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This document is the intellectual property of its creator and is intended for personal study use only. Any
form of reproduction, redistribution, copying, or commercial use without prior written permission is
strictly prohibited. Unauthorized use may result in legal action. By purchasing or accessing this material,
you agree to respect the author’s copyright and use it solely for individual learning purposes.
, +27662594903 THEUNISAPRO
ENG2613 EXAMINATION PORTFOLIO 2025 ANSWERS
DUE DATE 6 OCTOBER 2025
QUESTION 1:
POETRY – Mother Doesn’t Want a Dog by Judith Viorst
1.1) Reasons why the mother does not want a dog
In the poem, the mother gives several practical reasons for not wanting a dog. One reason is
that dogs “smell” and are generally messy, which could create hygiene concerns. For an
adult, especially one responsible for cleaning and maintaining a household, these concerns
are more pressing because they involve ongoing work and potential inconvenience. A child,
however, is less concerned about chores or smells and may focus more on companionship
and fun. Another reason is that dogs “track mud on the floor” and “do disgraceful things
on rugs”. Adults might worry about the extra cleaning and damage to their home, whereas
children often find these behaviours amusing or entertaining. These examples show the
contrast between adult practicality and childlike enjoyment of a pet’s antics.
1.2) Humorous lines or images in the poem
Judith Viorst uses humour effectively to appeal to younger readers. One humorous image is
when the poem describes the dog’s “dumb” need to go out in “ice and snow”, exaggerating
the dog’s persistence and the child’s frustration. Another funny line is “And flop upon your
bed at night / And snore their doggy snore”, which personifies the dog in a human-like way
that children find amusing. A third humorous moment is when the mother’s dislike is contrasted
with the final twist: “Because, more than a dog, I think / She will not want this snake”,
which surprises the reader and ends the poem with a comical twist, making the poem playful
and engaging.
1.3) Teaching the poem “off the page”
To bring the poem to life in the classroom, one method is to read the poem aloud
dramatically, using different voices for the mother and child to enhance humour and
This document is the intellectual property of its creator and is intended for personal study use only. Any
form of reproduction, redistribution, copying, or commercial use without prior written permission is
strictly prohibited. Unauthorized use may result in legal action. By purchasing or accessing this material,
you agree to respect the author’s copyright and use it solely for individual learning purposes.
This document is the intellectual property of its creator and is intended for personal study use only. Any
form of reproduction, redistribution, copying, or commercial use without prior written permission is
strictly prohibited. Unauthorized use may result in legal action. By purchasing or accessing this material,
you agree to respect the author’s copyright and use it solely for individual learning purposes.
, +27662594903 THEUNISAPRO
ENG2613 EXAMINATION PORTFOLIO 2025 ANSWERS
DUE DATE 6 OCTOBER 2025
QUESTION 1:
POETRY – Mother Doesn’t Want a Dog by Judith Viorst
1.1) Reasons why the mother does not want a dog
In the poem, the mother gives several practical reasons for not wanting a dog. One reason is
that dogs “smell” and are generally messy, which could create hygiene concerns. For an
adult, especially one responsible for cleaning and maintaining a household, these concerns
are more pressing because they involve ongoing work and potential inconvenience. A child,
however, is less concerned about chores or smells and may focus more on companionship
and fun. Another reason is that dogs “track mud on the floor” and “do disgraceful things
on rugs”. Adults might worry about the extra cleaning and damage to their home, whereas
children often find these behaviours amusing or entertaining. These examples show the
contrast between adult practicality and childlike enjoyment of a pet’s antics.
1.2) Humorous lines or images in the poem
Judith Viorst uses humour effectively to appeal to younger readers. One humorous image is
when the poem describes the dog’s “dumb” need to go out in “ice and snow”, exaggerating
the dog’s persistence and the child’s frustration. Another funny line is “And flop upon your
bed at night / And snore their doggy snore”, which personifies the dog in a human-like way
that children find amusing. A third humorous moment is when the mother’s dislike is contrasted
with the final twist: “Because, more than a dog, I think / She will not want this snake”,
which surprises the reader and ends the poem with a comical twist, making the poem playful
and engaging.
1.3) Teaching the poem “off the page”
To bring the poem to life in the classroom, one method is to read the poem aloud
dramatically, using different voices for the mother and child to enhance humour and
This document is the intellectual property of its creator and is intended for personal study use only. Any
form of reproduction, redistribution, copying, or commercial use without prior written permission is
strictly prohibited. Unauthorized use may result in legal action. By purchasing or accessing this material,
you agree to respect the author’s copyright and use it solely for individual learning purposes.
