Prose Non-Fiction

Higher Past Paper Questions: Prose Non-fiction

2012

9. Choose a non- fiction text which you consider to be a successful blend of narration and observation.

Show how the writer successfully blends narration and observation and discuss how this blend contributes to

10. Choose a non –fiction text the conclusion of which you think is particularly effective.

Explain why you found the conclusion to be so effective.

11. Choose a non-fiction text which engages you not only intellectually but also emotionally.

Show how the writer successfully engages both your mind and emotions.

2011

9. Choose a non-fiction text in which the writer expresses outrage or shock about an issue which you feel is important.

Show how the writer conveys the emotion and discuss to what extent this emotional approach enhances your understanding of the issue.

10. Choose a biography or autobiography in which the writer brings more than one key incident vividly to life.

Show how the writer brings the incidents vividly to life and explain how they contribute to your overall understanding of the person involved.

11. Choose a non-fiction text whose tone is either very optimistic or very pessimistic.

Show how the tone is created and discuss to what extent it is effective in developing the theme of the text.

2010

9. Choose a work of biography or of autobiography which describes triumph over adversity or triumph over misfortune.

Show how the writer’s presentation of events and details in the subject’s life leads you to an appreciation of her or his eventual success.

10. Choose a non-fiction text in which the writer’s use of structure makes a significant impact.

Describe the important structural features of the text and show how these enhance the impact of the writer’s message.

11. Choose a non-fiction text in which vivid description is an important feature.

Discuss in detail how the vivid description is created and go on to explain how it contributes to your appreciation of the text as a whole.

2009

9. Choose an essay or a piece of journalism in which you feel that the writer’s style is a key factor in developing a persuasive argument.

Show how the writer’s presentation of the argument is made persuasive by his or her use of techniques of non-fiction.

10. Choose a full-length work of biography or of autobiography in which the writer presents the life of her or his subject in a positive light.

Show how the writer’s style and skilful selection of material contribute to this positive portrayal.

11. Choose a non-fiction text which exploits the humour of particular situations and/or incidents.

Show how the writer’s use of humour creates interest in the subject matter.

2008

9. Choose a non-fiction text which you consider inspiring or provocative.

Explain how the writer’s presentation of his/her subject has such an impact on you.

10. Choose a piece of travel writing which offers surprising or amusing insights into a particular country or culture.

Explain briefly what you learn about the country or culture and in greater detail discuss the techniques the writer uses to surprise or amuse you.

11. Choose a non-fiction text in which you consider the writer’s stance on a particular issue to be ambiguous.

Show how the writer’s presentation of this issue illustrates the ambiguity of her/his stance.

2007

9. Choose a work of non-fiction which deals with travel or exploration or discovery.

Discuss to what extent the presentation of the text reveals as much about the writer’s personality and/or views as it does about the subject matter.

10. Choose a biography or autobiography in which the life of the subject is presented in an effective and engaging way.

Show how the writer uses techniques of non-fiction to achieve this

.

11. Choose an essay or piece of journalism which appeals to you because it is both informative and passionate.

Explain what you learned about the topic and discuss how the writer’s presentation conveys his/her passion.