ENGLISH LANGUAGE PRIVATE SCHOOL, DUBAI

SCHOLASTIC SESSION: 2023-2024

Year 7

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS:

Dear Students

Here is your Mid-Year Assessment Resource Pack, comprising sections on

prose and poetry. This resource pack is designed to support you with your preparation
for the upcoming assessment by offering extensive practice opportunities.

As mentioned in the syllabus, you will be assessed for (Critical analysis, various themes,
characterisation, short and long answers, MCQs and reference to the context)

It is essential to note that the primary objective of this resource pack is to

provide you with ample practice. Alongside using this pack, make sure to read
your textbook lessons thoroughly and revise all the notes in your notebooks.

Your question paper consists of the following sections:

SECTION A: PROSE

SECTION B: POETRY
 SECTION-A: PROSE

A Pound of Flesh / Death of a Dictator

Short Questions

1. Why do Shylock and Antonio hate each other?

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2. Who is Portia?
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3. Who was Dr. Balthazar?

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4. What did Antonio say about Shylock’s wealth after he was proven innocent?
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5. What is the feast of Lupercal?

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6. What did fortune teller say to Caesar?
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7. Who is Cassius?

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8. Why was Cassius jealous of Caesar?

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9. What happened on the night of 14th of March?

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10. Why was Cassius afraid of Antony?

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11. What was the reason in Brutus’s mind to be a part of the conspiracy although
he was friend of Caesar?
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12. What was the dream seen by Caesar’s wife Calpurnia?

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13. How Decius manipulated Caesar to step out of his house?

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14. Who was the first and last one to stab the Caesar?

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15. What was it that Artemidorus handed over to Caesar while he was going to the
senate?

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16. What was the reaction of people after hearing the reason of Caesar’s death from
Brutus?

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17. Why did Brutus and other conspirators came into the market place? What
reason did Marcus Brutus give to Romans for killing Caesar?

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18. What was the reaction of Roman citizens when Mark Antony mentioned about
the will of Caesar?

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Create a character sketch of the following characters from the plays.

• Shylock
• Antonio
• Julius Caesar
• Brutus
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 Reference to Context

Sample:

‘My will is reason enough,’ said Caesar. ‘But for your own satisfaction I will tell
you that Calpurnia is keeping me at home. She dreamed last night that she saw
my statue spouting blood like a fountain, and Romans were dipping their hands
in it. She regards it as an evil omen.’

Reference:

These lines have been taken from play ‘Death of a Dictator’ written by William
Shakespeare.

Context:
Decius insists Caesar to give him a reason for not leaving home. To explain, he says
his wife, Calpurnia, had a troubling dream where his statue bled like a fountain,
making her fear something bad would happen if he left home.

Explanation:

In these lines from "Julius Caesar," Caesar asserts his confidence in his own
decision-making, stating that his will alone is sufficient reason. However, he shares
an additional reason for others' satisfaction: his wife, Calpurnia, had a disturbing
dream about his statue bleeding like a fountain, with Romans dipping their hands in
the blood. This dream serves as a superstition or omen, creating a sense of
foreboding and caution, adding a layer of tension and foreshadowing to the story.

Explain the following lines with the reference to context.

a) ‘Caesar was my friend. I honoured him and loved him. But I loved Rome more,
and because he was ambitious I killed him.’

b) -“You spit on my cloak and kick me from your door as if I were a dog, and now
you come on your knees to me and beg for money?”
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Extensive Questions

1. Explain the theme of power in the play ‘Death of a Dictator’.

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2. Explain the role of Antony in the play, and how does he turn the people
against the conspirators?
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3. Explain the role of money and wealth in the play ‘A Pound of Flesh’.
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4. Explain the theme of ‘loyalty vs betrayal’ in the play, and how does it
impact the characters' actions?

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Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who is the tragic hero in "Julius Caesar"?

A. Julius Caesar
B. Brutus
C. Cassius
D. Mark Antony

2. What is the famous line spoken by Julius Caesar when he is assassinated?

A. "You too, Brutus?”
B. "Beware the Ides of March."
C. "Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears."
D. "This was the noblest Roman of them all."

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3. Who delivers the funeral oration in honor of Caesar?
A. Brutus
B. Cassius
C. Mark Antony
D. Octavius
4. How does Caesar respond to the warnings about the Ides of March?
A. He dismisses them.
B. He takes them seriously.
C. He laughs at them.
D. He seeks advice from the soothsayer.

5.What is the motive behind Cassius's manipulation of Brutus in the

conspiracy against Caesar?
A. Personal ambition
B. Loyalty to Caesar
C. Concern for Rome's well-being
D. Fear of Mark Antony

6.Who is the final victor in the power struggle that follows Caesar's death?
A. Octavius
B. Cassius
C. Mark Antony
D. Brutus

The Merchant of Venice:

1.What is the central conflict in "The Merchant of Venice"?
A. Love vs. hate
B. Friendship vs. betrayal
C. Mercy vs. revenge
D. Power vs. humility

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 2.What does Shylock demand from Antonio in their bond?
A. A pound of flesh
B. Three thousand ducats
C. A pound of gold
D. Antonio's ship

3. Who disguises himself/herself as a legal authority to save Antonio in court?

A. Portia
B. Nerissa
C. Jessica
D. Shylock

4. What is the penalty for Shylock's attempt to take a pound of Antonio's flesh?
A. He loses all his wealth
B. He is banished from Venice
C. He is forced to convert to Christianity
D. He is executed
SECTION-B: POETRY
Short Questions

1. Explain how the poet's mood changes throughout the poem ‘Daffodils?’
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2. What is the theme of the poem "Daffodils"?

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3. What does the poet mean by the phrase "a host, of golden daffodils” in poem
‘Daffodils?’
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4. How does the poet use personification in the poem ‘Daffodils?’

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5. Describe the imagery used by the poet to portray the daffodils in the poem.
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6. What is the poem "The Chimney Sweeper" about?

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7. What does the dream in the poem ‘The Chimney Sweeper’ symbolise?
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8. How does the speaker feel about the chimney sweepers' lives?
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 9. What does the chimney symbolise in the poem ‘The Chimney Sweeper?’
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Critical Analysis

Write the critical analysis of the following poems:

• The Chimney Sweeper by William Blake
• Daffodils by William Wordsworth

Sample critical analysis of the poem ‘Daffodils’:

‘Daffodils’ by William Wordsworth

‘Daffodils’ by William Wordsworth is a classic poem that celebrates the beauty of

nature and the power of imagination. Written in a simple yet profound style, it takes
the reader on a journey through the countryside and explores the impact of a serene
encounter with a field of daffodils. This analysis will delve into the poem's themes,
literary devices, and emotional impact.

The Beauty of Nature: The primary theme of the poem is the beauty of nature. The
daffodils are described as a "host" that outshines the stars, emphasizing the
breathtaking and awe-inspiring aspect of nature.

The Power of Imagination: The poem highlights the importance of the imagination in
shaping our experiences. The speaker's memory of the daffodils continues to bring joy
even in times of solitude, showcasing the enduring impact of a vivid imagination.

The mood of the poem "Daffodils" undergoes a significant transformation as it

progresses.

Loneliness and Solitude (Stanza 1): At the beginning of the poem, the mood is one of
solitude and loneliness. The speaker describes himself as "lonely as a cloud," evoking
a sense of isolation and melancholy.

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Awe and Wonder (Stanza 2): As the speaker encounters the field of daffodils, the
mood shifts to one of awe and wonder. The sight of the "host" of golden daffodils
"fluttering and dancing in the breeze" fills him with amazement and joy.

Joy and Elation (Stanzas 3 and 4): In the later stanzas, the mood becomes
increasingly joyful and elated. The memory of the daffodils continues to uplift the
speaker's spirits even when he is alone, bringing him a sense of happiness and
tranquility.

The tone of the poem "Daffodils" is reflective and contemplative. The speaker begins
with a tone of introspection, describing his state of mind as he wanders in solitude.
This tone then transitions to one of delight and excitement as he encounters the
daffodils. The tone becomes more exuberant and joyful as he reflects on the lasting
impact of the daffodils on his emotions and memories.

The poem "Daffodils" by William Wordsworth is structured as a traditional lyric poem

and consists of four stanzas, each containing six lines. It follows a regular rhyme
scheme of ABABCC, where the last two lines of each stanza rhyme with each other.
This structured form contributes to the poem's musical and rhythmic quality.

Literary Devices:

Simile: The poem begins with a simile comparing the speaker to "a cloud" that
wanders "lonely as a cloud." This creates a sense of isolation and sets the tone for the
poem.

Metaphor: The daffodils are metaphorically described as a "golden crowd," conveying

their abundance and brilliance.

Personification: The daffodils are personified as they are said to "dance" and "toss
their heads," attributing human qualities to them and making them seem joyful and
alive.

Imagery: The poem is rich in visual imagery, painting a vivid picture of the daffodils
"fluttering and dancing in the breeze."

Alliteration: Alliteration is used for musical effect, as in "ten thousand saw I at a

glance," which adds rhythm and emphasis to the description.

The poem begins with a sense of loneliness and solitude, with the speaker feeling like
a "lonely cloud." However, the sight of the daffodils transforms his mood. He is
overwhelmed by the beauty of the scene, and the memory of the daffodils continues
to bring him happiness even when he is alone. This emotional transformation from
solitude to joy demonstrates the power of nature to uplift the human spirit and the
lasting impact of beautiful experiences.

"Daffodils" is a timeless poem that captures the beauty of nature and the importance
of imagination in our lives. Through its vivid imagery, literary devices, and emotional

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depth, it reminds us of the profound impact that moments of natural beauty can
have on our well-being and our memories. It encourages us to appreciate and cherish
the beauty of the natural world around us.

Multiple Choice Questions

What is the overall mood of the poem "Daffodils"?

A. Sadness

B. Joy and inspiration

C. Fear

D. Confusion

What is the predominant theme of the poem "Daffodils"?

A. Love

B. Nature

C. War

D. Urban life

In the poem, how does the poet feel initially before encountering the daffodils?

A. Lonely and despondent

B. Excited and happy

C. Angry and frustrated

D. Content and peaceful

How are the daffodils described in the poem?

A. Red and wilting

B. Blue and drooping

C. Golden and dancing

D. White and still

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What effect do the daffodils have on the poet's mood?

A. They make him sad

B. They make him anxious

C. They fill him with bliss and inspiration

D. They make him sleepy

Where does the poet encounter the daffodils in the poem?

A. In a garden

B. Beside a lake

C. In a forest

D. On a mountain

What does the phrase "a host, of golden daffodils" suggest in the poem?

A. A small group

B. A large and lively gathering

C. A sad congregation

D. A colorful assortment

How does the poet describe the daffodils' movement?

A. Floating

B. Swaying

C. Dancing

D. Trembling

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What role does personification play in the poem ‘Daffodils?’

A. It describes the scenery

B. It emphasizes the poet's emotions

C. It gives human-like qualities to the daffodils

D. It describes the weather

What is the primary focus of "The Chimney Sweeper"?

A. Romantic love

B. Childhood innocence

C. The harsh realities of child labor

D. Nature's beauty

How does the speaker feel about his situation in "The Chimney Sweeper"?

A. Happy and content

B. Angry and rebellious

C. Sad and resigned

D. Indifferent

What does the "black coffins" symbolize in the poem ‘The Chimney Sweeper?’

A. Joyful occasions

B. The chimney sweepers' tools

C. The chimney

D. The harsh conditions and early death of the sweepers

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What role does Tom Dacre play in the poem ‘The Chimney Sweeper?’

A. He is a cruel master

B. He is a fellow chimney sweeper

C. He is a benevolent employer

D. He is the narrator's parent

What does the angel in the dream do for the chimney sweepers?

A. Takes them to a magical land

B. Releases them from their coffins

C. Teaches them a trade

D. Punishes them for their suffering

How does the speaker feel after the dream in "The Chimney Sweeper"?

A. Despairing

B. Hopeful

C. Angry

D. Indifferent

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 Reference to Context

Explain the following stanzas with the reference to context

a) I wandered lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

b) And so Tom awoke; and we rose in the dark

And got with our bags & our brushes to work.

Though the morning was cold, Tom was happy & warm;

So if all do their duty, they need not fear harm.

c) And so Tom awoke; and we rose in the dark

And got with our bags & our brushes to work.
Though the morning was cold, Tom was happy & warm;
So if all do their duty, they need not fear harm.

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Good Luck!!

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