Grade 11 English Paper 2 Study Notes
Overview: Paper 2 Structure & Strategy
- Sections:
A. Poetry (30 marks) - Prescribed poems & unseen.
B. Novel (25 marks) - One contextual + one essay on your studied novel.
C. Drama (25 marks) - Contextual + essay on your studied play.
- Time management: ~40 min for Poetry, 55 min each for Novel & Drama
- Word counts:
Poetry essays: 200-250 words. Novel/Drama essays: 350-400 words
Section A: Poetry
1. Prescribed Poems
- Prepare analytical essays & contextual answers.
- Typical poem choices: Sonnet 130, We Wear the Mask, The Child Who Was Shot Dead...
- Essay style: Interpret themes, imagery, structure (e.g. sonnet), tone shifts. Use 8-12 lines of textual evidence.
2. Unseen Poem
- Approach like a detective:
1. Read fully-no panic
2. Annotate tone, structure, key devices
3. Identify themes and how devices accentuate them
3. Analysis Toolbox
- Poetic devices: metaphor, simile, alliteration, personification, tone/mood descriptors
- Checklist:
- Theme/message
- Tone/mood progression
- Structure (stanzas, shifts, sonnet scheme)
- Literary devices + their effects
- Personal response supported by text
Section B: Novel (e.g., Tsotsi)
Contextual Questions
- Provide concise answers, tightly linked to marks. Mention setting (e.g., apartheid-era township), character details
linked to theme.
Essay Questions
- Structure:
1. Introduction with thesis
2. 3 body paragraphs with evidence
3. Conclusion
- Focus: character development, themes (transformation, morality), socio-political context.
- Setting: Sophiatown or Soweto, oppression, Group Areas Act
Grade 11 English Paper 2 Study Notes
Section C: Drama
- Expect one contextual + one essay based on your studied play (e.g., Romeo & Juliet, Blood Brothers, Master
Harold...).
- Essays should explore themes, character dilemmas, dialogue, dramatic structure and context.
Essay & Exam Strategy
1. Planning:
- Spend ~5 min structuring essays
- Poetry: outline theme, devices, tone shift
- Novel/Drama: thesis + 3 supporting points with quotes
2. Evidence: Embed short quotes (1-2 lines) and explain their significance.
3. Contextual answers: Use bullet/mini-paragraphs. Refer directly to text for full marks.
4. Language clarity: Formal tone, varied grammar, precise literary terminology.
5. Revision tips:
- Summarise each poem/play/novel in 1 page
- Learn key quotes and themes
- Practice unseen poetry analysis for confidence
