ENG2613
EXAM PORTFOLIO
DUE: 7 OCTOBER 2025 (MEMO)
, ENG2613 EXAM PORTFOLIO 2025
UESTION 1: POETRY
Mother Doesn’t Want a Dog – by Judith Viorst
1.1) In the poem, the mother gives the child many reasons why she does not want
a dog. List two reasons and explain why they might worry an adult more than a
child.
In the poem, the mother says dogs smell and shed hair. These reasons worry adults
more than children because adults usually think about cleanliness and housekeeping. A
smelly or shedding dog means extra work, washing, cleaning, and keeping the home
neat.
Children, on the other hand, do not worry about cleaning or mess; they just enjoy the
fun and friendship that a dog brings. So, while the mother sees problems, the child only
sees love and play (Unit 2, Poetry in Motion).
1.2) Younger learners respond well to humorous poems. Pick three lines or
images from this poem and discuss how they contribute to the humour of the
poem.
“And do disgraceful things on rugs” This line is funny because the idea of a dog
misbehaving on the rug sounds shocking to adults but silly and amusing to children. The
exaggeration makes readers laugh.
“And flop upon your bed at night / And snore their doggy snore” The image of a dog
snoring like a person is humorous because it’s something unexpected and easy for
children to imagine. It gives the dog a funny, human-like behaviour.
EXAM PORTFOLIO
DUE: 7 OCTOBER 2025 (MEMO)
, ENG2613 EXAM PORTFOLIO 2025
UESTION 1: POETRY
Mother Doesn’t Want a Dog – by Judith Viorst
1.1) In the poem, the mother gives the child many reasons why she does not want
a dog. List two reasons and explain why they might worry an adult more than a
child.
In the poem, the mother says dogs smell and shed hair. These reasons worry adults
more than children because adults usually think about cleanliness and housekeeping. A
smelly or shedding dog means extra work, washing, cleaning, and keeping the home
neat.
Children, on the other hand, do not worry about cleaning or mess; they just enjoy the
fun and friendship that a dog brings. So, while the mother sees problems, the child only
sees love and play (Unit 2, Poetry in Motion).
1.2) Younger learners respond well to humorous poems. Pick three lines or
images from this poem and discuss how they contribute to the humour of the
poem.
“And do disgraceful things on rugs” This line is funny because the idea of a dog
misbehaving on the rug sounds shocking to adults but silly and amusing to children. The
exaggeration makes readers laugh.
“And flop upon your bed at night / And snore their doggy snore” The image of a dog
snoring like a person is humorous because it’s something unexpected and easy for
children to imagine. It gives the dog a funny, human-like behaviour.
