Here is the data extraction from the Drama section of the examination paper.

SECTION A: DRAMA

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE: MACBETH

1. Read the following extract and answer the questions below it.

But here upon this bank and shoal of time,

We’d jump the life to come. — But in these cases,

We still have judgement here, that we but teach

Bloody instructions, which, being taught, return

To plague th’ inventor: this even-handed justice 5

Commands th’ ingredients of our poisoned chalice

To our own lips. He’s here in double trust:

First, as I am his kinsman and his subject,

Strong both against the deed; then, as his host,

Who should against his murderer shut the door, 10

Not bear the knife myself. Besides, this Duncan

Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been

So clear in his great office, that his virtues

Will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued, against

The deep damnation of his taking-off; 15

And pity, like a naked new-born babe,

Striding the blast, or heaven’s cherubin, horsed

• (a) (i) Identify the speaker. (1 mark)

• (a) (ii) To whom is the speaker talking? (1 mark)

• (b) Where are they? (1 mark)

• (c) Give the meaning of the following words and expressions as used in the extract:

  • (i) jump the life to come (Line 2) (2 marks)

  • (ii) chalice (Line 6) (2 marks)

  • (iii) double trust (Line 7) (2 marks)

  • (iv) taking-off (Line 15) (2 marks)

• (d) Explain what the speaker is contemplating to do? (3 marks)

• (e) Pick and name ONE figure of speech and bring out its effectiveness as used in the extract. (1 + 1 + 1 = 3 marks)

• (f) Give an account of the rest of the scene. (2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 8 marks)

• (Total = 25 marks)

2. Read the following extract and answer the questions below it:

Ay, in the catalogue ye go for men;

As hounds, and greyhounds, mongrels, spaniels, curs,

Shoughs, water-rugs, and demi-wolves are clept

All by the name of dogs: the valued file

Distinguishes the swift, the slow, the subtle, 5

The housekeeper, the hunter, everyone

According to the gift which bounteous nature

Hath in him closed; whereby he does receive

Particular addition, from the bill

That writes them all alike; and so of men. 10

Now, if you have a station in the file,