CAPE PAST PAPER TYPE QUESTIONS - UNIT

1 - POETRY
1. “To be memorable, the language of poetry must challenge the reader.”
With reference to at least THREE poems by ONE British, American OR Postcolonial poet
whom you have studied, discuss the validity of this statement.

2. “It is the unconventional poet who makes an impact on the reader.”

With reference to at least THREE poems by ONE British, American OR Postcolonial poet
whom you have studied, discuss the validity of this statement.

3. “Poetic devices distract the reader from the social issues that concern the poet.”
With reference to at least THREE poems by ONE British, American OR Postcolonial poet
that you have studied, discuss the extent to which this statement represents your
encounter with poetry.

4. “Enjoyment of poetry depends primarily on the poet’s use of colour imagery.”

With reference to at least THREE poems by ONE British, American OR Postcolonial poet
that you have studied, discuss the extent to which this statement represents your
encounter with poetry.

5. “Preoccupied with human struggle, poets depend primarily on imagery to convey their
message.”
With reference to at least THREE poems by ONE British, American OR Postcolonial poet
that you have studied, discuss the validity of this statement.

6. “It is the representation of landscape, rather than the manipulation of language, that
gives poetry its appeal.”
With reference to at least THREE poems by ONE British, American OR Postcolonial poet
that you have studied, discuss the extent to which this statement represents your
encounter with poetry.

7. “The enjoyment of poetry depends on the range of poetic techniques used in

representing the human condition.”
With reference to at least THREE poems by ONE British, American OR Postcolonial poet
whom you have studied, discuss the validity of this statement.

8. “It is primarily the poet’s manipulation of language that makes a poem memorable.”
With reference to at least THREE poems by ONE British, American OR Postcolonial poet
whom you have studied, discuss the extent to which you agree with this statement.

9. “Poets rely exclusively on vivid imagery to explore personal issues.”

With reference to at least THREE poems by ONE British, American OR Postcolonial poet
whom you have studied, discuss the extent to which you agree with this statement.

10. “Symbolism is the sole source of a reader’s enjoyment of poetry.”

With reference to at least THREE poems by ONE British, American OR Postcolonial poet
whom you have studied, discuss the extent to which this represents your encounter with
poetry.

11. “What distinguishes good poetry is the careful selection of language.”

With reference to at least THREE poems by ONE British OR American OR Postcolonial poet
whom you have studied, discuss the validity of this statement.

12. “Often drawn to the dark side of life, poets depend primarily on tone to convey their
message.”
With reference to at least THREE poems by ONE British OR American OR Postcolonial poet
whom you have studied, discuss the extent to which this statement represents your
encounter with poetry.

13. “It is mainly the poet’s control of form that enables the powerful depiction of human
issues.”
With reference to at least THREE poems by ONE British, American, OR Postcolonial poet
that you have studied, discuss the validity of this statement. Total 40 marks

14. “Poetry is merely the fabrication of imagined worlds using fanciful language.”
With reference to at least THREE poems by ONE British, American, OR Postcolonial poet
that you have studied, discuss the extent to which you agree with this statement.

15. "The enjoyment of poetry depends primarily on the music created through rhyme and
rhythm."
With reference to at least THREE poems by ONE British, American OR Postcolonial poet
that you have studied, discuss the validity of this statement.

16. "A great poet is never restricted to the use of similes and metaphors in exploring
issues of life."
With reference to at least THREE poems by ONE British, American OR Postcolonial poet
that you have studied, discuss the extent to which this statement represents your
encounter with poetry.

17. "Nature is the predominant source of theme and technique in poetry."

With reference to at least THREE poems by ONE British, American, OR Postcolonial poet
that you have studied, discuss the extent to which you agree with this statement.

18. "I think success in verse is due largely to getting the right fonn for the right content."
With reference to at least THREE poems by ONE British, American, OR Postcolonial poet
that you have studied, discuss the ways in which the writer's selection of poetic devices is
appropriate for the themes explored of poetry is in its ability to represent the
commonplace in extraordinary ways."

19. "Most poets rely on symbols to create a world they dream of rather than one that truly
exists."
With reference to at least THREE poems by ONE British. American OR Postcolonial poet
that you have studied, discuss the extent to which you agree with this statement.

20. "The power of poetry relies primarily on meaningful word choice."

With reference to at least THREE poems by ONE British, American, OR Postcolonial poet
that you have studied, discuss the extent to which you agree with this statement.

21. With reference to at least THREE poems by ONE British, American, OR Postcolonial
poet that you have studied, discuss the extent to which poetry is used as an effective
vehicle for exploring social or personal issues.

22. "Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful emotion."

With reference to THREE poems by a single writer, discuss the techniques by which the
poet creates emotional impact.
23. “The power of poetry is its ability to effect personal or social transformation”

With reference to at least THREE poems by ONE British, American OR Postcolonial poet
that you have studied, discuss the extent to which you agree with this statement.

24. “Good poetry is cloaked in symbols and imagery rather than conveyed through plain
language.”

With reference to at least THREE poems by ONE British, American OR Postcolonial poet
that you have studied, discuss the extent to which you agree with this statement.