Year 8 Practice Paper

1. Year 8Practice Paper Section B ‘Badger’

2. Question 1What impression of the badger do you get from lines 1 to 5? • 3 MARKS • What impression is created – this means you need to say how it is described • Lines 1 to 5 - mark the correct lines on the text so you refer to the right ones in your answer. Possible answers could include: • Attractive peaceful creature of the night • Shy and retiring • Devotes his daytime to his family • His eating habits are inoffensive and harmless

3. Question 2The badger is described as ‘lovable’ on line 1, and also on line 18. How does the meaning differ from one to the other? • 4 MARKS • How – in what ways • Differ – contrast the meaning in the two different lines of the poem • Line 1 – the word ‘lovable’ is used literally. It makes us think of the conventional image of badgers in storybooks such as the Wind in the Willows – a creature which is friendly and kind. • Line 18 – the poet uses irony ‘ that lovable thing’ – the badger is now anything but lovable as it has killed the rabbit violently.

4. Question 3 The poet uses some striking images to make us adjust our attitude towards the badger. Select any 3 which you find effective and explain why. • 9 MARKS • Select any three – pick out 3 images from the text and write them down • Explain why – say why these images striking/effective/interesting • 9 marks so you will need to give two reasons per quote

5. Possible answer to question 3 ‘baiting him and scratching at the mesh’ The writer uses two powerful verbs to show the persistent activity of the badger. The word mesh vividly describes the wire rabbit cage. ‘bone-crushing molars rampant’ The word molars is very precise when describing the badger’s teeth. The adjective ‘bone-crushing’ pre-empts what will happen in the second stanza when he kills the rabbit and is a very strong violent image. He…splintered the floor with his ramming head’ The words ‘splintered’ and ‘ramming’ create a visual image but also help the reader to ‘hear’ the badger too.

6. Possible answer to question 3 ‘minced him into string and red slippery pulp’ The poet uses a range of senses to create a disgusting image of the fate of the rabbit. The combination of the colour red and the word ‘slippery’ help us to see and feel the image. ‘He wanted much more than a boring vegetable dish’ This image hints at the badger’s aggression and determination to kill his prey. The comparison between what he wants and what is available prepares the reader for what is to come is verse two.

7. Question 4How do you respond to the final line of the poem? • 4 MARKS – remember to write four things • How do you respond – a personal response • Final line of the poem – mark the correct line of the poem before you write Possible responses could be: • Surprise – didn’t expect the badger to die • Respect – understand that badger is a wild animal in search of his food and if it is a danger to man might have to be killed • Shock – language is violent and to the point • Deserving of its fate – it shouldn’t have killed the rabbit – it got what it deserved

8. Question 5This is a violent poem. Do you consider that such material is suitable for poetry? • 5 marks • Do you consider – write your opinions but you can give both sides if you don’t have enough to write for just one side • Such material – pick out phrases which might offend, be too violent for some readers • Suitable for poetry – consider other poems you have read that have violent images in them such as ‘Death of a Naturalist’ by Seamus Heaney or ‘Dulce et Decorum Est’ by Wilfred Owen