New Higher
2015
Part B — Prose
Fiction
Answers to questions on Prose Fiction should refer to the
text and to such relevant
features as characterisation, setting, language, key
incident(s), climax, turning point, plot,
structure, narrative technique, theme, ideas, description .
. .
4. Choose a novel or short story in which the method of narration
is important.
Outline briefly the writer’s method of narration and explain why
you feel this method
makes such a major contribution to your understanding of the text
as a whole.
5. Choose a novel or short story in which there is a moment of
significance for one of the
characters.
Explain briefly what the significant moment is and discuss, with
reference to appropriate
techniques, its significance to the text as a whole.
6. Choose a novel or short story which has a satisfying ending.
Discuss to what extent the ending provides a successful conclusion
to the text as a whole.
Old
Higher
Prose
Fiction
Answers
to questions on prose fiction should address relevantly the central concern(s)/
theme(s)
of the text(s) and be supported by reference to appropriate techniques of prose
fiction
such as: characterisation, setting, key incident(s), narrative technique,
symbolism,
structure,
climax, plot, atmosphere, dialogue, imagery . . .
2015
5.
Choose a novel in which a central
character’s ambitions are thwarted by the behaviour of
others
and/or by circumstances beyond his or her control.
Explain
how the character’s ambitions are thwarted and discuss how the character’s
reaction
influences your understanding of character and/or theme in the novel as a
whole.
6.
Choose a novel or short
story in which betrayal or deception or naivety plays an
important
part.
Show
how the writer explores this idea in a way which adds to your understanding of
the
central concern(s) of the text.
7.
Choose a novel in which one incident acts
as a turning point in your understanding of
a
central character.
Describe
the incident and discuss how it influences your understanding of the character
and of
the novel as a whole.
8.
Choose a novel or short
story in which, despite the bleakness of much of its content,
you can
discern an optimistic or uplifting message.
Show how the writer achieves this.
2014
5. Choose a novel in
which loyalty or bravery or trust plays an important part.
Show
how the writer explores the idea in a way which adds to your understanding of the
central concern(s) of the text.
6.
Choose a novel in which the vulnerability
of a central character is apparent at one or
more
than one key point in the text.
Explain
the situation(s) in which the character’s vulnerability emerges and discuss the
importance
of the vulnerability to your understanding of character and/or theme in the
text as
a whole.
7.
Choose a novel in which a character makes
a decision which you consider unexpected
or
unwise or unworthy.
Explain
the circumstances surrounding the decision and discuss its importance to your
understanding
of character and theme in the novel as a whole.
8.
Choose a novel or short
story in which ideas and/or characters and/or incidents
appear
to be designed to shock the reader.
Explain
what you find shocking about the text and discuss to what extent this enhances
your understanding of the text as a whole.
2013
5.
Choose a novel in which envy or malice or
cruelty plays a significant part.
Explain
how the writer makes you aware of this aspect of the text and discuss how the
writer’s
exploration of it enhances your understanding of the text as a whole.
6.
Choose a novel in which a character is
influenced by a particular location or setting.
Explain
how the character is influenced by the location or setting and discuss how this
enhances
your understanding of the text as a whole.
7.
Choose a novel or short
story in which there is an act of kindness or of compassion.
Explain
briefly the nature of the act and discuss its importance to your understanding
of the
text as a whole.
8.
Choose a novel in which the death of a
character clarifies an important theme in the
text.
Show
how this theme is explored in the novel as a whole and discuss how the death of
the character clarifies the theme.
2012
5.
Choose a novel or short
story which explores loss or futility or failure.
Discuss
how the writer explores one of these ideas in a way you find effective.
6.
Choose a novel in which a main character
refuses to accept advice or to conform to
expectations.
Explain
the circumstances of the refusal and discuss its importance to your
understanding
of the
character in the novel as a whole.
7.
Choose a novel in which a particular mood
is dominant.
Explain
how the novelist creates this mood and discuss how it contributes to your
appreciation
of the novel as a whole.
8.
Choose a novel or short
story in which there is a character who is not only realistic as a
person
but who has symbolic significance in the text as a whole.
Show how the writer makes you aware of both aspects of the
character.
2011
5. Choose a novel in
which friendship or love is put to the test.
Explain
briefly how this situation arises and go on to discuss how the outcome of the
test
leads you to a greater understanding of the central concern(s) of the text.
6.
Choose a novel in which a central
character is flawed but remains an admirable figure.
Show
how the writer makes you aware of these aspects of personality and discuss how
this
feature of characterisation enhances your appreciation of the text as a whole.
7.
Choose a novel or short
story in which the writer explores feelings of rejection or
isolation
or alienation.
Explain
how the writer makes you aware of these feelings and go on to show how this
exploration
enhances your appreciation of the text as a whole.
8.
Choose a novel in which the narrative
point of view is a significant feature in your
appreciation
of the text.
Show
how the writer’s use of this feature enhances your understanding of the central
concern(s) of the text.
