CSEC English B Paper 2 May/June 2014 - Free CXC Past Paper with Answers

"Old Story Time reinforces the idea that good triumphs over evil."

(a) Describe a situation in which ONE character is portrayed as mostly good and ONE character as mostly evil. (b) Discuss which character makes the drama more exciting for you as a result of this presentation of good and evil. (c) Show how Rhone uses the final scene of the play to reinforce the idea that good triumphs over evil.

"Good storytelling appeals to the audience in that it both educates and entertains."

(a) Describe ONE instance in Old Story Time when its educational appeal is highlighted. (b) Describe ONE instance in Old Story Time when humour is used to entertain the audience. (c) Show how Rhone uses the art of storytelling to appeal to his audience.

"Some places stand out in our minds because of the way in which they impact our thoughts." Consider "Sonnet Composed Upon Westminster Bridge" and "South".

(a) Briefly describe the place(s) being portrayed in EACH poem. (b) Compare the speakers' attitudes to the places being portrayed in the two poems. (c) For EACH poem, discuss ONE device which is used to create an effective portrayal of the places.

Choose TWO poems you have studied in which a memorable event or experience is described.

(a) Describe the event OR experience in EACH poem. (b) Compare the speakers' attitudes to the event OR experience in the two poems. (c) For EACH poem, discuss ONE device that is used to present this event or experience.

"Forbes provides a credible description of rural living."

(a) Describe TWO occasions on which we get a rich picture of rural life. (b) Discuss ONE technique that Forbes employs to create this effect. (c) Comment on the lessons that readers may glean from these presentations.

"The narrator's references to school life allow us to understand the complex social influences and the varying outcomes of schooling in rural Jamaica."

Discuss the extent to which this is true of Songs of Silence.

"Eva is the major narrator of The Wine of Astonishment but as wife of Leader Bee she plays an important role in the action of the novel."

(a) Describe ONE incident in which Eva plays a major part as Bee's wife. (b) Discuss her role as a character in the novel as a whole. (c) How does she differ from other women in the novel?

"The major conflict in The Wine of Astonishment is between tradition and change."

Discuss this statement with reference to the novel.

"In 'Septimus' and 'The Man of the House' mothers demonstrate a special concern for their boys even though boys often stray from values taught."

For EACH story:

(a) Describe how the mother of EACH boy demonstrates her special care for him. (b) Explain in the ways in which EACH boy goes astray. (c) Comment on the message EACH story conveys about the boys.

Choose TWO stories which you have studied that present the same theme.