Suggested Sources for the Text

Suggested sources for the text:

Heaney, S. 1966. “Churning Day” inDeath of a Naturalist. London, UK. Faber and Faber.

Hemingway, E. 1987.The Complete Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway: The Finca Vigia Edition. (Eds. Simon & Schuster). New York, USA. Scribner Paperback Fiction.

Moderator’s comments

Individual oral commentary

The individual oral commentary is on “Churning Day” by Seamus Heaney.

Guiding questions

• Comment on the significance of the title of this poem.
• How effectively does Heaney use imagery to convey meaning in this poem?

The student initially does not place the poem or the poet’s work within a context but eventually does succeed in doing so as he proceeds with the commentary. He is also quite adept and assured when answering questions. He engages successfully and sensitively with the imagery and meaning conveyed in the poem. The structure of the commentary is carefully laid out at the very outset, though not always successfully maintained.

Discussion

The discussion that follows the individual oral commentary is based on Hemingway’s short fiction.

The discussion on Hemingway demonstrates a good knowledge and understanding of the writer’s work and specific stories. The analysis is for the most part relevant and intelligent, though there are some unusual comments that are not explained adequately.

Criterion A: Knowledge and understanding of the poem

The student has a good knowledge and understanding of the poem. He demonstrates this through an exploration of the writer’s approach to his subject matter, from which he develops an interpretation of the poem that is closely focused on well-chosen references.

Criterion B: Appreciation of the writer’s choices

On balance, the student shows adequate appreciation of the writer’s choices, although his appreciation is somewhat uneven. He pays close attention to the use of imagery in the poem, but gives little attention to other techniques, or to the structure of the poem.

Criterion C: Organization and presentation of the commentary

The structure of the commentary is carefully laid out at the very outset, although it is not always successfully maintained.

Criterion D: Knowledge and understanding of the work used in the discussion

The discussion on Hemingway demonstrates an adequate knowledge and understanding of the writer’s work and specific stories.

Criterion E: Response to the discussion questions

The analysis is for the most part relevant and perceptive although some comments are not explained adequately.

Criterion F: Language

The student uses clear and appropriate language, and his grammar and sentence structure show a good degree of accuracy. Register and style are effective and appropriate despite some hesitation and repetition.