Question 1: Identify two poetic devices used in this extract and explain their effect.

Answer: Possible devices include imagery and metaphor; their effects evoke emotional response and illustrate the theme of silent suffering.

Question 2: What is the significance of the recurring wave imagery in the poem?

Answer: It symbolises the persistent, overwhelming nature of despair and the indifference of the world to silent suffering.

Question 3: Describe the tone of the poem and support your answer with two quotations.

Answer: The tone is melancholic and reflective; examples include 'Nobody heard him' and 'His voice a faint whisper in the wind.'

Question 4: How does the structure of the poem contribute to its overall impact?

Answer: The free verse and lack of a fixed rhyme scheme mirror the fluidity of water and the uncontrollable nature of despair.

Question 5: Explain the meaning of the title 'Not Waving but Drowning'.

Answer: It suggests that the person was not attempting to signal for help (waving), but was actually drowning silently, highlighting themes of misunderstood suffering.

Question 6: Identify and explain a metaphor in the extract.

Answer: The 'shadow cast by his own silent depths' is a metaphor for the internal emotional darkness that isolates him.

Question 7: Discuss how the poem portrays mental health issues.

Answer: Students should explore how the poem depicts the internal struggle and invisibility of mental health problems, using imagery and tone to communicate feelings of loneliness and misunderstanding.

Question 8: Select a line you find particularly powerful and explain why.

Answer: Responses will vary; a typical example is 'His voice a faint whisper in the wind,' which powerfully conveys silence and neglect.

Question 1: Create a short poem or monologue (20 lines) exploring feelings of isolation or silent distress. Include at least two poetic devices.

Answer: Responses will vary; assess based on use of language, structure, and poetic devices.