Observation

A good number of the candidates attempted this question. Candidates had poor knowledge of the poem. Hence, their vague responses.

Candidates were expected to discuss the following points:

• Elements of nature in the form of ice-snow storms and birches.

• The effect of the elements on the birches and the ability of the birches to bounce back.

• The poet sees climbing birches as a source of childhood play.

• His regard for nature represented by birches as life sustaining in times of trouble.

Candidates' performance was poor.