LITERATURE COMPONENT - NOVELS 1

LITERATURE COMPONENT: NOVELS

CHARACTERS
&
CHARATERISATIONS
Major/Minor
SETTING
Time/Place/ THEMES
Society

PLOT
Understanding
Event(s)/
Literary MORAL VALUES/
Part(s) of the Elements LESSONS LEARNT
story/Episode/
NOVELS
Incident/Scene

SMART TIPS
1. Read and understand the novel well.
2. There will only be ONE question tested on the novel. You are to choose only ONE
novel. Choose the one you have learnt in Form Five.
Tips: There are 3 novels for 3 different zones. Choose the one taught by your
teacher.
3. The question may require you to:
(a) choose the element(s) based on the question;
(b) provide reasons for your choice(s);
(c) provide textual evidence to support your reasons;
(e) provide a summary of personal responses to the situation in the question.
4. Provide at least 3 reasons for the situation in the question.
5. Provide textual evidence (in the forms of keywords or dialogues) from the novel
plus explanation for every reason provided.
6. Provide a summary of the personal response in the concluding paragraph.
7. There is no specific length in answering personal response for novel question.
However, it is best to organize your answer into 5 paragraphs.
 LITERATURE COMPONENT - NOVELS 2

HOW IS THE PERSONAL RESPONSE MARKED?

Content
Language 15
10 marks
5 marks
marks

TIPS ON WRITING A PERSONAL RESPONSE

Be as detailed as possible. How? Describe as if the examiner knows nothing about the
novel. The flow chart below will give you an idea on how to write a personal response.
Use important
Write in at least 5
Provide a bit of keywords or
paragraphs,
synopsis (if dialogues from the
instead of only one
necessary) original text as
paragraph
evidence

Neat handwriting
Organize your
(size and
ideas
intelligibility)

ANSWERING THE NOVEL QUESTION

The novel question does not focus on how much evidence you are able to list down.
When answering any novel question, you need to consider these:

Can you relate the

Are you answering Is your evidence in
question with
the question? detail?
suitable evidence?

Is your answer
Can you respond
organised and
to the question by
well-structured, or
relating it to
is it all over the
yourself?
place?

A STEP BY STEP GUIDE ON WRITING A PERSONAL RESPONSE
Paragraph 1 (Introduction)
Mention the title of the novel and
the author.
Provide a brief synopsis in one or
two sentences.
Repeat the question.
State the main ideas (OPTIONAL –
depending on the question).
Paragraph 4 (Content)
Simple sentence stating the THIRD
main idea (the “cause”).
State situation (S).
Provide textual evidence with
keywords/dialogue from the novel (T).
Provide elaborations (E).
Provide your personal response or your
point of view on the element based on
the question (P).
Last Paragraph (Conclusion)
Conclude your answer by RE-STATING
the main ideas (Paragraph 1,
sentence 4).
Mention about your hopes OR thoughts
(depends on question).
LITERATURE COMPONENT - NOVELS 3
Paragraph 2 (Content)
Simple sentence stating the FIRST main
idea (the “cause”).
State situation (S).
Provide textual evidence with
keywords/dialogue from the novel (T).
Provide elaborations (E).
Provide your personal response or your
point of view on the element based on
the question (P).
Paragraph 3 (Content)
Simple sentence stating the SECOND
main idea (the “cause”).
State situation (S).
Provide textual evidence with
keywords/dialogue from the novel (T).
Provide elaborations (E).
Provide your personal response or your
point of view on the element based on
the question (P).
**You are allowed to answer
the questions using present
tense or past tense. However,
bear in mind you have to be
consistent in using one form
of tense throughout your
response.
 LITERATURE COMPONENT - NOVELS 4

SING TO THE DAWN - SPM MODEL PRACTICE

33. The following are the novels studied in the literature component in the English
Language.
Dear Mr Kilmer – Anne Schraff
Captain Nobody – Dead Pitchford
Sing to the Dawn – Minfong Ho
Choose any one of the novels above and answer the question below.
Based on the novel that you have studied, write about one character that you admire
from the novel you have read. Describe the character briefly and provide reasons for your
choice with close reference to the text.
[15 marks]
Guidelines
 State the novel and the author. Briefly describes the synopsis of the novel.
 State one character that you admire.
 Describe the character and provide textual evidence stating the reasons on why do you
admire the character.
 Elaborate with your views and examples from the text.

SAMPLE ASNWER
Introduction Based on the novel I have learnt in Form 5, Sing to the Dawn by
(Paragraph 1) Minfong Ho, one character who I truly admire is Dawan. The story is
about a village girl, named Dawan, who has won a scholarship that
grants her the chance to further her studies in the city school. Growing
up in a village where gender inequality towards women and girls are
practiced, she has to face the obstacles before she can go to the city as
she does not get the support from her father. Dawan struggles to get the
support from Noi, the head monk and Kwai to convince her father so she
can make her dreams come true. I admire Dawan as she shows
determination and caring yet timid at times.
Content The first reason on why I admire Dawan is because she is a
Ideas determined young girl as she insists to study in the city school, even
(Paragraph 2) though many people including her brother and father disagree with the
idea. Dawan works really hard to convince her father to give her the
permission. In fact, Dawan does not give up on her dream although she
learnt from Noi that the city is a cruel and dangerous place to live in.
Instead, she becomes even more motivated to learn how the whole
system works in order to help her village when she said, “I want to see
for myself”. In addition to that, Dawan also confronts her father during
dinner about letting her go to the city school. However, the father scolds
her by saying that schooling would have been more useful for Kwai, not
Dawan. When Dawan realizes that Noi and her mother will not be able
to help her convince father, she tries to seek eternal support from the
monk. This proves that, Dawan does not easily surrender when facing
challenges. However, Dawan is disappointed when the head monk does
not support her going to the city school only because she is a girl when
the monk said, “You are just a mere girl.”
 LITERATURE COMPONENT - NOVELS 5

(Paragraph 3) Besides, I really look up to Dawan because she is also a caring

person. Even though her brother Kwai can be a little bit selfish, Dawan
still cares a lot about him. For example, when the teacher announces that
she wins the scholarship, Dawan looks for her brother first instead of
taking time to be proud of her achievement. This is because she knows
that he will be disappointed as he wants the scholarship very much. She
offers Kwai her own umbrella when she sees him drenched in rain on the
bridge. She is worried that he would catch a cold. She pleads him to take
the umbrella or at least go home to keep himself dry. This shows that
Dawan is a selfless person because she cares about her brother’s well-
being more than anything else. In fact, she does not even think about her
own ankle injury caused by Kwai himself.
(Paragraph 4) Apart from being determined and caring, Dawan also shows
us that a courageous and brave person can be timid at times.
Dawan is timid as sometimes she lacks the courage to do what she wants.
At the beginning of the novel, Dawan does not have much confidence to
speak in the classroom especially to her teacher. This is because she
thinks that the teacher has high hopes for Kwai only. In fact, she does not
believe in her capability to succeed in examination and life. She only asks
questions during the result day after being persuaded by Kwai. Dawan
is very hesitant when asking questions in the classroom because she
rarely does so. This shows that she is a timid person. Besides, when
Dawan is finally going to leave her village, she is overwhelmed with
emotions. She does not have the heart the leave everything behind to
pursue what is in the city. In fact, she cries her heart out because change
scares her. This shows that Dawan is starting to lose her courage to go
the city school. Fortunately, grandmother told Dawan that if she is this
timid, she will not be able to face all the struggles in the city.
Grandmother’s advice has motivated her again to pursue her dreams.
Closing In a nutshell, I have chosen Dawan as the character who I truly
(Paragraph 5) admire based on the reasons stated above. In real life, we must be
determined and never give up in order to achieve success while not
forgetting to care for our loved ones especially our family. Dawan has
indeed shown some good moral values that can be a good example to
teenagers.
 LITERATURE COMPONENT - NOVELS 6

PRACTICE 1
The following are the novels studied in the literature component in the English
Language.
Dear Mr Kilmer – Anne Schraff
Captain Nobody – Dead Pitchford
Sing to the Dawn – Minfong Ho
Choose any one of the novels above and answer the question below.
Write about an interesting event in the novel you have read. Briefly describe the event
and provide reasons for your choice with close reference to the text.
[15 marks]

PRACTICE 2
The following are the novels studied in the literature component in the English Language.
Dear Mr Kilmer – Anne Schraff
Captain Nobody – Dead Pitchford
Sing to the Dawn – Minfong Ho
Choose any one of the novels above and answer the question below.
Write about one character who shows courage in the novel you have read. Briefly
describe the character and provide reasons for your choice with close reference to the
text.
[15 marks]

PRACTICE 3
The following are the novels studied in the literature component in the English Language.
Dear Mr Kilmer – Anne Schraff
Captain Nobody – Dead Pitchford
Sing to the Dawn – Minfong Ho
Choose any one of the novels above and answer the question below.
Write about one character who faces challenges in life and how he / she deals with the
challenges. Describe the character briefly and provide reasons for your choice with close
reference to the text.
[15 marks]
 LITERATURE COMPONENT - NOVELS 7

DEAR MR KILMER - SPM MODEL PRACTICE

33. The following are the novels studied in the literature component in the English
Language.
Dear Mr Kilmer – Anne Schraff
Captain Nobody – Dead Pitchford
Sing to the Dawn – Minfong Ho
Choose any one of the novels above and answer the question below.
Based on the novel that you have studied, write about a character who is a good role
model and provide reasons for your choice with close reference to the text.
[15 marks]

Guidelines
 State the novel and the author. Briefly describes the synopsis of the novel.
 State a character who is a good role model.
 Describe the character who is a good role model and provide textual evidence on why
you have chosen the character.
 Elaborate with your views and examples from the text.

SAMPLE ASNWER
Introduction Based on the novel I have learnt in Form 5, Dear Mr. Kilmer by
(Paragraph 1) Anne Schraff, Richard Knight is a good role model because he has
many excellent qualities. The one quality that I find most heart-
warming is his desire to understand his family members. The story
is about Richard who has a passion in writing poetry. However, his
family does not approve his passion. Richard struggles to gain his
family’s approval in writing poetry and to support Hannah after her
family’s tavern is vandalised. Richard is the only one who befriends
Hannah Schermer because she is of German descent.
Content Richard is a 15-year-old boy who lives on a farm with his Pa,
Ideas brother Gus and sister Angie. Although they are a family, “he could not
(Paragraph 2) help thinking how little he resembled his Pa or his brother or
sister.” However, it does not deter him from wanting to get closer to
them, especially Pa. He does his part, helping on the farm or giving a
hand to Angie whenever he could. He is tolerant towards Gus even
though his older brother picks on him relentlessly.
(Paragraph 3) At school, Richard demonstrates his strength of character in
dealing with his classmates, especially the bullies, Abner and Harry.
When they challenge Hannah’s patriotism and the Lady Liberty role she
won, Richard stands by her although he is ridiculed by the students. By
signing the card, Richard displays his leadership skills and his
ability to face challenges without fear or favour.
 LITERATURE COMPONENT - NOVELS 8

(Paragraph 4) In his passion for poems, Richard takes the opportunity to write
to Joyce Kilmer, which I think is a bold move. This shows his ambition
to become a better poet by learning from the best. He cultivates a lasting
friendship with Kilmer until his untimely death. Through him, Richard
learns about the war that killed him, about nature, people and, mostly
importantly, why poets “play a very important part in this world.”
Closing In conclusion, I have chosen Richard Knight as a good role model
(Paragraph 5) because Richard is warm, friendly and humble. In his last letter to
Kilmer, Richard writes, “I’m just a farm kid and that I’ve got a lot to
learn. I’m very grateful for all I’ve learned from you already.”

PRACTICE 1

The following are the novels studied in the literature component in the English Language.
Dear Mr Kilmer – Anne Schraff
Captain Nobody – Dead Pitchford
Sing to the Dawn – Minfong Ho
Choose any one of the novels above and answer the question below.
Write about one character in the novel you have read who you think shows courage.
Briefly describe the character and provide reasons for your choice with close reference
to the text.
[15 marks]
PRACTICE 2
The following are the novels studied in the literature component in the English Language.
Dear Mr Kilmer – Anne Schraff
Captain Nobody – Dead Pitchford
Sing to the Dawn – Minfong Ho
Choose any one of the novels above and answer the question below.
Write about write about an important value you like in the novel you have read. Describe
the value briefly and provide reasons for your choice with close reference to the text.
[15 marks]
PRACTICE 3
The following are the novels studied in the literature component in the English Language.
Dear Mr Kilmer – Anne Schraff
Captain Nobody – Dead Pitchford
Sing to the Dawn – Minfong Ho
Choose any one of the novels above and answer the question below.
Write about write about the obstacles one character has to face and he / she deals with
obstacles in the novel. Describe the character and the obstacles briefly and provide
reasons for your choice with close reference to the text.
[15 marks]
 LITERATURE COMPONENT - NOVELS 9

CAPTAIN NOBODY - SPM MODEL PRACTICE

33. The following are the novels studied in the literature component in the English
Language.
Dear Mr Kilmer – Anne Schraff
Captain Nobody – Dead Pitchford
Sing to the Dawn – Minfong Ho
Choose any one of the novels above and answer the question below.
Based on the novel that you have studied, write about one character in the novel who
you think is admirable. Briefly describe the character and give reasons for your choice
with close reference to the text.
[15 marks]
Guidelines
 State the novel and the author. Briefly describes the synopsis of the novel.
 State one character that you think is admirable.
 Describe the character and provide textual evidence stating the reasons on why do you
admire the character.
 Elaborate with your views and examples from the text.
SAMPLE ASNWER
Introduction The novel I have learnt in Form Five is Captain Nobody by Dean
(Paragraph 1) Pitchford. Captain Nobody is about a ten year-old boy named Newton
Newman, known as Newt, who has found his inner other when he first
wears the Captain Nobody costume. He has gone through many
difficulties during his life journey. The character who I think is
admirable is Newton Newman. There are many reasons on why I have
chosen Newt among the others as he is courageous, responsible and
helpful.
Content The first reason on why I find Newt to be admirable is because
Ideas Newt is courageous. There is one time when Cecil asked Newt to help
(Paragraph 2) him to retrieve a big bass drum from the dumpsters. It is hard for Newt
because he is acrophobic which means he has a fear of heights but after
some encouragement from Cecil, he finally climbs up the dumpster and
passes down the drum. In my opinion, for a child who is scared of height
like Newt, it is something impressive to do. This proves that Newt is not
just an ordinary ten year-old kid but is wise and matured. It is a good
deed to do and if I were him, I would definitely do the same thing just to
be a better person.
(Paragraph 3) The second reason on why I believe Newt is an admirable
character is because he is a responsible son. Newt’s mom could not be
distracted while doing two things at once, so he prepares breakfast
every morning for the family. He is also the one who is responsible
enough to wake Chris up the morning of the Big Game. In my opinion,
Newt has shown his maturity and his responsibility by helping his family
to prepare breakfast. To have the youngest member of the family
preparing breakfast is indeed something commendable. I believe that
 LITERATURE COMPONENT - NOVELS 10

Newt should be looked up to as a role model as he portrays the value of

being responsible even when he is the youngest in the family.
(Paragraph 4) The last reason on why I find Newt so admirable is because Newt
is helpful. This is proven when he helps Mr. Clay by walking him to his
home. It happens right after he helps Cecil, when Mr. Clay holds his ankle.
Newt thinks that the person might be a drunkard but he then realizes
that it is Mr. Clay, a locksmith. His mom used to call him whenever she
forgets or loses the keys. Then proudly, Newt offers to walk him to his
house. He even introduces himself as Captain Nobody. In my opinion, we
should help other people especially the people who we know like what
Newt does in the novel.
Closing In a nutshell, Newt is an admirable character. He has displayed
(Paragraph 5) various exemplary good values and does good things to other people. So,
we must follow Newt’s good values and spread the good vibes to others.
These are the reasons on why I choose Newt as a character who is
admirable. We should try to follow the examples shown by Newt.
PRACTICE 1
The following are the novels studied in the literature component in the English
Language.
Dear Mr Kilmer – Anne Schraff
Captain Nobody – Dead Pitchford
Sing to the Dawn – Minfong Ho
Choose any one of the novels above and answer the question below.
Based on the novel that you have studied, choose an event that you find to be
unforgettable. Explain why it is unforgettable to you. Support your answer with close
reference to the text.
[15 marks]
PRACTICE 2
The following are the novels studied in the literature component in the English
Language.
Dear Mr Kilmer – Anne Schraff
Captain Nobody – Dead Pitchford
Sing to the Dawn – Minfong Ho
Choose any one of the novels above and answer the question below.
“Good values bring positive effects.” How far is this true in the novel you have read?
Support your answer with close reference to the text.
[15 marks]
PRACTICE 3
The following are the novels studied in the literature component in the English Language.
Dear Mr Kilmer – Anne Schraff
Captain Nobody – Dead Pitchford
Sing to the Dawn – Minfong Ho
Choose any one of the novels above and answer the question below.
“A brave man is not he who doesn’t feel afraid, but he who conquers fear”. Describe
how this is portrayed by one of the characters and explain how this quality would benefit
you. Support your answer with close reference to the text.