1. By the writing of short themes on subjects chosen by themselves within limits set by the examination paper, to prove (a) their ability to spell, capitalize, and punctuate, and (b) their mastery of the elementary principles of composition, including paragraphing and sentence structure.
2. To give evidence of intelligent acquaintance with three plays of Shakespeare—one comedy, one history, and one tragedy—The Merchant of Venice, Henry V, and Macbeth being especially recommended.
3. To exhibit a fair knowledge of the history of English literature and of the names of the most prominent authors, and of the names of their principal works.
The general character and scope of the examination are indicated by the following:
1. In a few paragraphs (about 250 words) tell the most important facts about the life and works of any one of the following authors: Robert Burns, John Milton, John Keats, Edgar Allan Poe, Alfred Tennyson, Charles Dickens.
2. In a paragraph (about 250 words) discuss the Victorian period in English literature, paying attention to the following points: (a) the characteristics of the literature, (b) the chief writers, both in prose and poetry.
3. In a few paragraphs (about 250 words) discuss the Puritan period in English literature, telling what is meant by the term, the object and results of the Puritan movement, the chief writers with their works, and the main characteristics of the literature.
4. Elective question (may be chosen in place of either 2 or 3). Write a few paragraphs (250 words) on the characteristics and importance of the works of the Concord writers, Emerson, Hawthorne, and Thoreau, mentioning the chief works of each.
5. Write two compositions of about 200 words each selecting your subjects from the following list: (a) The story of the chase. (Lady of the Lake—Scott.) (b) Silas Marner’s Early Life. (Silas Marner—George Eliot.) (c) The Story of Jessica. (Merchant of Venice—Shakespeare.) (d) The Character of Brutus. (Julius Caesar—Shakespeare.) (e) The Story of Ida and the Prince. (The Princess—Tennyson.) (f) The Trial of Rebecca. (Ivanhoe—Scott.) (g) The Murder of Duncan. (Macbeth—Shakespeare.) (h) Character Sketch of the Ancient Mariner. (The Ancient Mariner—Coleridge.) (i) Threshing Day on a Western Farm. (j) The Village Drug Store. (k) Along the Wharves in a Seaport Town. (l) An Irrigated Farm. (m) A Cotton Mill. (n) An Accident.