English Paper 3 Questions and Answers - BSJE Mock Exams 2023

• Answer three questions only.
• Question 1 and 2 are compulsory.
• In question 3 choose only one of the optional set texts you have prepared on.
• Where a candidate presents more than one optional set text, only the first one to appear will be marked.
• Each of your essays must not exceed 450 words.
• Candidates must answer the questions in English.
  Answer three questions only

1. Imaginative composition. (Compulsory)               (20 marks)
   Either
   1. Write a composition ending with the following statement.
      …I later realized that the whole experience had been a life lesson to me.
      Or
   2. Write a composition discussing the negative effects of examination malpractice. 
2. Compulsory Set Text (20 marks)
   Blossoms of the Savannah by Henry Ole Kulet.
   Some aspects of Nasilian tradition should be embraced. Write an essay in support of this statement with clear illustrations from Henry Ole Kulet’s Blossoms of the Savannah. 
3. Optional set text (20 marks)                                                                                        
   Answer one of the following three questions.
   Either 
   1. The Short story: 
      Godwin Siundu, A Silent Song and Other Stories
      The desire to amass wealth at the expense of others causes suffering. Validate this assertion by referring closely to Chimamanda Adichie’s story, Ghosts.     
      Or
   2. Drama
      David Mulwa, Inheritance
      What goes around comes around. Drawing illustrations from the play Inheritance by David Mulwa, write an essay to justify this statement.
      Or
   3. The Novel
      Kazuo Ishiguro, An Artist of the Floating World
      War results in devastating consequences. Justify this statement by referring to the events in Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel, An Artist of the Floating World.

                                                                                  MARKING SCHEME

1.  
   1. Imaginative Composition   
      Guidelines on marking compositions: 
      The question tests the ability to communicate effectively in English. This communicative ability is tested at various levels such as: correctness, intelligibility, originality, fluency, accuracy and pleasantness.
      
      It is the linguistic mark that counts not the number of points raised by the candidate. 
      
      Read through the composition, establish the level of communication by determining its class then award the mark commensurate with the class of the composition.
      The underlining should point to the class of the composition e.g. 
      • double underlined- a bleeding script (has construction, spelling, poor paragraphing, vague parts, redundancies, unnecessary repetitions etc) 
      • Clean and unassuming (fluent but no merit items, bookish)
      • Pleasant and attractive (captivating, twists and turns, communicates whole self, conscious of culture- the dos and don’ts, has attitude, infuses mood, many merit-able items on the margin).
        Categories of compositions 
      • D Class (01-05): Features of such compositions 
        − There is no communication at all.
        − The reader guesses what the candidate intended to say.
        − No valid punctuations.
        − There are all kinds of errors.
        − Chaotic script
      • C Class (06-10) 
        − There is difficulty in communication.
        − Lacks confidence in language use.
        − Subject is undeveloped and often repeated.
        − The flow is jerky
        − Unnecessary repetitions.
        − Mother-tongue influence can be felt.
      • B Class (11-15) 
        − Fluent/Pleasant.
        − Uses English as normal way of expression.
        − Ambitious and overambitious.
        − Items of merit- one word or expression type.
      • A Class (16-20) 
        − Fluent and attractive
        − Shares deep feelings, emotions and enthusiasm.
        − Has many items of merit (inversion, well managed paragraphs, well punctuated dialogues, suspense, ellipsis, appropriate use of idioms, twists and turns, clever climax) 
        − Has “SPARK” (convinces beyond doubt; good choice of words, has tone, mood, attitude, sets the virtues and vices, high sense of morality-knows limits and consequences, draws the reader into the story)
        − Uses language for effect- to pass a moral message.
      • Guidelines for marking discursive compositions 
        − Identifies a point. 
        − Explains the point. 
        − Illustrates the point either using statistics, facts, published information, makes relevant quotations from authentic sources- to convince beyond doubt. 
        − Invokes authority.
        1.  
           1. Points of Interpretation
              • It must be a story; if NOT, deduct 04 AD.
              • The story must end with the statement given, if not deduct 02AD
              • The story should illustrate a situation where the narrator went through either a nice or a bad experience which taught him/her a life-long lesson.
           2. Points of Interpretation 
              • It must be a discursive essay; if NOT, deduct 02AD.
              • Emphasis is on the linguistic ability of the candidate and not on the number of points.
2. Blossoms of the Savannah
   Introduction
   Positive aspects of culture in Nasila are important in holding people together. There are many aspects of Nasilian culture which are positive.
   (Accept any relevant introduction)
   Content
   The songs the young people and children sing during Ole Kaelo’s homecoming ceremony attest to the rich Maa culture. The narrator says, “From the children’s performance, it was evident that the cherished Nasilian traditional dance would stand the test of time.” (p.44). The writer says that the party was full of pomp and gaiety. This is brought out by jewelry won by the guests such as ivory, beads, coloured lesos, kangas and shukas (p.47), all attesting to the rich cultural heritage of the Maa.
   
   Generosity as a virtue is seen in Simiren who invites all those present in the party to savor his brother’s lavish hospitality (p.46). Food and drinks are served in generous measures to all those present (p.47). Ole Musanka, an elder who blesses Ole Kaelo’s home, glorifies Maa’s culture saying that it was the blood and marrow that gave sustenance to the body” (p.51). According to him, home is Maa, Nasila, family and children (p.52). His only problem is that he supports FGM, a cultural practice that does not assist women in any way.
   
   When Resian and Taiyo go to stay at their uncle’s place for some time, they witness some positive aspects of communal life and unity at their uncle’s home. We are told that, “Life and work in that home was communal. Although each mother had her own house and cooked her own food, all grown up daughters helped each one of them” (p.148). There is well laid down chain of command with the first wife being the deputy to their uncle. There are hardly any disagreements and virtues of selflessness and sharing are emphasized (p.149). When Ole Kaelo’s daughters are assaulted by two men, the communal way of life comes in handy. All Ilmolelian men join him in pursuing the men and meting punishment on them. He is not left alone to deal with the matter. During Ole Kaelo’s homecoming ceremony, young men and women from the clan work together to make the day successful. Ole Kaelo is touched after discovering that brotherhood, honour and selflessness still existed in Nasila and this makes him swear that he would never abandon the culture of his people or live outside his clan (p.40).
   
   Nasila culture clearly defined relationships. “The founder had intended that the culture would regulate the lives of the people…It charted out the way for everyone, from cradle to the grave. It defined relationships, it created laws that governed the ownership of property and settled disputes. It did not discriminate, it did not favour anyone over the other, it gave everyone a chance to live a full life; it protected everyone within its confines and provided cleansing procedures for those who defiled it. It was simply a cherished way of life for all the Maa people…” (p.118).
   
   Mama Milanoi appreciates Nasila culture which spares her nephew from death. She “…began to see the wisdom of the Maa founder who ensured that justice was always tempered with mercy” (p.163). According to Nasila culture, if a man sought refuge between the legs of an old man, he was to be spared despite the crime committed (p.162). Anybody who violates cultural values of Nasila culture is faced with laid down punishment. Both Ntara Muyo and Lante who had attempted to rape Resian and Taiyo are forced to pay fines to the girls and their father and somehow, justice is done. “The two boys had been fined two heifers each” and Ntara Muyo “…an extra heifer to cover the shame that he had occasioned by accosting his own sister” (p.164).
   
   Mama Milanoi also reminisces the old aspect of her culture which gave room for mass action in case somebody misbehaved and went against the expected conduct.  A case in point is where an old man got infatuated by a girl of fourteen years. When women realized it, they attacked the man, stripped him naked and beat him up to death. That served as a detractor to any other man who would harbor such intentions. Mama Milanoi wonders where such good aspects of Nasila culture had gone for they would shield her daughter from being forced to marry an old man like Oloisudori (pp.115-117).
   
   A girl was always protected from men with evil intentions. Girls were kept away from male visitors in their homes and there was hardly any interaction between fathers and daughters (p.175). The rich Maa culture has different types of love. There is elangatare where boys did anything possible to win girls’ admiration (p.124). The elangatare love included feats by boys such as killing lions and defending people and their cattle from their enemies. There is also patureishi type of love where a girl and a boy were allowed to have a love affair alongside the conventional love. Such boys were the darlings of the girls and a song of praise would be composed by the girlfriend in praise of the valorous deeds of her boyfriend (pp.124-125). This relationship ended in marriage after a marriage ceremony. On the other hand, the patureishi did not end in marriage. It was meant to check the conduct and behavior of young people and keep them disciplined (p.126). 
   Conclusion
   It is true to say that not all Nasilian culture is negative. Most of them are what have helped the community to hold together and should be embraced.
   (Consider any valid conclusion)
   • Introduction = 2 marks
   • Any four well illustrated points; 3:3:3:3 = 12 marks
   • Conclusion = 2 marks
   • Language = 4 marks
     Marking symbol ‘T’
3.  
   1. A Silent Song and Other Stories
      Introduction
      The university is marred with corruption which make the employees to suffer. This causes a lot of suffering to those whose life depend fairly on the university while those who are in positions of authority enrich themselves.
      (Accept any relevant introduction)
      Content
      Firstly, the explanation why Prof James and other retirees have not received their pension is due to corruption. The men clustered under the flame tree say, "The Education Minister has stolen the pension money... it was the vice-chancellor who had deposited the money in high interest personal accounts." ( pg.58).
      
      In the University, corruption is further seen where James tells Ikenna about Josephat Udeana, the great dancer, who, once chosen as vice-chancellor, perpetuated corruption at the University's high office. "Josephat was vice chancellor for six years and ran this University like his father's chicken Money disappeared, and then we would see new cars coop stamped with the names of foreign foundations that did not exist." (pg.64) 
      
      Josephat also dictated who would be promoted and who would not. The situation did not change after Josephat left since even the current vice-chancellor is also said to follow the corrupt route faithfully. 
      
      Corruption is also reported in the Personnel Services Department, where lecturers who do not want to retire bribe, someone, to have some years added to them (pg. 64). 
      
      Further, corruption is seen among university students. Prof tells Ikenna that instead of reading and working hard to earn fair grades, the university students have bought grades with money or their bodies (pg. 64).
      Conclusion
      Corruption is a vice which when not checked, can devour a whole society.
      (Accept any relevant conclusion)
      • Introduction =2 marks
      • Any four well illustrated points; 3:3:3:3=12 marks
      • Conclusion = 2 marks
      • Language = 4 marks
        Marking symbol ‘W’
   2. Introduction
      When on does good things / acts humane towards others will eventually be rewarded, on other those who do evil and are cruel to others will equally get their dues accordingly.
      (Accept any relevant introduction)
      Content
      The old King Kutula XV treated his people well.  He was at the forefront in Kutula’s fight for their self rule / independence.  He did not want his people to live in debt and he did not work with the foreigners to take loans.  He envisioned a self sustainable Kutula.  In tern Kutula people were all behind him and they eventually attained independence from the colonialists.  The people loved and respected him.
      
      Princes Sangoi does good things to the people of Kutula.  He offers emotional and financial support to the people.  For instance she offers to pay Lulu’s school fees and protect her fom the preying arms of Lacuna Kasoo during the commemoration festival.  She is seen to be supportive to the oppressed people of Kutula and the exact opposite of his cruel half-brother, Lacuna Kasoo.  Due to her good deeds, she is eventually paid with leadership and love by the people.
      
      Lacuna is an oppressive and cruel leader.  He forces the people to acknowledge his leadership.  He takes loans and makes people pay very high taxes.  He only employs people who are loyal to him and his clansmen in various powerful positions in the government regardless of their incompetence and no qualifications.  In the end the people turn against him and he is removed from the throne and he is detained.  He pays for his bad deeds.
      
      Robert and Goldstein exploit Lacuna’s incompetence as a leader.  They lure him into taking loans thus rendering Kutula financially dependent on them.  They give Lacuna loans totaling to one hundred and twenty billion.  The people are forced to pay high taxes to repay the loans.  Following Lacuna’s dethronement, Robert and Goldstein are first detained and then deported from Kutula.  They also lost the money they had given Lacuna as loans since the new regime under Sangoi vowed not to pay fo Lacuna’s incompetence.
      Conclusion
      It is evident that one reaps what he / she sows. Our actions is the past will eventually catch up with us.
      NB:  Accept other valid points
      • Introduction =2 marks
      • Any four well illustrated points; 3:3:3:3=12 marks
      • Conclusion = 2 marks
      • Language = 4 marks
        Marking symbol ‘G’
   3.  An Artist of the Floating World
      Introduction
      War has many after-effects. It may destroy not only property but people’s lives as well. This is what happens to Masuji Ono after the Second World War in Japan.
      (Accept any other relevant introduction)                                (2 marks) 
      Content
      Masuji loses his son Kenji to the war when he and a team tried to cross the mines. They are blown up and burnt beyond recognition. They have to wait for more than a year for his ashes to be brought to them from Manchuria. In fact when the ashes is brought her daughter Setsuko doubts if is not mixed with those of his friend with whom they died. Suichi, is emotional and cannot stay to the end of the ceremony.
      
      Suichi is transformed after he returned from war. He is bitter of his elders and that so many of his friend perished in the war. Masuji is worried that Suichi’s stand would rub off in his daughter Setsuko. 63-65
      
      Hirayama boy is beaten by the people for chanting military songs, the very songs he had sung before the war and people offered him some money and food in return. Before the war he was popular in the pleasure district. Now people have turned against him. They feel he should sing new songs. Pp. 65-67
      
      Jiro Miyake’s president of the company commits suicide after the way. He gassed himself and sought to die as an apology for his culpability during the war. The narrator says: “Everyday there seems to be a report of someone else killing himself in a n apology.” Pp.59-62
      
      As a result of war the pleasure district that hitherto full of people has become deserted. Kawakami’s place is deserted with few customers. Migari Hidari is destroyed and has to be renovated. Pp. 24-26
      
      Masuji Ono’s house that he acquired from Akira Sugimura, was destroyed. After the war he wants to repair but the building cost has also shot up making it hard for him to repair it. Pp. 5-7.
      Conclusion 
      War can disorganize people’s lives. 
      (Accept any other valid conclusion)
      • Introduction =2 marks
      • Any four well illustrated points; 3:3:3:3=12 marks
      • Conclusion = 2 marks
      • Language = 4 marks
        Marking symbol ‘C’