John Donne - Ordinary Level - Class Test

This resource is a “Weekly Test” for the study of John Donne’s poems, specifically focusing on “Go and Catch a Falling Star” and “The Flea.” It is designed for students, particularly those preparing for Irish Leaving Certificate at Ordinary Level. The test consists of a series of structured questions that encourage critical thinking and analysis of these two poems.

For “Go and Catch a Falling Star,” students are asked to describe the fantastical elements in the poem and analyze their symbolism. They also explore the speaker’s attitude towards love and relationships, the significance of a repeated line, and the speaker’s view of honesty in women.

For “The Flea,” students examine the central metaphor and how it is used for persuasion, the symbolism of the flea in the lovers’ relationship, the speaker’s feelings about physical intimacy, and the significance of a specific line. Additionally, they are prompted to share their impression of the speaker based on their reading of the poem.

The test provides a total score out of 60 and includes space for a parent’s signature, indicating its suitability for classroom use or as a practice resource for students preparing for their exams.