"The notes that follow refer specifically to the Cambridge GCE 'O' Level Exam, which is taken in November by Secondary 4 & 5 students doing Literature in English in Singapore and other countries."
"'The Merchant of Venice' will be examined in 1993 and 1994."
"The notes may also be useful to candidates preparing for other exams, or for exams at a different level."
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"By 'Context Question' teachers and examiners refer to the type of question which presents a short passage from the text, and then asks a series of questions based on that passage."
"In the 'O' Level exam, the Context Question is always the first question in the paper, and it is always worth 20% of the total marks."
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"This question demands a detailed knowledge of the text."
"Questions usually centre on:"
"* -understanding of words, phrases, imagery in the extract."
"* -knowledge of when and where the scene takes place."
"* -character attributes revealed in the extract."
"* -awareness of how parts of the extract relate to important plot and theme elements in the rest of the play."
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"It is important to note the mark allocation for each part of the question, as this is a guide to the depth of the answer required. It is pointless to write a paragraph to answer a 1-mark question, when a few words would be enough."
"In the following screens there is a sample set of questions, followed by model answers."
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"*Sample Context Question"
"The passage on which the questions are based is Act II, scene 8, line 12 to the end of the scene."
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"1. Who is the Christian referred to in the 5th line of the passage? (1)"
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"2. What is the event which has caused the 'passion' described in the first few lines? (2)"
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"3. We later discover that one of the jewels stolen had special meaning for Shylock."
" (a) Why was it of special value? (1)"
" (b) What reportedly happened to it? (1)"
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"4. Why does Solanio say that Antonio should 'look to his day'? (2)"
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"5. What is the significance of Salerio's description of a shipwreck? (2)"
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"6. Salerio praises Antonio in the words 'A kinder gentleman treads not the earth.' Quote the similar words in which Bassanio later praises him to Portia. (2)"
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"7. Salerio saw Bassanio and Antonio part. Where was Bassanio going, whom did he take with him and what did he achieve at his destination? (3)"
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"8. Explain in your own words the phrase 'I think he only loves the world for him. (2)"
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"9. Solanio says that he and Salerio should 'quicken his embraced heaviness / With some delight or other.'"
" Who is being referred to? Describe an earlier occasion when they tried to change his mood, and what was the result on that occasion? (4)"
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" TOTAL 20 Marks"
"* THE END"
"*The model answers begin on the next screen."
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"* CONTEXT QUESTION - MODEL ANSWER"
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"1. Lorenzo"
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"2. Lorenzo, a Christian, has run off with Shylock's daughter, Jessica, (1) who took with her some of his money and jewels. (1)"
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"3. a. It was a turquoise ring given to him by his (dead) wife when he was still a bachelor. (1)"
" b. Jessica reportedly exchanged it for a monkey. (1)"
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"* CONTEXT QUESTION - MODEL ANSWER (Cont.)"
"4. Antonio has signed a bond for 3000 ducats which Bassanio borrowed from Shylock. If he fails to return the money by the set day, Shylock will be entitled to cut off one pound of his flesh. (2)"
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"5. Antonio is depending on the safe return of certain ships so that he will have enough money to repay Shylock. If the ship mentioned is his, he may be unable to repay the loan and so may lose his life. (2)"
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"* CONTEXT QUESTION - MODEL ANSWER (Cont.)"
"6. The dearest friend to me, the kindest man,"
" The best-conditioned and unwearied spirit"
" In doing courtesies, and one in whom"
" The ancient Roman honour more appears"
" Than any that draws breath in Italy."
"Any part of this quote is appropriate, but for full marks the answer should include the phrase 'the kindest man'. (2)"
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"7. To Belmont (to woo Portia) (1)"
" Gratiano (1)"
" He was successful in choosing the correct casket and winning Portia's hand. (1)"
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"* CONTEXT QUESTION - MODEL ANSWER (Cont.)"
"8. I believe that the only joy he (Antonio) gets out of life, is his friendship with Bassanio. (2)"
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"9. The words refer to Antonio. (1) In the first scene of the play, (1) Solanio and Salerio try to cheer him up when he is feeling an unexplained sadness. (1) They are unsuccessful. (1)"
