Year 11 – Semester Test

Year 11 – Semester Test January 2008

English Literature

Choose three questions to answer in essay format. (Time 90 minutes)


1) Describe the character of Billy Elliot’s father. How did he react to discovering his son wanted to be a ballet dancer? How did this epiphany change his life? What sacrifices did his father coordinate not only from his immediate family but also from the community? What do you think were the feelings going through his father both at the time of taking Billy to London and ten years later when he saw his son finally take the lead dancer position at the Royal Ballet Company?

2) A lot of critics have said that Lord of the Flies is a true representation of what would happen if a group of boys were to be stranded on a deserted island. Others claim this situation could not exist – describe your feelings regarding this. Give evidence to support your conclusions.

3) Neal Perry in Dead Poet’s Society and Billy Elliot had something in common – both wanted to realize a dream. In one case the father was totally opposed to the idea whilst in the other the father made every sacrifice to ensure his son’s dream would be realized. Give supporting evidence to critically describe both situations.

4) In the story of KES, Billy Casper came from a working class, one parent family in Northern England. In Billy Elliot the same was true, however there were fundamental differences between each family situation and the aspirations of both Billy’s. Giving evidence from each story describe the similarities and differences between the two families and each boys struggle.

5) Dead Poet’s Society, KES, Billy Elliot and Lord of the Flies are all literature / movies that deal with children and teenagers. Each is written from an adults perspective. Taking note of your own teenage experiences critique each movie in no more than 200 words EACH based on how it captured life as a teenager.

6) Using Billy Elliot and KES give a detailed description of daily life in Northern England in the 1970’s. Draw from the movies information about the housing, working conditions, economic standards, school and family life as well as political undercurrents to frame your account.