Question Bank IGSCE 2025

POETRY

1. How does the poet vividly convey the speaker’s thoughts and feelings in the poem?
2. How does the poet use words and images to striking e ect in the poem?

Children of Wealth

1. Explore the ways in which Daryush presents con ict in 'Children of Wealth’.
2. How does Daryush memorably convey the speaker’s anger in 'Children of Wealth’?
3. How does Daryush use words and images to striking e ect in 'Children of Wealth’?
4. How does Elizabeth Daryush convey a sense of isolation in her poem Children of Wealth?
5. Explore the ways nature is presented in Children of Wealth by Elizabeth Daryush?
6. In what ways does Children of Wealth by Elizabeth Daryush make the children in the poem seem
fortunate and unfortunate at the same time?
7. How does Elizabeth Daryush use words and images to create powerful e ects in her poem Children of
Wealth?

Rich and Poor; or, Saint and Sinner

1. In what ways does Thomas Love Peacock create a sense of injustice in ‘Rich and Poor; or, Saint and
Sinner’?
2. Explore how Thomas Love Peacock critiques the society in ‘Rich and Poor; or, Saint and Sinner’? How
does Peacock's use of language convey his feelings about class inequality?
3. How does Peacock make ‘Rich and Poor’ such a moving poem for you?
4. How, and why, are people are treated di erently in Thomas Peacock’s poem ‘Rich and Poor or, Saint
and Sinner’?
5. In what ways does ‘Rich and Poor or, Saint and Sinner’ by Thomas Peacock suggest that some people
are judged unfairly by wider society?
6. What makes the presentation of rich and poor people so memorable in the poem ‘Rich and Poor or,
Saint and Sinner’ by Thomas Peacock?
7. Explore the ways Thomas Peacock employs contrasts in his poem ‘Rich and Poor or, Saint and Sinner’.
8. Explore how Thomas Love Peacock critiques the society in ‘Rich and Poor; or, Saint and Sinner’.

These are the Times we Live in

1. How does Imtiaz Dharker express her thoughts and feelings in ‘These are the Times we Live in’?
2. Explore the ways in which Dharker presents con ict in ‘These are the Times we Live in’.
3. In what ways does Dharker create a sense of bias in ‘These are the Times we Live in’?
4. How does Imtiaz Dharker make her experience so uncomfortable in the poem ‘These are the Times We
Live In’?
5. Explore the ways Imtiaz Dharker suggests she cannot de ne her own identity in ‘These are the Times
We Live In’.
6. How does Imtiaz Dharker use words and images in powerful ways in ‘These are the Times We Live In’?
7. In what ways does Imtiaz Dharker imply a power imbalance between herself and the immigration o cer
in ‘These are the Times We Live In’?

Boxes

1. How does Chattarji vividly convey life in the city in ‘Boxes’?

2. Explore how Chattarji makes 'Boxes' such an uncomfortable poem.
3. What does Chattarji make you feel about home in the poem?
4. How is 'Boxes' such an appropriate title?
5. How does Sampurna Chattarji e ectively suggest the woman’s discomfort in her poem ‘Boxes’?
6. In what ways does ‘Boxes’ by Sampurna Chattarji create such a vivid feeling of being overwhelmed?
7. Explore the role of nature in Sampurna Chattarji’s poem ‘Boxes’.
8. What makes ‘Boxes’ by Sampurna Chattarji so memorable?
9. How does Chattarji use powerful words and images to convey her feelings about spaces in ‘Boxes’?
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Plaits

1. In what ways does the poet vividly depict the theme of con ict in the poem, ‘Plaits’?
2. Explore the ways in which Smither uses powerful words and images to express her views in the poem
‘Plaits’.
3. How does Elizabeth Smither, the writer of ‘Plaits’, imbue her simple subject matter with deeper
meaning?
4. How does Elizabeth Smither use contrasts so e ectively in her poem ‘Plaits’?
5. In what ways does Smither use symbolism to explore the theme of ‘justice’ in her poem ‘Plaits’?
6. To what extent can the plaits in Elizabeth Smither's poem be seen as an extended metaphor for
broader socio-cultural issues?
7. Explore how Smithers presents ideas of unity and equality in the poem ‘Plaits’ .

The Enemies

1. How does Jennings create a sense of mystery in ‘The Enemies’?

2. In what ways does Jennings express her thoughts and feelings in ‘The Enemies’?
3. How does Elizabeth Jennings create a sense of mystery in ‘The Enemies’?
4. In what ways is ‘The Enemies’ by Elizabeth Jennings an uncomfortable poem to read?
5. What makes the thoughts of the townspeople in ‘The Enemies’ so disturbing?
6. How does Elizabeth Jennings create tension between people in her poem ‘The Enemies’?
7. Explore how Jennings makes the poem ‘The Enemies’ so revealing about society .

an afternoon nap

1. In what ways does Yap vividly portray the parent-child relationship in ‘an afternoon nap’?
2. How does Yap strikingly express the boy’s thoughts and feelings in ‘an afternoon nap’?
3. Explore Yap’s use of unique diction and form to present con ict in the poem, ‘an afternoon nap’.
4. Discuss Yap’s treatment of the theme of education in the poem.
5. Justify the title of the poem ‘an afternoon nap’
6. How does the poem ‘an afternoon nap’ subvert expectations created by the title?

The Road

1. Comment on the signi cance of the title ‘The Road’.

2. How does Cato convey the signi cance of hope in ‘The Road’?
3. Explores the theme of a journey or the passage of time in ‘The Road’?
4. In what ways does Cato present the road as a metaphor for life in the poem ?
5. In what ways does create a sense of movement and power for the speaker in ‘The Road’?

The Capital

1. How does Auden vividly convey life in the city in ‘The Capital’?
2. Explore how Auden makes ‘The Capital’ such an uncomfortable poem.
3. In what ways does W. H. Auden's "The Capital" presents a complex and multifaceted portrait of urban
life?
4. How does Auden use the poem to expose the social and economic inequalities inherent in urban life?

A Long Journey

1. How does Musaemura Zimunya make the ‘long journey’ described in his poem so memorable?
2. How does Zimunya create a strong sensation of hardships endured by people in his poem ‘A Long
Journey’?
3. Explore what you think are the most powerful uses of words and images from the poem ‘A Long
Journey’?
4. What makes the contrast between the past and present so e ective in the poem ‘A Long Journey’ by
Musaemura Zimunya?
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 5. How does the poet use language, imagery, and structure to convey the challenges and hopes
associated with personal and societal change?

At The Bus Station

1. What does the poem tell us about life in a society where conditions are harsh and survival is a struggle?
2. Describe the way in which the poet portrays the struggle for daily existence in ‘At the Bus Station.’
3. Comment on some of the themes that are predominant in the poem.
4. What is the signi cance of the title? Why do you think he uses the bus station as a starting point for the
journey?

Song

1. What makes ‘Song’ by George Szirtes such an uplifting poem?

2. Explore the ways in which readers can be inspired by George Szirtes’ poem, ‘Song’?
3. What does George Szirtes most admire about Helen Suzman, as implied by his poem ‘Song’?
4. How are words and images used in e ective ways in the poem ‘Song’ by George Szirtes?

The Bus

1. How does Arun Kolatkar create an aura of mystery in his poem ‘The Bus’?
2. Explore the ways Arun Kolatkar convey the vivid impression of a long, uncomfortable journey in his
poem ‘The Bus’?
3. How does Arun Kolatkar use words and images in powerful ways in ‘The Bus’?
4. What does ‘The Bus’ by Arun Kolatkar suggest about the relationships between di erent people on and
o the bus?

The Instant Of My Death

1. How does Sarah Jackson make an encounter with a small boy such a powerful moment in her poem
‘The Instant of My Death’?
2. Explore how Sarah Jackson uses words and images so vividly in her poem ‘The Instant of My Death’.
3. What makes ‘The Instant of My Death’ by Sarah Jackson such a memorable poem?
4. How does Sarah Jackson suggest some of the challenges and rewards of travelling in her poem ‘The
Instant of My Death’?

Touch And Go
how does Stevie Smith constructs a pessimistic world view in the poem.
in what ways does Smith characterize "Man"
how does the characterization of ‘Man’re ect an allegory on the broader human condition.

PROSE

When it Happens

1. Explore how Atwood creates suspense in When it Happens?

2. To what e ect does Atwood bring out uncertainty in When it Happens?
3. How does Atwood vividly portray Mrs. Burridge's internal struggle in When It Happens?
4. How does Atwood vividly portray the impact of the setting on the characters in When It Happens?
5. How does Atwood vividly portray the relationship between Mrs Burridge and her husband?
6. Explore the ways in which Atwood powerfully portrays con ict in When It Happens.

The Black Ball

1. How does Ellison make you feel sympathy for the oppressed in The Black Ball?
2. In what ways does Ellison create a con icting atmosphere in The Black Ball?
3. How does Ellison make you sympathise with John in The Black Ball?
4. In what ways does Ellison convey the intensity of John's anxiety in The Black Ball?
5. What vivid impressions of racism does Ellison create in ‘The Black Ball’?
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6. Explore ways in which the Ellison strikingly presents injustice in The Black Ball.

The Gold Watch

1. In what ways does Anand create tension in The Gold Watch?

2. How does Anand make the ending of The Gold Watch memorable?
3. Discuss the role of Sharma's various relationships in The Gold Watch.
4. To what extent is Sharma's suppression of emotion justi ed in The Gold Watch?
5. How does Anand make you sympathised with Srijut Sudarshan Sharma in The Gold Watch?
6. How does Anand vividly portray Srijut Sharma in The Gold Watch?
7. In what ways does Anand strikingly portray injustice in The Gold Watch?
8. In what ways does Anand make The Gold Watch such a moving story?

Nick

1. In what ways does Rossetti create tension in Nick?

2. How does Rossetti’s style make you sympathise with the protagonist in Nick?
3. In what ways does Rossetti’s narrative style bring out its intended message in Nick?
4. In what ways does Rossetti criticise aspects of human nature in Nick?
5. Explore the ways that Rossetti satisfyingly establishes her message about spite and jealousy in her story
‘Nick’.
6. Explore the ways in which Rossetti strikingly portrays Nicks relationship with the rest of the villagers

The Man Who Walked on the Moon

1. To what extent does Ballard make the ending strikingly revealing?

2. How does Ballard create a tense atmosphere in The Man Who Walked on the Moon?
3. To what extent can you sympathise with Scranton in The Man Who Walked on the Moon?
4. Explore the ways in which Ballard presents the characters’ isolation
5. Explore ways in which Ballard presents the characters’ disillusionment
6. How does Ballard make the narrator so memorable

The Woman’s Rose

1. How does Schreiner paint a moving picture of womanhood in The Woman’s Rose?
2. Explore how Schreiner presents con ict in The Woman’s Rose.
3. Explore the way Schreiner presents the other girl.
4. How does the narrator present female rivalry in ‘The Woman’s Rose’
5. How does the narrative viewpoint a ect the reader’s understanding of The Woman’s Rose?

Fluke

1. How does Gunesekera use narrative style to striking e ect in Fluke?

2. In what ways does Gunesekera’s writing bring out humour in Fluke?
3. How does Gunesekera present the narrator, Vasantha as such a memorable character?
4. Explore the ways in which Gunesekera presents Mr Weerakoon
5. Explore how Gunesekera presents change in the story
6. Explore ways in which the writer presents business and marketing in Fluke
7. In what’s ways does Gunesekera make Fluke such an entertaining story?

Haywards Heath

1. How does Forna create a tense atmosphere in the story Haywards Heath?
2. Explore how Forna makes the ending of the story so moving for you.
3. Explore the ways the theme of regret is memorably portrayed in the story
4. How does Forna strikingly portray memory and its impact on the characters ?
5. In what ways does the setting impact the story?
6. To what extent is Haywards Heath a sad story ?
7. How does Forna vividly portray Atilla’s relationship with Rosie?
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8. How does Forna powerfully convey Atilla’s thoughts and feelings?
9. Explore the ways in which Forna presents the passing of time in Haywards Heath.

Streetcar Named Desire

Full Text
What is the role of desire in ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’?
To what extent is A Streetcar Named Desire a tragedy?
To what extent is order restored in A Streetcar Named Desire?
Explore how Williams strikingly portrays di erent attitudes towards desire / love / masculinity /
womanhood in the play.
How does Williams convey the impact of the setting on the characters in the play?
What is the role/dramatic signi cance of: Blanche / Stanley / Stella / Mitch?
Justify the title ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’.
How is Stanley Kowalski presented as a threat in the play?
Comment on Stella’s struggle in the play.
In what ways does Williams convey mood/create atmosphere?
How does Williams make you feel about Blanche DuBois?
Comment on the relationship between: Blanche and Stanley / Blanche and Stella / Stella and Stanley.
Comment on the beginning/exposition – is it satisfactory?
Comment on the role of: sex / desire / fantasy and delusion / appearance / masculinity and femininity.
Tennessee Williams creates expressionistic theatre. Discuss.
How does Williams’ writing expose human nature’s aws in the play?
Explore two moments of violence in the play.
How does Williams create an atmosphere of hostility in the French Quarter for Blanche?
How does Williams create an atmosphere of hostility in the play?
How does Williams highlight the importance of Stella’s role in the play?
How far does Williams make you feel sympathy for Stanley in the play?
What do you think makes Stanley such a powerfully dramatic character in this play?
To what extent do you think that Blanche is responsible for her own misfortunes?

PASSAGE BASED
How does Williams make this such a revealing moment in the play?
What is the dramatic impact/signi cance of any important moments/scenes?
How does Williams make this moment so upsetting?

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Full text
Explore how Shakespeare makes Bottom such an entertaining character in the play
Explore the ways in which Shakespeare makes Puck such an entertaining character in the play.
Explore the ways in which Shakespeare makes the wood such a memorable setting in A Midsummer
Night’s Dream.
To what extent is A Midsummer Night’s Dream a comedy?
In what ways does Shakespeare vividly depict the theme of power in A Midsummer Night’s Dream?
Explore how Shakespeare strikingly presents the relationship of Demetrius and Hermia in A Midsummer
Night’s Dream?
In what ways does Shakespeare use magic to add to the dramatic intensity of the play?
How does Shakespeare highlight the power of love in the rst two acts of the play?
Explore how Shakespeare strikingly portrays di erent attitudes towards love / power / gender
roles/societal obligations / control in the play.
To what extent is Puck a villain?
How does Shakespeare explore the power/role of art in A Midsummer Night’s Dream?
What is the role of: Bottom / Puck / The Lovers / The Ruling Couples (of Athens & the
Woods) / The Mechanicals in the play?
To what extent do you feel sympathy for Helena?
Puck describes himself as a ‘Goblin’. How does Shakespeare’s portrayal of Robin Goodfellow
encourage you to agree?
How does Shakespeare make the lovers’ distress such a powerful part of the play?
Comment on the signi cance of the mechanicals in Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’
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PASSAGE-BASED
(Last 60 lines of ACT 1 SCENE 1)
In what ways does Shakespeare dramatically convey the thoughts and feelings of Helena in this moment in
the play?
(First 70 lines of ACT 2 SCENE 1)
How does Shakespeare make this such a signi cant and memorable moment in the play?
ACT 3 SCENE 1
(Quince: Bless thee, Bottom, bless thee. Thou art translated…. Tie up my love's tongue. Bring him silently.
[Exit all.])
How did Shakespeare make this such an entertaining moment in the play?
ACT 4 SCENE 2
(Full Scene)
How is this moment used to highlight Bottom as an admirable character?
ACT 5
(Last 70 lines of the play)
How does Shakespeare make this moment so amusing for you?
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