wish you were there…

You would have loved…

Give my regards to…

Hope you get this soon…

Signature

With Love / Yours Truly

Formal Letter

Salutation

Dear…

Respected…

Honorable…

Introduction

I hope this letter finds you well / I trust all is well with you / I’ve
been eager to send you this letter and discuss this

I am writing to… (your intention)

With regards to… (whatever the relation of the letter is)

Body (2-3 paragraphs)

English - Notes 20
 Cover 1 pointer per paragraph to cover 3 pointers in your body
or you can club 2 pointers and write them in 1 paragraph so you
have 2 paragraphs in all (pointers given in the question paper)

Paragraph 1 could be (details)

Previous history of even or background or experience

Specific data and details

Paragraph 2 could be (further development)

Give further support to your claim or request

Summarise current matter and elaborate

Conclusion

Say what you wish to happen next or the future course of action
to be preferably taken

Wrap up by restating your exact intention of the letter

I hope you will consider this…

I await further action…

I will patiently await your response / reply…

Signature

Yours faithfully…

Yours sincerely…

Kind regards…

Sincerely…

Warm regards…

Interview

Format

Script Format

Give the character name, then a colon and the dialogue

For example

Interviewer: …

English - Notes 21
 Interviewee / Name of interviewee: …

Or

Mother: …

Son: …

Or

Sarah: …

John: …

Use 3 bullet point questions as the interviewer dialogues, there

should be only 3 interviewer dialogues

(Structure) x3

Interviewer question

Interviewee response

Well, I feel…

Perhaps…

It all depends…

You know…

Let me tell you…

Tips

Who is answering the question? Make the voice as true to the

character as possible

The tone should be appropriate to the questions asked and the

character responding

Answers need to be long / detailed; include lots of information that

you have read in the passage

Use stage directions given in brackets (sometimes, for effect - don't

overuse these)

Use punctuation for effect

Don’t be too robotic and formal in the way of answering, as it should

seem natural

English - Notes 22
 You should think about the power and presence of the interviewee
when writing responses

Writer’s Effects

Write in 35 minutes

Contents

2 Paragraphs

3 quotations for each paragraph (imagery)

200 - 300 Words

(Structure) x2

Topic Sentence

In paragraph … the overall effect of the language creates an image

of … being (adjective explaining the overall effect) and having
(further explanation about what the writer was trying to achieve)

Image 1

Firstly, the writer describes the “image 1”.

The writer’s use of imagery suggests…

It is clear that…

Image 2

Secondly, the writer describes how “image 2”.

The writer’s clever usage of the word “specific word in image 2”

refers to…

Additionally, this suggests…

It’s evident that

Image 3

Lastly, the writer elucidates that “image 3”.

The writer’s emphasis on the “specific word or phrase from image 3”

illustrates…

Furthermore, it suggests…

English - Notes 23
 It’s almost as if…

Tips

Write under 35 minutes

Highlight your 3 images for each paragraph (total 6 images)

Imagery should be your main focus

Try and focus on finding imagery relating to the key words of the
paragraph

Include the key words in your topic sentence

You may mention the usage of literary devices in your answer

English - Notes 24