No Problem by Benjamin Zephaniah Read the poem

‘No Problem’ by Benjamin Zephaniah Read the poem ‘No Problem’ by Benjamin Zephaniah here. After you have read the poem answer the following questions: n. What is this poem about? n. Who is speaking in the poem? n. What experiences of schooling are described by the narrator? ? n. What attitudes or stereotypes do you think the narrator confronts in the poem? 1

‘No Problem’ by Benjamin Zephaniah Identify the following features in the poem: n Personal pronouns Dialect. n Metaphors n Caribbean dialect n Repetition Why do you think these have been used and what do they suggest? Select three words from the poem that you think sums up its message. 2

‘No Problem’ by Benjamin Zephaniah Write a set of stage directions, explaining to an actor how you think this poem should be read out. Think about: n which words or phrases should be emphasised where there should be pauses n where it should be quiet or loud n the tone in which it should be read. Now try reading the poem aloud, using your own suggestions. 3

‘No Problem’ by Benjamin Zephaniah Answer the following essay-style question: How does the writer use language to show he feels about racism and discrimination? Write about at least three of the language techniques which highlight the writer’s feelings and explain why and how they are used. 4