UPLANDS COLLEGE
ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE EXAMINATION - JUNE 2025
GRADE 9
Marking Guidelines
QUESTION 1
Refer to Paragraph 1
1.1 Consider the connotation of the word “hurtling.” Do you think (3)H
the simile “like a missile” is an effective comparison in
paragraph 1? Support your answer with reasons.
Yes, the simile “like a missile” is effective because the word
“hurtling” has connotations of something moving at great speed,
uncontrollably and dangerously(1). A missile is fast, powerful, and
often destructive (1), so the comparison helps the reader visualise
how sudden and threatening ET’s charge was. (1) (must link back
to the story)
Refer to Paragraph 2
1.2 Identify the tone in Paragraph 2 and justify your answer with (2)L
a quote.
Courageous, brave, tense (any LOGICAL one word answer)
1.3 Why do you think it would be a ‘deadly mistake’ for the narrator (1)L
to flee?
Running away might have triggered ET to chase and attack more
aggressively. Standing still may have seemed less threatening to
the elephant.
Refer to Paragraph 3
1.4 What do Nana’s actions reveal about the relationship between (2)L
her and the narrator? Explain your answer in your own words.
They have a close bond/relationship (1) because Nana stepped in
front of the narrator to save his life from the other elephant
charging at him. (1)
, Refer to Paragraph 6
1.5 Identify the punctuation mark and its function in (2)L
rescued-elephant herd.
Hyphen (1)
Creates a compound adjective (1)
Refer to Paragraph 8
1.6 Describe how the reader is positioned to feel about ET in (2)L
this moment. Quote specific diction to support your
answer.
The reader is positioned to feel sorry, sympathetic for ET in
this moment. (1)
1
“lost and alone”, “so depressed”, “poor creature”, “die of a
broken heart” (should then unpack the quote for full marks) (1)
Refer to Paragraph 11
1.7 Describe what the line “Walt Disney himself could not have (2)L
scripted a better scene” suggests about the ending.
It suggests the moment was heartwarming, cinematic, and
emotionally perfect—something magical and unlikely, almost like
a movie.
Refer to the whole passage
1.8 With reference to TWO pieces of evidence from the whole text, (4)
argue whether ET (Enfant Terrible) is an appropriate name for the H
elephant.
[4 mark descriptor]
1.9 Imagine this event was reported in a wildlife newsletter. Create (2)
a possible headline for the incident where Nana blocks ET’s H
charge (Paragraph 1-4).
ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE EXAMINATION - JUNE 2025
GRADE 9
Marking Guidelines
QUESTION 1
Refer to Paragraph 1
1.1 Consider the connotation of the word “hurtling.” Do you think (3)H
the simile “like a missile” is an effective comparison in
paragraph 1? Support your answer with reasons.
Yes, the simile “like a missile” is effective because the word
“hurtling” has connotations of something moving at great speed,
uncontrollably and dangerously(1). A missile is fast, powerful, and
often destructive (1), so the comparison helps the reader visualise
how sudden and threatening ET’s charge was. (1) (must link back
to the story)
Refer to Paragraph 2
1.2 Identify the tone in Paragraph 2 and justify your answer with (2)L
a quote.
Courageous, brave, tense (any LOGICAL one word answer)
1.3 Why do you think it would be a ‘deadly mistake’ for the narrator (1)L
to flee?
Running away might have triggered ET to chase and attack more
aggressively. Standing still may have seemed less threatening to
the elephant.
Refer to Paragraph 3
1.4 What do Nana’s actions reveal about the relationship between (2)L
her and the narrator? Explain your answer in your own words.
They have a close bond/relationship (1) because Nana stepped in
front of the narrator to save his life from the other elephant
charging at him. (1)
, Refer to Paragraph 6
1.5 Identify the punctuation mark and its function in (2)L
rescued-elephant herd.
Hyphen (1)
Creates a compound adjective (1)
Refer to Paragraph 8
1.6 Describe how the reader is positioned to feel about ET in (2)L
this moment. Quote specific diction to support your
answer.
The reader is positioned to feel sorry, sympathetic for ET in
this moment. (1)
1
“lost and alone”, “so depressed”, “poor creature”, “die of a
broken heart” (should then unpack the quote for full marks) (1)
Refer to Paragraph 11
1.7 Describe what the line “Walt Disney himself could not have (2)L
scripted a better scene” suggests about the ending.
It suggests the moment was heartwarming, cinematic, and
emotionally perfect—something magical and unlikely, almost like
a movie.
Refer to the whole passage
1.8 With reference to TWO pieces of evidence from the whole text, (4)
argue whether ET (Enfant Terrible) is an appropriate name for the H
elephant.
[4 mark descriptor]
1.9 Imagine this event was reported in a wildlife newsletter. Create (2)
a possible headline for the incident where Nana blocks ET’s H
charge (Paragraph 1-4).
