UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS
October/November 2021
ENG2613
Applied English Literature for Intermediate Phases:
First Additional Language
100 marks
72 hours
This paper consists of 3 pages.
Instructions:
You are allowed to access your prescribed works and the study material.
You must not copy verbatim from your study material. You should write the
answers in your own words and reference your sources according to the Harvard
referencing method. In the case of plagiarism or cheating of any kind you will be
reported to the University’s Student Disciplinary Section.
Please remember to fill in and attach the plagiarism declaration on p. 3 of this
document to your final submission.
The exam can be downloaded on 8 October at 15:45 and must be uploaded by 11
October at 15:45
NO LATE EXAMS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
The answered exam script must be uploaded as a PDF electronic document.
Answer both section A and B.
CONFIDENTIAL
© UNISA 2021
, October/November 2021
ENG2613
SECTION A: Short Paragraph Questions (60 marks)
Question 1: Please read the following poem by Langston Hughes and answer the
questions that follow.
Mother to Son
Well, son, I’ll tell you:
Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.
It’s had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor—
Bare.
But all the time
I’se been a-climbin’ on,
And reachin’ landin’s,
And turnin’ corners,
And sometimes goin’ in the dark
Where there ain’t been no light.
So, boy, don’t you turn back.
Don’t you set down on the steps
’Cause you finds it’s kinder hard.
Don’t you fall now—
For I’se still goin’, honey,
I’se still climbin’,
And life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.
Question 1
1.1 What kind of poem is this? (1)
1.2 What are the typical characteristics of such a poem? (2)
1.3 The poem’s speaker says that her life hasn’t been a “crystal stair”. Is this
literal or figurative image? What does it suggest? (2)
1.4 The poem’s opening line contains repetitions of the “-ll” sound. What is this
poetic device called and what effect does it have? (2)
1.5 Does the narrative (story) of this poem end in the final lines? Justify your
answer with examples from the poem. (3)
1.6 In a short paragraph, summarise the message being shared by the speaker
in this poem. What life lesson/s is the mother teaching her son? In your
answer suggest a possible setting for the poem and explain why you think it
is appropriate in light of the poem’s content/argument. (10)
Sub-Total 20 Marks
1
October/November 2021
ENG2613
Applied English Literature for Intermediate Phases:
First Additional Language
100 marks
72 hours
This paper consists of 3 pages.
Instructions:
You are allowed to access your prescribed works and the study material.
You must not copy verbatim from your study material. You should write the
answers in your own words and reference your sources according to the Harvard
referencing method. In the case of plagiarism or cheating of any kind you will be
reported to the University’s Student Disciplinary Section.
Please remember to fill in and attach the plagiarism declaration on p. 3 of this
document to your final submission.
The exam can be downloaded on 8 October at 15:45 and must be uploaded by 11
October at 15:45
NO LATE EXAMS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
The answered exam script must be uploaded as a PDF electronic document.
Answer both section A and B.
CONFIDENTIAL
© UNISA 2021
, October/November 2021
ENG2613
SECTION A: Short Paragraph Questions (60 marks)
Question 1: Please read the following poem by Langston Hughes and answer the
questions that follow.
Mother to Son
Well, son, I’ll tell you:
Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.
It’s had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor—
Bare.
But all the time
I’se been a-climbin’ on,
And reachin’ landin’s,
And turnin’ corners,
And sometimes goin’ in the dark
Where there ain’t been no light.
So, boy, don’t you turn back.
Don’t you set down on the steps
’Cause you finds it’s kinder hard.
Don’t you fall now—
For I’se still goin’, honey,
I’se still climbin’,
And life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.
Question 1
1.1 What kind of poem is this? (1)
1.2 What are the typical characteristics of such a poem? (2)
1.3 The poem’s speaker says that her life hasn’t been a “crystal stair”. Is this
literal or figurative image? What does it suggest? (2)
1.4 The poem’s opening line contains repetitions of the “-ll” sound. What is this
poetic device called and what effect does it have? (2)
1.5 Does the narrative (story) of this poem end in the final lines? Justify your
answer with examples from the poem. (3)
1.6 In a short paragraph, summarise the message being shared by the speaker
in this poem. What life lesson/s is the mother teaching her son? In your
answer suggest a possible setting for the poem and explain why you think it
is appropriate in light of the poem’s content/argument. (10)
Sub-Total 20 Marks
1
