ENG2613 EXAM PORTFOLIO 2025 (Answer Guide) – Due 06 October 2025

ENG2613 EXAM PORTFOLIO 2025 (Answer Guide) – Due 06 October 2025 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 than serious. Similarly, “And bark at friends instead