Examining the Types of English B Questions

Compare    

Examine the similarities as well as differences to reach a general conclusion.

For example: 

Compare the ways in which the two parents in the poems “Ana” and “Little Boy Crying” demonstrate their love for the children.

Compare and Contrast

Examine the similarities as well as differences to reach a general conclusion.

It must be noted that the word “compare” used by itself takes into consideration both similarities and differences. However, the word contrast used by itself indicates that only the differences must be
provided.

For example: 

Discuss TWO ways in which Lady Macduff is contrasted with Lady Macbeth.

Comment

Examine how the writer uses different elements (for example, literary device, stage props) to create effect and meaning. The overall effect on the piece of work must also be provided. The effect must take into account the writers purpose, and other elements of the piece of work, for example, theme, structure, diction and tone.

For example: 

Comment on the shifts of mood in the scene in which Lady Macduff appears.

Describe

Provide a detailed account, including significant characteristics or traits of the issue in question.

For example: 

Describe Macbeth’s conflicting thoughts and feelings as he contemplates the murder.

Discuss

Provide an extended answer exploring related concepts and issues using detailed examples but not necessarily drawing a conclusion.

For example: 

Discuss the importance of Katherina’s final speech in The Taming of the Shrew

Explain 

Focus on what, how and why something occurred. State the reasons or justifications, interpretation of results and causes.

For example: 

Explain the dramatic significance of this scene.

CSEC ENGLISH B SECTION C Sample Questions

SECTION C — PROSE FICTION

Answer ONE question in this section.
You must state the title of any books you refer to in your answer.

NOVELS

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD — Harper Lee

EITHER

5. “To Kill a Mockingbird is a coming-of-age novel in which Jem and Scout learn some important
lessons about life.”

Write an essay in which you describe TWO incidents that teach the children an important lesson.
In this essay, you must also discuss how ONE of the incidents affects the children, and examine
ONE narrative technique the writer uses to present important lessons about life.
                                                                                                                        Total 35 marks

OR

BREATH, EYES, MEMORY—Edwidge Danticat

6. “Mother-daughter relationships are built on a web of traditional practices.”

Write an essay in which you describe ONE mother-daughter relationship in Breath, Eyes Memory.
In this essay you must also discuss how a traditional practice affects that relationship, and examine
how ONE technique is used by the writer to explore mother-daughter relationships.
                                                                                                                                 Total 35 marks

CSEC English B 2018-2023 Sample Questions - Section B

Answer ONE question in this section.

A WORLD OF POETRY FOR CSEC —Mark McWatt and Hazel Simmons-McDonald

EITHER

3. “‘My Parents’ and ‘Little Boy Crying’ explore childhood experiences.”

Write an essay in which you describe the experience of EACH child. In this essay, you must also discuss how the child in EACH poem feels about the other persons involved in the experience, and examine ONE device that is used to present the child’s experience in EACH poem.

                                                                                             Total 35 marks

OR

4. Choose TWO poems that you have studied from the prescribed list which focuses on an individual’s dreams OR desires.

Write an essay in which you outline EACH speaker’s dream OR desire. In this essay, you must discuss the speaker’s attitude to the obstacle that affects the achievement of the dream OR desire in EACH poem, and examine ONE device that is used to explore dreams OR desires in EACH poem.

                                                                                               Total 35 marks