Observation

The overall performance in this question was poor. Most candidates wrote melodies which were meaningless (without form and structure). Some neglected the time signature and wrote notes less or more than necessary in the bars. Many candidates did not show evidence of modulation to the relative minor as required. A few who modulated indicated no understanding of how to modulate and almost all candidates failed to show any phrasing in the melody. These wrong responses made the candidates to lose substantial marks. 
            OR

1. Set the text below to a suitable melody. Indicate the tempo, phrasing and dynamics marks. Credit will be given for originality of the composition and proper alignment of texts to the notes.

A fair little boy sat under a tree,
Sewing as his eyes could see;
Them smoothened his work, and folded it right,
And said, “Dear work, good night!”
A few candidates who attempted the question were unable to set the given texts to a suitable melody.  Some candidates assigned two or more syllables to a single pitch, while some set the text without recognising their importance in the melody. Important texts were inappropriately placed on weak beats. These led to poor performance in the question.

1. TWO PART WRITING

Add an independent flowing bass part below the given melody.

Candidates performed poorly in this question. They failed to show independence in melodic curves as well as melodic interest, contrasting rhythm/contour, harmonic interest, final cadence could not be spelt out and copying, phrasing and alignment were poor. These led to poor performance in the question.

1. FOUR PART HARMONY

Harmonize the melody below by adding alto, tenor and bass parts.

Candidates’ performance in this part was also very poor. Most candidates showed poor understanding in the harmonic interest (progression), final cadential progression, phrase marks and alignment were poorly done. Candidates who were unable to do this lost enormous marks.