ENGLISH Past Papers PDF

ENGLISH Topic 1: World Literature What is World Literature? A story that may be about the experience of the people or author Literature follows a specific literary standard (based on the elements) It is more flexible based on imagi...

ENGLISH Topic 1: World Literature What is World Literature? A story that may be about the experience of the people or author Literature follows a specific literary standard (based on the elements) It is more flexible based on imagination and is supposed to be formal Not all forms of writing may be literature It uses figurative language to convey deeper meanings and themes. Why is it important? To understand the context of its origin to grasp the meaning and purpose behind the words. Word of the day: Redemption It is the act of forgiveness and saving or being saved from sin. Classification: 1. Language – It is the medium to express people’s culture 2. National Origin 3. Historical Period 4. Genre 5. Subject Matter Structuralist Approach – critics on the genre and subject matter Word of the day: Bildugsroman Focuses on the psychological and moral growth of the protagonist Periods of the World Literature 1. Classical – Iliad: heroism, revenge, war 2. Victorian – Religious beliefs, justice 3. Renaissance – Betrayal, revenge 4. Enlightenment – Logical reasoning  5. Romantic – Revenge, responsibility, freedom, love 6. Modern – Lost, redemption Topic 2: Hebrew Literature The Hebrew Literature is classified according to period. 1. Ancient Period/Literature – Oral and Biblical Literature 2. Medieval Period/Literature – Religious commentary, liturgical, and secular 3. Modern Hebrew Literature – Poetry, novels, short stories, and plays Characteristics of Hebrew Literature: Biblical Influences Mirrors the storytelling style of Biblical texts, conveying moral and spiritual lessons through simple relatable stories. Moral Teaching It highlights virtues such as kindness, compassion, justice, and wisdom while reproving against vices such as greed, pride, and dishonesty Symbolism and Imagery Symbolism and vivid imagery create powerful and memorable narratives ***Kinds of Imagery: Visual Imagery (Sight), Auditory Imagery (Sound), Gustatory Imagery (Taste), Olfactory Imagery (Smell), Tactile Imagery (Touch) ***Example: Father (represents God; demonstrating unconditional love; mercy; forgiveness), Prodigal Son (represents sinful humanity), Elder Son (represents the self-righteous and judgmental attitude Cultural Relevance It reflects the cultural and historical context of the Hebrew people, carries broader cultural themes that resonate with various societies such as paternal relationships, sibling rivalry, etc. Connection to Jewish Identity and Spirituality It reflects shared cultural and scriptural heritage of Chirsitianity and Judaism It reflects Jewish values and ethics such as justice (tzedek), kindness (chesed), and communal responsibility (arevut) Biblical Stories/Parables: Parable of the Prodigal Son 1. In the Parable of the Prodigal Son, what does the father’s reaction to the returning son teach us about?  ⮚ Unconditional love and mercy 2. In the Parable of the Prodigal Son, how does the father’s reaction to the return of his younger son reflect the theme of forgiveness commonly found in Hebrew literature? ⮚ Welcomes his son back and celebrates 3. What aspect of the father’s character in the Parable of the Prodigal Son can be seen as a representation of God in Biblical narratives? ⮚ Unwavering love and readiness to forgive 4. What moral lesson does the Parable of the Prodigal Son teach us about the consequences of one’s action? ⮚ Reckless behavior can lead to suffering, but repentance leads to redemption 5. How does the older son’s reaction to his brother’s return highlight a moral teaching about envy and righteousness? ⮚ It shows the pitfalls of envy and the importance of compassion 6. In the Parable of the Prodigal Son, what does the “Father’s House” symbolize? ⮚ God’s kingdom and unconditional love 7. How does the Parable of the Prodigal Son reflect cultural values of the time? ⮚ Highlights family loyalty and reconciliation 8. In what way does the father’s willingness to forgive his son reflect broader social and religious norms in ancient Hebrew culture? ⮚ Mirrors the emphasis on mercy, repentance, and restoration of relationships 9. How does the Parable of the Prodigal Son connect to the Jewish concept of teshuvan? ⮚ Embodies journey to reconciliation 10. How is the theme of divine compassion illustrated in the Parable of the Prodigal Son relevant to Jewish personality? ⮚ Through the father’s merciful actions Topic 3: Formal and Informal Definition of Words Definition A definition is a statement that gives the meaning of a word. Writers usually include the definition of a certain word, particularly a difficult or technical word, to enable the readers to understand the material easily. There are two types of definition that can be used in texts and essays. The Formal Definition follows a specific format:  1. Word to be defined 2. Class or concepts the word belongs to 3. Characteristics that differentiate the term from the other words in its group ***Example: Symbolism is a literary device in which symbols, or objects, actions, or characters, are used to represent abstract ideas or concepts, providing deeper meaning beyond their literal sense. What makes the sentence an example of formal definition? The term “symbolism” is identified as a specific type of “literary device.” This places it within a broader category of literary tools. Additionally, the sentence explains the unique characteristics of symbolism by describing how it functions. It specifies that symbolism involves the use of “symbols, or objects, actions, or characters” to represent “abstract ideas or concepts,” and highlights its purpose of conveying “deeper meaning beyond their literal sense.” The Informal definition follows a specific format 1. Does not follow a format 2. Utilizes synonyms introduced by the words like, or, and in other words 3. Uses analogies, antonyms, examples, and illustrations to define the words ***Example: Symbolism is when authors use objects, characters, or settings in a story to represent bigger ideas, like how a red rose might symbolize love. What makes the sentence an example of an informal definition? The definition uses straightforward language and an easy-to-understand example (“a red rose might symbolize love”) It provides a specific, concrete example that helps clarify the concept in a familiar context The definition conveys the general idea of symbolism without going into technical details, making it accessible to readers with varying levels of familiarity with literary concepts. Take note, both formal and informal definitions serve complementary purposes in understanding and communicating concepts. By bridging the gap between technical accuracy (FORMAL) and everyday comprehension (INFORMAL), both types of definitions contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of words and their meanings. Topic 4: Moralist Literary Approach A moralist approach in literary criticism assesses literature based on moral teachings and ethical considerations. This perspective often explores how literature reflects or challenges societal values and norms. For students in English 10, understanding this approach involves recognizing how characters, plotlines, and themes align or clash with moral standards. It's essential in developing critical thinking and analytical skills, as it prompts students to question not just the what, but the why of literary works. By exploring moral dimensions, students gain deeper insights into the author's message and the work's relevance in contemporary society. A Brief Background on Moralist Approach Notable Proponents of Moralist Approach 1. Plato – argued that literature and art had the ability to influence people. These influences could cause corruption and virtue. 2. Aristotle – while he often associated with the formalist approach through his work “Poetics,” Aristotle also acknowledged the ethical dimension of literature, especially in terms of its impact on the audience’s emotions and moral understanding. 3. F.R. Leavis – a 20th–century British literary critic, Leavis saw literature as a means of moral and cultural education. He believed that the study of literature should focus on its ability to enrich moral sensibility and enhance the understanding of human values. Note: The moralist approach’s concern is not only to discover meaning but also to determine whether works of literature are both TRUE and SIGNIFICANT. It determines whether a work conveys a lesson or message and whether it can help readers lead better lives an d improve their understanding of the world.