H2 9748 Syllabus 2016-7

LITERATURE IN ENGLISH
Higher 2 (2016)
(Syllabus 9748)
CONTENTS
Page
AIMS
ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES
ASSESSMENT STRUCTURE
APPENDIX A: POEMS AND SHORT PROSE SELECTED FOR EXAMINATION

PURPOSES
APPENDIX B: ASSESSMENT CRITERIA FOR PAPER 1
13
APPENDIX C: ASSESSMENT CRITERIA FOR PAPERS 2 AND 3
21
APPENDIX D: EDITIONS USED FOR SETTING QUESTIONS
31
Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board

MOE & UCLES 2014
9748 H2 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2016)
AIMS
To develop in students:
1. an appreciation of, and informed personal response to, Literature in English;
2. a love of reading through exposure to a wide range of texts;
3. the ability to read texts independently;
4. an understanding of the historical and cultural contexts for literary production;
5. an understanding of the nature and methods of literary study;
6. the skills of critical literary analysis;
7. the ability to communicate ideas effectively and persuasively.
ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES
Candidates should be able to:
1. make informed personal and critical responses to the texts, exploring connections between texts where
appropriate, and account for their responses;
2. demonstrate how the literary context of the text informs their understanding of the text;
3. critically analyse and evaluate ways in which writers choices of form, structure and language shape
meanings;
4. clearly communicate the knowledge, understanding and insights appropriate to literary study.
ASSESSMENT STRUCTURE
One compulsory written examination of 3 hrs duration will be set. In addition, two elective papers, each
comprising a written examination of 3 hrs duration, will be set. Candidates will choose one elective paper.
ASSESSMENT MODE
The Examinations are open book: candidates will be allowed to bring copies of their set texts into the
examination room.
(a) Materials that can be taken into the examination room
Only original texts (original published editions) should be taken into the examination room. Nothing else,
including critical works or study notes of any kind, should be taken into the examination room. The use
of dictionaries is not permitted.
(b) Underlining and highlighting of texts
Only underlining, highlighting or the use of vertical lines in the margins is permitted. Nothing else should
be written in the texts. Separate pieces of paper such as post-its and tape flags are not allowed.
(c) Folding and Flagging of Pages
Any kind of folding or flagging of pages in texts (e.g. use of post-its, tape flags or paper clips) is not
permitted.
QUESTION TYPES AND SPECIFICATIONS

The questions in the examination focus on three areas of skill Response, Analysis and Comparison.
(i)
Response
This is the candidates ability to respond to either an unseen text extract, or a passage from a set text.
In doing so, candidates will demonstrate the ability to analyse both the formal and stylistic features of
the extract (Assessment Objectives i and iii). This skill is assessed in Sections A, B and C of Paper 1,
and Section A of the elective papers. For the elective papers, candidates will also demonstrate the
ability to relate the extract to key features of the period or topic covered by the paper (Assessment
Objective ii).
(ii) Analysis
This is the candidates ability to write a critical analysis of the set texts they have studied.
In doing so, candidates will demonstrate an ability to make an informed personal and critical response
to the text as a whole (Assessment Objectives i, ii and iii). This skill is primarily assessed in Sections B
and C of both Paper 1 and the elective papers.
(iii) Comparison
This is the candidates ability to critically compare and evaluate unseen texts (with regard to Paper 1)
and the set texts they have studied (with regard to the elective papers). In doing so, candidates will
demonstrate an ability to identify, compare and critically assess key features of each text (Assessment
Objectives i, ii and iii). This skill is assessed in Section A of Paper 1. For each elective paper, this is
assessed with appropriate reference to the literary features of the period or topic covered by the paper
(Assessment Objective ii). This skill is assessed in Section B of the elective papers.
All of these types of questions will also require the candidate to organise and present information, ideas and
arguments clearly and effectively (Assessment Objective iv). Their grammar, punctuation, and spelling will
also be taken into account.
PAPER 1: READING LITERATURE (3 hours)

Paper 1 is a compulsory paper designed to give students broad exposure to literary study. The texts set will
be texts of recognised importance and significance. Candidates will answer one question from each of the
three Sections. All questions hold equal weight in the computing of marks for the paper (i.e. 33% each).
Section A: Poetry
Two questions will be set, primarily focusing on response and comparison skills (see Question Types and
Specifications). Each question will require the candidate to respond to and critically compare two unseen
poems. The candidate will answer one question.
Section B: Prose
In this section, the student will study one of the following prose texts:
Edith Wharton: The Age of Innocence
Kazuo Ishiguro: The Remains of the Day
Jane Austen: Mansfield Park
Ian McEwan: Atonement
Two questions will be set for each text, primarily focusing on analysis skills (see Question Types and
Specifications). One question will be an essay question, the other will be a passage-based question. The
candidate will answer one question on one text.
Section C: Drama
In this section, the student will study one of the following drama texts.
John Webster: The Duchess of Malfi
William Shakespeare: Hamlet
Tom Stoppard: Arcadia
Arthur Miller: All My Sons
Two questions will be set for each text, primarily focusing on analysis skills (see Question Types
and Specifications). One question will be an essay question, the other will be a passage-based question.
The candidate will answer one question on one text.
All texts are set for 2016 and 2017.
ELECTIVE PAPERS
Papers 2 and 3 are elective papers. In addition to Paper 1, candidates offer either Paper 2 or Paper 3. Paper
2 is a period-based paper, focusing on a period of literary writing. Paper 3 is topic-based, focusing on a topic
of literary significance. Each elective paper will be offered for a few years and then replaced.
For all the H2 papers, candidates should be capable of commenting on the stylistic and literary features of
the texts in their discussion of unseen extracts and texts studied. In other words, the ability to appreciate the
text in and of its own right is assessed, alongside the ability to demonstrate knowledge of the literary context.
Candidates will answer three questions in the elective paper they have chosen:
In Section A, they will answer one question from a choice of two on an unseen text extract from the
period or topic that is the focus of the paper. This question will focus primarily on response and analysis
skills (see Question Types and Specifications).
In Section B, they will answer one Comparison question from a choice of two. The question will require
them to compare two texts they have studied and will focus primarily on comparison and analysis skills
(see Question Types and Specifications).
In Section C, they will answer one question, primarily focusing on analysis skills (see Question Types
and Specifications) from a choice of eighteen. The questions set for the topic-based papers will be
related to some aspect of the topic studied. Questions on the period-based papers will deal with any
aspect of the text studied. Two questions will be set on each of the texts below. Candidates must not
use the same texts in Section B and Section C.
PAPER 2: VICTORIAN LITERATURE (1830-1899) (3 hours)

This paper focuses on Victorian writing from 1830 to 1899. The Victorian period was an age of reform and
progress in the arts, science, industrialisation, politics, religion and other areas. The Literature that evolved
during this period is, amongst other things, an artistic representation of aspects of these changes and their
impact on class, gender, morality and identity. The texts are literary explorations of the world of Victorian
England.
The student will study three of the following texts:
Charles Dickens: Great Expectations
George Eliot: Silas Marner
Thomas Hardy: Far From the Madding Crowd
Charlotte Bront: Jane Eyre
Lord Alfred Tennyson: Selected Poems
Robert Browning: Selected Poems
Christina Rossetti: Poems and Prose
G B Shaw: Mrs Warrens Profession
Oscar Wilde: Lady Windermeres Fan
PAPER 3: THE INDIVIDUAL AND SOCIETY IN LITERATURE (3 hours)

This paper explores the interaction between society and the individual as represented in Literature. This
involves examining the means by which Literature offers insight into the meaning of society and the varied
and complex individuals within it. The texts are literary explorations of the relationship between the individual
and society.
The student will study three of the following texts:
Nathaniel Hawthorne: The Scarlet Letter
Maxine Hong Kingston: The Woman Warrior
F Scott Fitzgerald: The Great Gatsby
Philip Larkin: Selected Poems
Thom Gunn: The Sense of Movement
Boey Kim Cheng: Clear Brightness
Tennesee Williams: A Streetcar Named Desire
William Shakespeare: Othello
Wole Soyinka: Death and The Kings Horseman
AREAS OF STUDY
The study of Literature at H2 level should be seen as a process of critically examining texts. In addition to the
study of inherent stylistic features of texts, students should also explore the specific contexts that led to the
production of these texts, as well as how readers and audiences relate to the texts. Students should engage
with texts at various cognitive and affective levels. As the study of Literature covers multiple aspects which
may not always be easily demarcated, the following areas of study are broad indications of the ground that
could be covered in the course of teaching Literature.
(i)
Literary Features
These include:
The definition of a genre, the individual form of the text and its stylistic features.
Study of how these features are used by authors, and to what effect, in the various texts, seen and
unseen, that students encounter.
(ii) Text and Context
An appreciation of how the texts studied relate to the contexts in which they were created, including
social, cultural and historical contexts.
Exploration of the ideologies and assumptions in the texts. A more informed interrogation of the
text can be made when students are aware of the events and ideas that predominated during the
period in which these texts were created.
How texts relate to movements in artistic creation at a particular point in time. The study of literary
forms is relevant here. For example, it is useful for students reading a sonnet written by a Romantic
poet to have an understanding of the general features of the Romantic movement as well as
knowledge of how the sonnet form has developed in Literature in English up to that point.
(iii) Language Use
Proficiency in the use of the English language in both a functional and literary sense.
Study of language use at the grammatical, lexical and structural levels.
Examination of elements of style, such as register, figurative language, rhythm and language
patterns.
Understanding of the effects of the use of language to create meaning by writers from the word
level right through to discourse levels.
SPECTRUM OF SKILLS
Candidates should be equipped with the following skills:
(i)
An ability to make informed personal and critical responses to the texts and account for their responses.
(ii)
An ability to understand and comment on the ways in which the historical and cultural backgrounds of
text and author inform the meaning of the text.
(iii) An ability to analyse and evaluate critically the ways in which writers choices of form, structure and
language shape meanings.
(iv) An ability to communicate clearly knowledge, understanding and insights appropriate to literary study.
Skills
Examples
(i)
(ii)
Make informed personal

and critical responses to
the texts, exploring
connections between texts
where appropriate, and
account for their
responses.
Demonstrate how the

literary context of the text
informs their understanding
of the text.
(iii)
Critically analyse and

evaluate ways in which
writers choices of form,
structure and language
shape meanings.
(iv) Clearly communicate the

knowledge, understanding
and insights appropriate to
literary study.
Develop an informed personal response

Make connections between their own ideas and experiences and
those in the text
Reflect critically on the development of their own informed response
Comment on the ways in which both content and form shape the
readers response
Demonstrate knowledge of ways in which a text invites the reader to
respond
Demonstrate knowledge of some key social, cultural and historical
influences in the creation of texts
Comment on ways in which characters, viewpoints, and situations
convey the social conventions, beliefs and attitudes of individuals
and groups in a particular society
Identify and interpret the ideas, viewpoints and values expressed in
a text
Understand literary influences and traditions and the notion of
reader, text and author
Understand the elements of literary genres
Analyse literary form including structure, setting, character, conflict,
plot, methods of characterization, themes
Analyse stylistic devices including voice, persona, symbolism, irony,
mood and tone
Analyse the use of language including register, diction, tone,
imagery, rhythm in a text
Recognise imaginative or dramatic techniques for creating effects
Present a sustained interpretation supported by appropriate and
detailed references to the text(s)
Present an evaluative/critical comparison and make connections
between two or more texts
Demonstrate an ability to write effective literary essays to convey
their knowledge and understanding of, and insight into the texts
Show an ability to use appropriate literary terms in their responses
Present a clear and coherent argument in support of their ideas
APPENDIX A:
POEMS AND SHORT PROSE
SELECTED FOR EXAMINATION PURPOSES
Candidates should study the following:
PAPER 2: VICTORIAN LITERATURE (18301899)

Lord Alfred Tennyson: Selected Poems
Godiva
Break, break, break
Crossing the bar
The Epic Morte dArthur
To the Rev. F. D. Maurice
Northern Farmer, New Style
To E. Fitzgerald
From Poems, Chiefly Lyrical (1830)
Mariana
From Poems (1833)
The Lady of Shalott
Lotos Eaters (+ Choric Song)
From Poems (1842)
Ulysses
Tithonus
Locksley Hall
From The Princess (1847)
Now sleeps the crimson petal
Come down, O Maid, from yonder Mountain Height
The splendour falls on castle walls
Tears, Idle Tears
From Maud and other Poems (1855)
The Charge of the Light Brigade
Robert Browning: Selected Poems

Never the Time and the Place
From Bells and Pomegranates No. III: Dramatic Lyrics (1842)
Porphyrias Lover
Soliloquy of the Spanish Cloister
My Last Duchess
The Pied Piper of Hamelin
From Bells and Pomegranates No. VII: Dramatic Romances and Lyrics (1845)
The Bishop Orders His Tomb at Saint Praxeds Church
How They Brought the Good News from Ghent to Aix
The Lost Leader
Home-Thoughts, from Abroad
Meeting at Night
From Men and Women (1855)
A Toccata of Galuppis
Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came
Fra Lippo Lippi
The Patriot
Andrea del Sarto
A Grammarians Funeral
An Epistle Containing the Strange Medical Experience of Karshish, the Arab Physician
Memorabilia
Two in the Campagna
From Dramatis Personae (1864)
Caliban upon Setebos
Confessions
Youth and Art
Christina Rossetti: Poems and Prose

Song (When I am dead, my dearest)
Remember
Echo
A Triad
In an Artists Studio
A Better Resurrection
A Coast-Nightmare
An Apple Gathering
My Secret
Up-Hill
The Convent Threshold
Goblin Market
Sister Maude
No Thank You, John
Good Friday
Despised and Rejected
Jessie Cameron
Amor Mundi
Monna Innominata (2: I wish I could remember that first day)
10
PAPER 3: THE INDIVIDUAL AND SOCIETY IN LITERATURE

Philip Larkin: Collected Poems
From The Less Deceived
Lines on a Young Ladys Photograph Album
Next, Please
Toads
Deceptions
Wants
Maiden Name
Church Going
I Remember, I Remember
From The Whitsun Weddings
Here
Mr Bleaney
The Large Cool Store
Love Songs in Age
Naturally the Foundation will Bear Your Expenses
Broadcast
Faith Healing
Home is so Sad
Toads Revisited
Water
The Whitsun Weddings
Selfs the Man
MCMXIV
Ambulances
The Importance of Elsewhere
Sunny Prestatyn
Dockery and Son
Reference Back
Wild Oats
Essential Beauty
Send No Money
Afternoons
The Arundel Tomb
From High Windows
Homage to Government
This Be The Verse
Annus Mirabilis
Vers de Socit
11
Thom Gunn: The Sense of Movement

On The Move
The Nature of An Action
Human Condition
A Plan of Self Subjection
Bithday Poem
First Meeting with a Possible Mother-in-law
Autumn Chapter in a Novel
The Wheel of Fortune
The Unsettled Motorcyclists Vision of his Death
Lines for a Book
Elvis Presley
Market at Turk
In Praise of Cities
The Allegory of the Wolf Boy
St Martin and The Beggar
To Ivor Winters, 1955
During an Absence
The Separation
High Fidelity
Legal Reform
Thoughts on Unpacking
Merlin in the Cave: He speculates without a book
The Corridor
Vox Humana
Boey Kim Cheng: Clear Brightness

Clear Brightness
La Mian in Melbourne
Dinkys House of Russian Goods
To Markets: Change Alley
To Markets: Xian
To Markets: Marrakesh
Ahead My Father Moves
The National Theatre, Singapore
Chinatowns: Tang Ren Jie
Chinatowns: Sussex Street, Sydney
Chinatowns: Mooncakes
Chinatowns: New Year, Sydney
Chinatowns: L.A.
Chinatowns: San Francisco 1
Chinatowns: San Francisco 2
Chinatowns: The Silk Road Restaurant, Sydney
Chinatowns: Paddys Market
Chinatowns: Chinatowns
The Causeway
Soup
Lost Time
My Son Drawing
Marking Time
Gleaning, Santa Barbara
The Migrant Ledger
12
APPENDIX B:
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA FOR PAPER 1
13
Section A
Band Descriptors
Notes on Implementation of Band Descriptors

The descriptors are intended as a guide to the likely characteristics of work in a particular mark band. It is not
expected that all the listed characteristics will be present or that they will exist in equal proportions. It is
essential that examiners exercise flexibility in mapping the descriptors to the work they are assessing.
Examiners approach to the assessment of work should always be positive, based on what the candidate has
written and never on what she/he has not written. In other words, work should not be penalised for failure to
make points or adopt critical approaches and styles predetermined by examiners. However, where a
candidates execution of his/her chosen approach involves significant errors or omissions, these will be
noted and will legitimately influence the mark awarded.
The descriptors do not list every possible literary feature that may be identified by candidates, but candidates
will be rewarded for detailed comment on language, form and style such as: structure, genre, diction,
syntactical devices, register, imagery, tone, rhythm, rhyme, linguistic patterns and dramatic qualities.
2225
Very good work, showing discrimination and sometimes originality, in making an informed personal and
critical response to the poems
Compares the two poems skilfully, and perhaps in original ways, moving between them with ease
Engages with the poems through detailed close analysis
Analyses with skill and discrimination ways in which writers uses of poetic form, structure and language
create the meanings of the poems
Evaluates the effects of the writers use of form, style and language with a mature judgement and clear focus
on the question and key issues
Develops a seamless, coherent response to the question
Uses quotation, paraphrase and critical terminology appositely and economically
Work in this band responds sensitively, perceptively and personally to the poems; it is often subtle, concise
and sophisticated, with a style that is fluent and gives economic expression to complex ideas; at the upper
end this work may be elegant and allusive
1821
Proficient work, making an informed personal and critical response to the poems
Compares the two poems appropriately and skilfully
Engages with the poems through close analysis
Analyses with skill ways in which writers uses of poetic form, structure and language create the meanings of
the poems
14
Evaluates the effects of the writers use of form and style and language with constant reference to the
question
Develops a coherent response to the question
Uses quotation, paraphrase and some critical terminology appositely
Uses a style that is always clear, mostly fluent, capable of giving accurate expression to complex ideas
1417
Competent work, making an informed critical response to the poems with some personal response
Compares the two poems in appropriate ways, though may discuss them separately at times
Makes a close analysis of the poems, at times simply following line by line
Analyses ways in which writers uses of poetic form, structure and language create the meanings of the
poems
Evaluates the effects of the writers use of form and style and language
Develops a structured response to the question
Uses quotation, paraphrase and some critical terminology accurately and mostly appositely
Uses an effective style that is able to communicate clearly knowledge and understanding of the poems and
the issues raised by poem and question, with only occasional lapses
1013
Satisfactory work, making a response to the poems that shows sound knowledge and some personal
response
Makes some comparison of the two poems, but tends to discuss them separately
Analyses the poems in a line-by-line fashion
Makes some analysis of ways in which writers uses of form, style and language create the meanings of the
poems
Responds mainly in terms of narration of the main features of the poems with some attempt at evaluation
of the effects of the writers use of form, style and language possibly with some misunderstanding
Responds to the question set most of the time though with some digression; assembles relevant points into a
simply structured response
Makes use of quotation, and paraphrase and may use some critical terminology, with some
misunderstanding
Uses a basic style that is able to communicate knowledge and understanding of the poems and the issues
raised by poem and question, with only occasional obscurity
15
69
Uneven work, making a response to the poems that shows some understanding
Discusses both poems but does not develop the comparison
Makes appropriate references to writers uses of poetic form, structure and language with some analysis of
the ways in which they create the meanings of the poems
Makes some attempt at evaluation of the effects of the writers use of form, style and language possibly
with some misunderstanding
Responds to the question set at first, but tends to digress
Assembles points rather than analyses, tending to list points and make general assertions
Makes some use of paraphrase or quotation; limited reference to critical terminology
Uses a simple style, or possibly an over-complex style that succeeds most of the time in communicating
knowledge and understanding of the poems
15
Some attempt to hold to poems and question, showing a simplistic approach to the task
The work is often brief, undeveloped, and exists as a series of points rather than as a line of argument
Expression is simple, technical errors are recurrent, and the work relies on narrative rather than analysis,
although description is sometimes valid
0
To be awarded only where there is no evidence of any knowledge of, or response to the poems
16
Sections B and C
Band Descriptors

The descriptors are intended as a guide to the likely characteristics of work in a particular mark band. It is not
expected that all the listed characteristics will be present or that they will exist in equal proportions. It is
essential that examiners exercise flexibility in mapping the descriptors to the work they are assessing.
Examiners approach to the assessment of work should always be positive, based on what the candidate has
written and never on what she/he has not written. In other words, work should not be penalised for failure to
make points or adopt critical approaches and styles predetermined by examiners. However, where a
candidates execution of his/her chosen approach involves significant errors or omissions, these will be
noted and will legitimately influence the mark awarded.
The descriptors do not list every possible literary feature that may be identified by candidates, but candidates
will be rewarded for detailed comment on language, form and style such as: structure, genre, diction,
syntactical devices, register, imagery, tone, rhythm, rhyme, linguistic patterns and dramatic qualities.
2225
Very good work, showing discrimination and sometimes originality, in making an informed personal and
critical response to the text
Analyses with skill and discrimination ways in which writers uses of form, structure and language create the
meanings of the text
Evaluates the effects of the writers use of form, style and language with a mature judgement and clear focus
on the question and key issues
Develops a seamless, coherent argument relevant to the question
Demonstrates sophisticated understanding of the literary context of the text in terms of
period/theme/genre/historical context
Supports with detailed, pertinent reference to the text, using quotation, paraphrase and critical terminology
appositely and economically
Work in this band responds sensitively, perceptively and personally to the question set; is often subtle,
concise and sophisticated, with a style that is fluent and gives economic expression to complex ideas; at the
upper end this work may be elegant and allusive
1821
Proficient work, making an informed personal and critical response to the text
Analyses with skill ways in which writers uses of form, structure and language create the meanings of the
text
Evaluates the effects of the writers use of form, style and language with constant reference to the question
Develops a coherent argument relevant to the question
Demonstrates, where relevant, a good understanding of the literary context of the text in terms of
Supports with detailed, pertinent reference to the text, using quotation, paraphrase and some critical
terminology appositely
Uses a style that is always clear, mostly fluent; able to give accurate expression to complex ideas
17
1417
Competent work, making an informed critical response to the text with some personal response
Analyses ways in which writers uses of form, structure and language create the meanings of the text
Evaluates the effects of the writers use of form, style and language
Demonstrates a sound understanding of the literary context of the text in terms of period/theme/genre/
historical context
Supports with appropriate reference to the text at times too much or too little, using quotation, paraphrase
and some critical terminology accurately and mostly appositely
Uses an effective style that is able to communicate clearly knowledge and understanding of the text and the
issues raised by text and question, with only occasional lapses
1013
Satisfactory work, making a response to the text that shows sound knowledge and some personal response
Makes some analysis of ways in which writers uses of form, structure and language create the meanings of
the text
Responds mainly in terms of narration of the main features of the text with some attempt at evaluation of
the effects of the writers use of form, style and language possibly with some misunderstanding
Responds to the question set most of the time within a simple structure though with some digression into
generality
Demonstrates at times, some awareness of the literary context of the text in terms of period/theme/genre/
historical context
Supports some points with appropriate reference to the text, using quotation and paraphrase mostly
accurately perhaps uses some critical terminology, with some misunderstanding
Uses a basic style that is able to communicate knowledge and understanding of the text and the issues
raised by text and question, with only occasional obscurity
69
Uneven work, making a response to the text that shows knowledge of the text
Makes appropriate references to writers uses of form, structure and language with some analysis of the
ways in which they create the meanings of the text
Makes some attempt at evaluation of the effects of the writers use of form, style and language possibly
with some misunderstanding
Responds to the question set at first, but tends to digress and lacks structure
May demonstrate at times, some awareness of the literary context of the text in terms of period/theme/
genre/historical context, but without understanding of how this relates to the individual text
Supports some points with reference to the text; relies mostly on assertion, with repetition; uses quotation
and paraphrase at times, possibly not wholly accurate, at too great a length and without discrimination
Uses a simple style, or possibly an over-complex style that succeeds most of the time in communicating
knowledge and understanding of the text
18
15
Some attempt to hold to text and question showing a simplistic approach to the task
Expression is simple, technical errors are recurrent, and the work relies on narrative rather than analysis,
although description is sometimes valid
0
To be awarded only where there is no evidence of any knowledge of, or response to the text
19
20
APPENDIX C:
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA FOR PAPERS 2 AND 3
21
Section A
Band Descriptors

The descriptors are intended as a guide to the likely characteristics of work in a particular mark band.
It is not expected that all the listed characteristics will be present or that they will exist in equal proportions.
It is essential that examiners exercise flexibility in mapping the descriptors to the work they are
assessing.
Examiners approach to the assessment of work should always be positive, based on what the
candidate has written and never on what she/he has not written. In other words, work should not be
penalised for failure to make points or adopt critical approaches and styles predetermined by
examiners. However, where a candidates execution of his/her chosen approach involves significant
errors or omissions, these will be noted and will legitimately influence the mark awarded.
The descriptors do not list every possible literary feature that may be identified by candidates, but
candidates will be rewarded for detailed comment on language, form and style such as: structure,
genre, diction, syntactical devices, register, imagery, tone, rhythm, rhyme, linguistic patterns and
dramatic qualities.
Candidates are to be rewarded for evidence of wider reading, though not penalised for the lack of any
such evidence.
2225
Very good work, showing discrimination and sometimes originality, in making an informed personal
and critical response to the text(s)
Engages with the text(s) through detailed close analysis
Analyses with skill and discrimination ways in which writers uses of form, structure and language
create the meanings of the text(s)
Evaluates the effects of the writers use of form, style and language with a mature judgement and
clear focus on the question and key issues
Develops a seamless, coherent response to the question
period/theme/ genre/historical context
Uses quotation, paraphrase and critical terminology appositely and economically
Work in this band responds sensitively, perceptively and personally to the text(s); it is often subtle,
concise and sophisticated, with a style that is fluent and gives economic expression to complex ideas;
at the upper end this work may be elegant and allusive
1821
Proficient work, making an informed personal and critical response to the text(s)
Engages with the text(s) through close analysis
Analyses with skill ways in which writers uses of form, structure and language create the meanings of
the text(s)
Evaluates the effects of the writers use of form and style and language with constant reference to the
question
22
Develops a coherent response to the question

period/ theme/genre/historical context
Uses quotation, paraphrase and some critical terminology appositely
Uses a style that is always clear, mostly fluent, capable of giving accurate expression to complex
ideas
1417
Competent work, making an informed critical response to the text(s) with some personal response
Makes a close analysis of the text(s), at times simply following line by line
Analyses ways in which writers uses of form, structure and language create the meanings of the
text(s)
Evaluates the effects of the writers use of form and style and language
Demonstrates a sound understanding of the literary context of the text in terms of
Uses quotation, paraphrase and some critical terminology accurately and mostly appositely
Uses an effective style that is able to communicate clearly knowledge and understanding of the text(s)
and the issues raised by text and question, with only occasional lapses
1013
Satisfactory work, making a response to the text(s) that shows sound knowledge and some personal
response
Analyses the text(s) in a line-by-line fashion
Makes some analysis of ways in which writers uses of form, style and language create the meanings
of the text(s)
Responds mainly in terms of narration of the main features of the text(s) with some attempt at
evaluation of the effects of the writers use of form, style and language possibly with some
misunderstanding
Responds to the question set most of the time though with some digression; assembles relevant
points into a simply structured response
Demonstrates at times some awareness of the literary context of the text in terms of
period/theme/genre/ historical context
Makes use of quotation, and paraphrase and may use some critical terminology, with some
misunderstanding
Uses a basic style that is able to communicate knowledge and understanding of the text(s) and the
issues raised by text and question, with only occasional obscurity
23

69
Uneven work, making a response to the text(s) that shows some understanding
Responds to the question set at first, while tending to digress
Makes appropriate references to writers uses of poetic form, structure and language with some
analysis of the ways in which they create the meanings of the text(s)
Makes some attempt at evaluation of the effects of the writers use of form, style and language
possibly with some misunderstanding
Assembles points rather than analyses, tending to list points and make general assertions
May demonstrate at times some awareness of the literary context of the text in terms of
period/theme/ genre/historical context, but without understanding of how this relates to the individual
text
Makes some use of paraphrase or quotation; limited reference to critical terminology
Uses a simple style, or possibly an over-complex style that succeeds most of the time in
communicating knowledge and understanding of the text(s)
15
Some attempt to hold to text and question, showing a simplistic approach to the task
Expression is simple, technical errors are recurrent, and the work relies on narrative rather than
analysis, although description is sometimes valid
0
24
Section B
Band descriptors
Candidates must answer on different texts in Sections B and C and will not be rewarded for
any overlap of material.
In Section B, candidates must compare two texts, and must therefore give roughly equal
weight to the two texts in their answer.

It is not expected that all the listed characteristics will be present or that they will exist in equal
proportions. It is essential that examiners exercise flexibility in mapping the descriptors to the work
they are assessing.
dramatic qualities.
2225
and critical response to the texts
Compares the two texts skilfully, and perhaps in original ways, moving between them with ease
create the meanings of the texts
Supports with detailed, pertinent reference to the texts, using quotation, paraphrase and critical
terminology appositely and economically
Work in this band responds sensitively, perceptively and personally to the question set; is often
subtle, concise and sophisticated, with a style that is fluent and gives economic expression to
complex ideas; at the upper end this work may be elegant and allusive
25

1821
Proficient work making an informed personal and critical response to the texts
Compares the two texts appropriately and skilfully
the texts
Evaluates the effects of the writers use of form, style and language with constant reference to the
question
period/ theme/genre/historical context
Supports with detailed, pertinent reference to the texts, using quotation, paraphrase and some critical
1417
Competent work, making an informed critical response to the texts with some personal response
Compares the two texts in appropriate ways, though may discuss them separately at times
Analyses ways in which writers uses of form, structure and language create the meanings of the texts
Supports with appropriate reference to the texts at times too much or too little, using quotation,
paraphrase and some critical terminology accurately and mostly appositely
Uses an effective style that is able to communicate clearly knowledge and understanding of the texts
1013
Satisfactory work, making a response to the texts that shows sound knowledge and some personal
response
Makes some comparison of the two texts, but tends to discuss them separately
Makes some analysis of ways in which writers uses of form, structure and language create the
meanings of the texts
Responds mainly in terms of narration of the main features of the text with some attempt at
misunderstanding
Responds to the question set most of the time within a simple structure though with some digression
into generality
26
Demonstrates at times, some awareness of the literary context of the text in terms of
period/theme/genre/ historical context
Supports some points with appropriate reference to the texts, using quotation and paraphrase mostly
Uses a basic style that is able to communicate knowledge and understanding of the texts and the
69
Uneven work, making a response to the texts that shows knowledge of the texts
Discusses both texts but does not develop the comparison
Makes appropriate references to writers uses of form, structure and language with some analysis of
the ways in which they create the meanings of the texts
Responds to the question set at first, tends to digress and lacks structure
May demonstrate at times some awareness of the literary context of the text in terms of
period/theme/genre/historical context, but without understanding of how this relates to the individual
text
Supports some points with reference to the texts but relies mostly on assertion, with repetition; uses
quotation and paraphrase at times, possibly not wholly accurately, at too great a length and without
discrimination
communicating knowledge and understanding of the texts
15
Some attempt to hold to texts and question, showing a simplistic approach to the task
0
27
Section C
Band descriptors
Candidates must answer on different texts in Sections B and C and will not be rewarded for
any overlap of material.

It is not expected that all the listed characteristics will be present or that they will exist in equal
proportions. It is essential that examiners exercise flexibility in mapping the descriptors to the work
they are assessing.
dramatic qualities.
2225
and critical response to the text
create the meanings of the text
Supports with detailed, pertinent reference to the text, using quotation, paraphrase and critical
terminology appositely and economically
Work in this band responds sensitively, perceptively and personally to the question set; is often
subtle, concise and sophisticated, with a style that is fluent and gives economic expression to
complex ideas; at the upper end this work may be elegant and allusive
1821
Proficient work, making an informed personal and critical response to the text
the text
Evaluates the effects of the writers use of form, style and language with constant reference to the
question
28

Supports with detailed, pertinent reference to the text, using quotation, paraphrase and some critical
1417
Competent work, making an informed critical response to the text with some personal response
Analyses ways in which writers uses of form, structure and language create the meanings of the text
Supports with appropriate reference to the text at times too much or too little, using quotation,
paraphrase and some critical terminology accurately and mostly appositely
Uses an effective style that is able to communicate clearly knowledge and understanding of the text
1013
Satisfactory work, making a response to the text that shows sound knowledge and some personal
response
Makes some analysis of ways in which writers uses of form, structure and language create the
meanings of the text
Responds mainly in terms of narration of the main features of the text with some attempt at
misunderstanding
Responds to the question set most of the time within a simple structure though with some digression
into generality
Demonstrates at times, some awareness of the literary context of the text in terms of
Supports some points with appropriate reference to the text, using quotation and paraphrase mostly
Uses a basic style that is able to communicate knowledge and understanding of the text and the
69
Uneven work, making a response to the text that shows knowledge of the text
Makes appropriate references to writers uses of form, structure and language with some analysis of
the ways in which they create the meanings of the text
29

Responds to the question set at first, tends to digress and lacks structure
May demonstrate at times, some awareness of the literary context of the text in terms of
period/theme/genre/historical context, but without understanding of how this relates to the individual
text
Supports some points with reference to the text; relies mostly on assertion, with repetition; uses
quotation and paraphrase at times, possibly not wholly nor accurately, at too great a length and
without discrimination
communicating knowledge and understanding of the text
15
Some attempt to hold to text and question, showing a simplistic approach to the task
0
30
APPENDIX D:
EDITIONS USED FOR SETTING QUESTIONS
31
Note:
These are not prescribed editions. However, Centres may wish to consult this list before
deciding which editions their candidates should purchase.
Paper 1: Reading Literature

Author
Title of Book
Publisher
Edith Wharton
The Age of Innocence
Penguin Popular Classics
Kazuo Ishiguro
The Remains of the Day
Faber
Jane Austen
Mansfield Park
Penguin Classics
Ian McEwan
Atonement
Vintage
John Webster
The Duchess of Malfi
New Mermaids, A&C Black
William Shakespeare
Hamlet
Alexander ed., Harper Collins
Tom Stoppard
Arcadia
Faber
Arthur Miller
All My Sons
Methuen
Paper 2:
Victorian Literature
Author
Title of Book
Publisher
Charles Dickens
Great Expectations
Penguin Classics
George Eliot
Silas Marner
Penguin Classics
Thomas Hardy
Far From the Madding Crowd
Penguin Classics
Charlotte Bront
Jane Eyre
Penguin Classics
Lord Alfred Tennyson
Selected Poems
Penguin Classics
Robert Browning
Selected Poems
Penguin Classics
Christina Rossetti
Poems and Prose
Oxford Worlds Classics
G B Shaw
Mrs Warrens Profession
Penguin Classics
Oscar Wilde
Lady Windermeres Fan
Penguin Classics
32
Paper 3:
The Individual and Society in Literature
Author
Title of Book
Publisher
Nathaniel Hawthorne
The Scarlet Letter
Penguin
Maxine Hong Kingston
The Woman Warrior
Picador
F Scott Fitzgerald
The Great Gatsby
Penguin Classics
Philip Larkin
Selected Poems
Faber
Thom Gunn
The Sense of Movement
Faber and Faber
Boey Kim Cheng
Clear Brightness
Epigram
Tennessee Williams
A Streetcar Named Desire
Penguin
William Shakespeare
Othello
Alexander ed., Harper Collins
Wole Soyinka
Death and the Kings Horseman
Norton
33

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LITERATURE IN ENGLISH

APPENDIX A: POEMS AND SHORT PROSE SELECTED FOR EXAMINATION

APPENDIX B: ASSESSMENT CRITERIA FOR PAPER 1

APPENDIX C: ASSESSMENT CRITERIA FOR PAPERS 2 AND 3

APPENDIX D: EDITIONS USED FOR SETTING QUESTIONS

Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board

9748 H2 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2016)

9748 H2 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2016)

QUESTION TYPES AND SPECIFICATIONS

9748 H2 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2016)

PAPER 1: READING LITERATURE (3 hours)

All texts are set for 2016 and 2017.

9748 H2 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2016)

PAPER 2: VICTORIAN LITERATURE (1830-1899) (3 hours)

All texts are set for 2016 and 2017.

PAPER 3: THE INDIVIDUAL AND SOCIETY IN LITERATURE (3 hours)

All texts are set for 2016 and 2017.

9748 H2 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2016)

(ii) Text and Context

(iii) Language Use

Study of language use at the grammatical, lexical and structural levels.

9748 H2 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2016)

Make informed personal

Demonstrate how the

Critically analyse and

(iv) Clearly communicate the

Develop an informed personal response

9748 H2 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2016)

9748 H2 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2016)

Candidates should study the following:

PAPER 2: VICTORIAN LITERATURE (18301899)

9748 H2 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2016)

Robert Browning: Selected Poems

Christina Rossetti: Poems and Prose

9748 H2 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2016)

PAPER 3: THE INDIVIDUAL AND SOCIETY IN LITERATURE

9748 H2 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2016)

Thom Gunn: The Sense of Movement

Boey Kim Cheng: Clear Brightness

9748 H2 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2016)

9748 H2 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2016)

Notes on Implementation of Band Descriptors

9748 H2 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2016)

9748 H2 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2016)

9748 H2 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2016)

Notes on Implementation of Band Descriptors

9748 H2 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2016)

9748 H2 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2016)

9748 H2 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2016)

9748 H2 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2016)

9748 H2 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2016)

Notes on Implementation of Band Descriptors

9748 H2 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2016)

Develops a coherent response to the question

9748 H2 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2016)

9748 H2 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2016)

Notes on Implementation of Band Descriptors

9748 H2 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2016)

9748 H2 LITERATURE IN ENGLISH (2016)