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UNISA, 2025
Contents
Question 1: Poetry ........................................................................................................................... 1
Question 2: Drama ........................................................................................................................... 2
Question 3: Prose ............................................................................................................................ 4
References .......................................................................................................................................... 7
Question 1: Poetry
Poem: Mother Doesn’t Want a Dog – Judith Viorst
1.1 Reasons the Mother Does Not Want a Dog (3 marks)
In the poem, the mother gives several reasons for not wanting a dog. Two of these
include that dogs smell and that they shed hair (Viorst, 1962). These reasons reflect
adult concerns about hygiene and cleanliness, as adults are typically responsible for
maintaining order in the household. Adults often worry about the mess, odours, and
extra cleaning involved in caring for a pet. In contrast, children focus more on
companionship and fun, paying little attention to the practical responsibilities a pet
requires. This contrast shows the difference in perspective between a child’s emotional
desires and an adult’s logical reasoning.
1.2 Humorous Elements in the Poem (6 marks)
The poem uses humour through exaggeration, irony, and playful imagery that appeals
to young learners. For example, the line “And do disgraceful things on rugs” is funny
because it exaggerates the naughtiness of pets in a way that children find silly rather