CIE IGCSE Poetry Essay
Questions
These questions are all based on the Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Literature questions that you can find in
specimen papers and past papers for Paper 1: Poetry and Prose (0475/01). I have adapted the wording
to suit a range of themes and focal points. I’d recommend planning as many of them as you can so
that you get a lot of practise organising your thoughts. Aim to write at least 2-3 full essays before your
exams, not including mock exams that are set in schools. If possible, get feedback on your essays too so
that you know where you’re doing well and areas that can be improved.
Caged Bird — Maya Angelou
1. How does Angelou explore the theme of freedom in this poem?
2. Explore how Angelou’s writing has a deeper political message in “Caged Bird”.
Sonnet 43 — Elizabeth Barrett Browning
1. How does Barrett Browning explore the theme of love in this poem?
2. Examine the ways in which Barret Browning presents relationships in “Sonnet 43”.
Farmhand — James K Baxter
1. In what ways does Baxter vividly create a portrait of the Farmhand in this poem?
2. Explore the ways in which Baxter movingly portrays the difficulties of youth in “Farmhand”.
Muliebrity — Sujata Bhatt
1. How does Bhatt strikingly portray ideas about womanhood in “Muliebrity”?
2. In what ways does Bhatt movingly create a picture of the girl in “Muliebrity”?
3. Explore the ways in which Bhatt uses powerful words and images in “Muliebrity”.
Copyright © 2021 Scrbbly
Questions
These questions are all based on the Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Literature questions that you can find in
specimen papers and past papers for Paper 1: Poetry and Prose (0475/01). I have adapted the wording
to suit a range of themes and focal points. I’d recommend planning as many of them as you can so
that you get a lot of practise organising your thoughts. Aim to write at least 2-3 full essays before your
exams, not including mock exams that are set in schools. If possible, get feedback on your essays too so
that you know where you’re doing well and areas that can be improved.
Caged Bird — Maya Angelou
1. How does Angelou explore the theme of freedom in this poem?
2. Explore how Angelou’s writing has a deeper political message in “Caged Bird”.
Sonnet 43 — Elizabeth Barrett Browning
1. How does Barrett Browning explore the theme of love in this poem?
2. Examine the ways in which Barret Browning presents relationships in “Sonnet 43”.
Farmhand — James K Baxter
1. In what ways does Baxter vividly create a portrait of the Farmhand in this poem?
2. Explore the ways in which Baxter movingly portrays the difficulties of youth in “Farmhand”.
Muliebrity — Sujata Bhatt
1. How does Bhatt strikingly portray ideas about womanhood in “Muliebrity”?
2. In what ways does Bhatt movingly create a picture of the girl in “Muliebrity”?
3. Explore the ways in which Bhatt uses powerful words and images in “Muliebrity”.
Copyright © 2021 Scrbbly
