ENG1501 Assignment 1 Poetry

ASSIGNMENT 01: POETRY
Due date: [Will be announced on myModules]
This assignment comprises TWO sections. Both sections are compulsory.
Section A: Reflective essay: Poetry (Unit 2)

Now that you have worked through Unit 2 (Poetry) in the study guide, write a reflective
essay of 250 – 350 words in which you discuss how this section of the work resonated
with your own personal experiences or memories, and what insight you gained from
studying this section. In your essay, please reflect on the questions below:
1. What does poetry mean to you? Do you like poetry? Do you think poems matter in
society? Do you have a favourite poem? If so, please share it with us!
2. Which section(s) in this unit did you find particularly enjoyable or interesting, or
gave you more insight into poetry? Please be as specific as possible (quote from
the section and provide page references).
3. Which section(s) in this unit did you find the least enjoyable or difficult to
understand? Please be as specific as possible (quote from the section and provide
page references).
Section A total: 10
Section B: ‘My Book’ – M. Xaba
Read the poem ‘My Book’ by M Xaba (available as an e-reserve on the library website)
before answering the questions that follow.
You must answer in full sentences, and you should support your answers by quoting
from the poem.
Note: You will notice that each question includes a mark allocation. This is to indicate how
much you should write to support your answer. One mark represents one main point or
reason. If a question counts four marks, that means that you will need to supply four points
or reasons.
Remember that you can use an example from a poem only once; you cannot use the
same example for each of your answers.
QUESTIONS
1. Refer to lines one to three.

1.1 In the first line of the poem, the poet’s diction illustrates the setting in which the
speaker finds herself. Based on the speaker’s description, write one sentence in which
you describe the setting of this scene and one sentence in which you quote any two words
or phrases to support your answer. (3)
1.2 In these lines, the speaker makes use of a figure of speech to create a humorous
effect. Write three or four sentences in which you name the figure of speech, quote any
two examples and explain why the effect is humorous. (4)
2. Refer to lines one to seven.

2.1 A change occurs in lines four to seven. Write one sentence in which you identify the
change and one sentence in which you explain how the speaker conveys this change,
quoting any one word from the first three lines that substantiates your answer. (3)
2.2 Identify the tone in lines four to seven and quote any two words or phrases that
support your answer. Next, write a sentence in which you explain what this tone tells the
reader about the speaker’s relationship with her book. (4)
2.3 The poet makes use of several sound devices in lines four to seven to convey the
tone. Name one sound device that is used, quote any two words that illustrate the sound
device and underline the sound that is repeated. (3)
2.4 In lines four to seven, the poet makes use of punctuation to change the rhythm of the
poem. Identify the punctuation mark used to create this change, explain the change in
rhythm and then comment on the effect of this change. (3)
3. Refer to lines eight to eleven.

3.1 In lines eight and nine, the poet makes use of imagery to illustrate the speaker’s
relationship with her book. Identify the imagery, quote two words or phrases that
substantiate your answer and comment on what this tells you about how the speaker
views her book. (3)
4. Refer to the poem as a whole.

4.1 What do you think is the theme of the poem? Give a reason for your answer. (2)
Section B Total: 25
Grand Total: 35
Bonus question: 5 marks (This section is not compulsory, but if you do it, you can earn
five (5) bonus marks for this assignment.
Write your own poem of about ten lines in which you celebrate the book or poem you
love the most.
OR
Amanda Gorman (Youth Poet Laureate 2017) delivered a poem called ‘The Hill We
Climb’ at US president Joe Biden’s inauguration. Watch the video of her performance
here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp9pyMqnBzk.
Question
Write a paragraph in which you discuss the following:
• What did you think of this poem? Did it resonate with you in any way?
• What difference do you think reading a poem out loud makes in how you
understand the poem?
For information about correct quoting and referencing, consult Unit 1 of Tutorial Letter
501.
Warning!
Using ideas and facts from other people, books or web pages without saying where
they comefrom is the same as stealing those ideas and facts. This is plagiarism and it is
a serious offence.
If you are found guilty of plagiarism, you will fail this assignment.

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ASSIGNMENT 01: POETRY

Due date: [Will be announced on myModules]

This assignment comprises TWO sections. Both sections are compulsory.

Section A: Reflective essay: Poetry (Unit 2)

Section B: ‘My Book’ – M. Xaba

1. Refer to lines one to three.

2. Refer to lines one to seven.

3. Refer to lines eight to eleven.

4. Refer to the poem as a whole.

Write a paragraph in which you discuss the following:

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