LIFE OF PI – NSC ENGLISH ESSAY BUNDLE
SECTION 1: HOW TO WRITE AN NSC ESSAY
An NSC English essay is worth 25 marks. Markers look for clear
structure, relevant content, and correct language use. Essays must
always directly answer the question.
Structure:
• Introduction: Answer the question directly and introduce the
main idea.
• Body paragraphs: Use PEEL (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link).
• Conclusion: Summarise the argument and link back to the
question.
Planning an essay:
• Underline key words in the question.
• Identify the theme or character being tested.
• Plan 3–4 body paragraphs before writing.
SECTION 2: APPLYING LIFE OF PI TO ESSAYS
When writing about Life of Pi, always link ideas to themes such as
survival, faith vs reason, storytelling, and man versus nature.
Use short quotations or clear references to events in the novel.
Do not retell the story. Focus on analysis and explanation.
SECTION 3: COMMON NSC ESSAY QUESTIONS
1. Discuss how survival is presented as both a physical and
psychological struggle in Life of Pi.
, 2. To what extent does faith help Pi survive his ordeal?
3. Pi Patel is a resilient character. Discuss this statement with
reference to the novel.
4. Yann Martel suggests that storytelling is essential to survival.
Discuss.
5. The relationship between Pi and Richard Parker is central to the
novel. Discuss.
SECTION 4: ESSAY PLAN (EXAMPLE)
Question: Discuss how survival is presented as both a physical and
psychological struggle.
Introduction: Survival requires both physical endurance and
mental strength.
Paragraph 1: Physical survival – food, water, shelter.
Paragraph 2: Psychological survival – fear, loneliness, hope.
Paragraph 3: Faith and imagination as coping mechanisms.
Conclusion: Survival depends on both body and mind.
SECTION 5: MODEL ESSAY (EXTRACT)
In Life of Pi, Yann Martel presents survival as both a physical and
psychological challenge. Pi’s journey across the Pacific Ocean
forces him to confront extreme hunger, fear, and isolation.
Physically, Pi must learn how to find food and protect himself
from Richard Parker. Psychologically, he relies on faith and
storytelling to remain hopeful and sane.
SECTION 6: THEMES & SYMBOLS (EXAM-FOCUSED)
SECTION 1: HOW TO WRITE AN NSC ESSAY
An NSC English essay is worth 25 marks. Markers look for clear
structure, relevant content, and correct language use. Essays must
always directly answer the question.
Structure:
• Introduction: Answer the question directly and introduce the
main idea.
• Body paragraphs: Use PEEL (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link).
• Conclusion: Summarise the argument and link back to the
question.
Planning an essay:
• Underline key words in the question.
• Identify the theme or character being tested.
• Plan 3–4 body paragraphs before writing.
SECTION 2: APPLYING LIFE OF PI TO ESSAYS
When writing about Life of Pi, always link ideas to themes such as
survival, faith vs reason, storytelling, and man versus nature.
Use short quotations or clear references to events in the novel.
Do not retell the story. Focus on analysis and explanation.
SECTION 3: COMMON NSC ESSAY QUESTIONS
1. Discuss how survival is presented as both a physical and
psychological struggle in Life of Pi.
, 2. To what extent does faith help Pi survive his ordeal?
3. Pi Patel is a resilient character. Discuss this statement with
reference to the novel.
4. Yann Martel suggests that storytelling is essential to survival.
Discuss.
5. The relationship between Pi and Richard Parker is central to the
novel. Discuss.
SECTION 4: ESSAY PLAN (EXAMPLE)
Question: Discuss how survival is presented as both a physical and
psychological struggle.
Introduction: Survival requires both physical endurance and
mental strength.
Paragraph 1: Physical survival – food, water, shelter.
Paragraph 2: Psychological survival – fear, loneliness, hope.
Paragraph 3: Faith and imagination as coping mechanisms.
Conclusion: Survival depends on both body and mind.
SECTION 5: MODEL ESSAY (EXTRACT)
In Life of Pi, Yann Martel presents survival as both a physical and
psychological challenge. Pi’s journey across the Pacific Ocean
forces him to confront extreme hunger, fear, and isolation.
Physically, Pi must learn how to find food and protect himself
from Richard Parker. Psychologically, he relies on faith and
storytelling to remain hopeful and sane.
SECTION 6: THEMES & SYMBOLS (EXAM-FOCUSED)
