2024 National 5 English Critical Reading Question Paper

Overview

• Date: Tuesday, 7th May
• Time: 10:30 AM - 12:00 NOON
• Total Marks: 40
• Sections:
  • Section 1: Scottish text (20 marks)
  • Section 2: Critical Essay (20 marks)

Instructions

• Choose ONE text from either Drama, Prose, or Poetry in Section 1.
• Attempt ALL questions for your chosen text in Section 1.
• In Section 2, choose a different genre than the one selected in Section 1.
• Write answers clearly in the provided answer booklet.
• Use blue or black ink only.
• Submit answer booklet to the Invigilator before leaving.

Section 1: Scottish Text

• Part A: Drama
• Part B: Prose
• Part C: Poetry

Drama Texts

• Bold Girls by Rona Munro

  • Key Themes: Ghosts, Reflection, Conflict
  • Example Questions:
    • Analyze characterization and language use in specific lines.
    • Explore the depiction of conflict.

• Sailmaker by Alan Spence

  • Key Themes: Family relationships, Loss, Change
  • Example Questions:
    • Examine Alec and Davie's relationship.
    • Discuss the portrayal of loss and change.

• Tally's Blood by Ann Marie di Mambro

  • Key Themes: Love, Separation, Family
  • Example Questions:
    • Detail Rosinella's reactions and Massimo’s news.
    • Discussion on love theme.

Prose Texts

• The Cone-Gatherers by Robin Jenkins

  • Key Themes: Conflict, Evil, Home life
  • Example Questions:
    • Explore Duror’s plotting and character.
    • Discuss the theme of conflict.

• The Testament of Gideon Mack by James Robertson

  • Key Themes: Supernatural, Uncertainty, Reality
  • Example Questions:
    • Analyze sense of uncertainty and Gideon’s strange behavior.
    • Investigate the theme of truth and lies.

• The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

  • Key Themes: Mystery, Transformation
  • Example Questions:
    • Describe the impression of strange chemicals.
    • Discuss the theme of mystery.

• Mother and Son by Iain Crichton Smith

  • Key Themes: Harsh Environment, Family Dynamics
  • Example Questions:
    • Describe the son’s character and house environment.
    • Explore the creation of a disturbing atmosphere.

• Hieroglyphics by Anne Donovan

  • Key Themes: Language, Perception
  • Example Questions:
    • Discuss Mary’s reading difficulties and school experience.
    • Present sympathetic characters.

Poetry Texts

• The Way My Mother Speaks by Carol Ann Duffy

  • Key Themes: Memory, Identity, Relationships
  • Example Questions:
    • Discuss the speaker’s feelings for their mother.
    • Explore mixed feelings about growing up.

• Trio by Edwin Morgan

  • Key Themes: Festivity, Hope
  • Example Questions:
    • Highlight festive themes and positive atmosphere.
    • Explore the sense of hope.

• Brooklyn Cop by Norman MacCaig

  • Key Themes: Violence, Isolation
  • Example Questions:
    • Describe the cop’s working life and atmosphere.
    • Explore theme of isolation.

• Lucozade by Jackie Kay

  • Key Themes: Family, Illness
  • Example Questions:
    • Discuss the mother’s character and the mood.
    • Explore important relationships.

Section 2: Critical Essay

• Choose a question related to a different genre from Section 1.
• Genres include Drama, Prose, Poetry, Film and TV Drama, Language.
• Focus on character, theme, setting, language, or literary technique.

Sample Questions

• Drama: Explore a theme or character.
• Prose: Discuss a character or issue.
• Poetry: Explore theme, shock, or sadness.
• Film and TV Drama: Analyze scene or character.
• Language: Examine influential or group-specific language.

Copyright Acknowledgements

• Reproduced texts from various publishers with permissions.

These notes summarize the key points from the 2024 National 5 English Critical Reading Question Paper, detailing structure, content, and instructions for the exam. Use this guide to understand the format, select texts for analysis, and prepare responses according to the genres and themes explored in the examination.