Observation

Many candidates attempted this question but some could not write much on the importance of the conch to the group.

The following points were expected from the candidates:

• The shell, first sighted in the river by Ralph and immediately recognized by Piggy as a conch is effectively used at different times and for different purposes.
• The resonance of the conch summons the boys onto the beach. They begin to emerge from the bush one after the other to answer the clarion call for the much needed assembly.
• The conch is effectively used in the democratic process that produces the leadership among the boys.
• As Jack’s ambitious and rebellious nature comes to the fore, the authority of the conch diminishes. Jack leads the boys to walk out on Ralph and Piggy without any regard for the conch during the meeting on the issue of rescue.