IB English

Poetry

Genre Study (Higher)

Past Paper Questions (2009-2012)

Does knowledge of the background of a poem, whether historical,

biographical, social or otherwise, limit or enhance ones
understanding of the work? Refer closely in your answer to works by
at least two poets you have studied.

In what ways do poets use the portrayal of landscape to explore

human experience? Referring to works by at least two poets you
have studied, consider this use of landscape.

A great poem puts into words what we already know but had not
thought of saying. How far and by what means have at least two
poets that you have studied achieved this?

In the language of poetry nothing is usual, casual or arbitrary.

With detailed consideration of the language in poems by at least
two poets, discuss how far you find this statement to be true.

We see, not with our eyes but with our mind. Compare the way in
which at least two poets you have studied explore the role of the
imagination and the success with which they use it as a means to
interpret the external world.

Poetry should be difficult because life is complex. Referring closely

to poems by at least two poets you have studied, discuss how far
you agree with this statement.

Writers use many techniques to establish atmosphere in their works.

Discuss how atmosphere is conveyed in works by at least two
poets, considering its contribution to the overall effects of their
poems.

Arts other than literature often feature in poetry. Discuss the ways in
which art of any kind (other than literature) has been presented in
works by at least two poets, considering its overall impact on the
works.

Poetry, either directly or indirectly, is ultimately about itself, its own

coming into being. In what ways, either directly or indirectly, do the
works of at least two poets in your study explore the concept of
creative inspiration?

Discuss the ways in which at least two poets in your study have
offered the familiar as a way of entering the unfamiliar.To what

extent, and by what means, have poems transported you beyond

the material world? Consider this in relation to at least two poems
you have studied.

Poetry excels in presenting the intensity of love. What expressions

of love have you found in at least two poems you have studied and
with what force have they been presented?

Poetry frequently makes surprising connections between diverse

experiences or ideas.With reference to works by at least two
poets you have studied, discuss how they support this statement.

Far from being limiting, choices of structure and form offer the poet
limitless scope for creative expression. Explore this statement with
reference to at least two poets in your study.

A famous poet once said that the essential ingredient in poetry is

precision. With reference to the works of at least two poets you
have studied discuss how effectively diction, whether precise or not,
is used.

The choice and nature of the speaker (or persona) may be of

crucial importance to a poem. How far and in what ways do you
find this true in works by at least two poets you have studied?