Hey Chantal!
I think your teacher may have gotten mixed up, as
The Poisonwood Bible hasn't ever been on VCE or HSC text lists. It is studied in South Australia (SACE) but their exams are structured differently so that probably isn't much use.
(I assume you're doing this text for Literature, since that's what QCAA has it listed under, but correct me if I'm wrong! The below advice is assuming you're looking for Literature-style exam questions. If you just need some general analysis guidance, the
litcharts site might be helpful!)
Your best bet is probably to write some questions yourself, which might sound silly, but it's actually a fantastic way to think critically about the text and put yourself in the shoes of the assessors.
The QCE Literature exam questions are all about the
structural features of the texts; the two sample prompts are:
- Analyse Kingsolver’s representation of mid–twentieth century Congo and its influence on one of the novel’s characters.
- Discuss ways that Kingsolver’s use of multiple narrators invites the reader to view the character of Orleanna.
Generally they seem to focus on things like setting, narrative POV, or the representation of certain ideas/places. So all you need to do is make a list of these sorts of things in the text, and then turn them into essay prompts. For example:
- Discuss how Kingsolver represents the fallacies of imperialism as seen by the characters in the novel.
- Analyse Kingsolver's use of symbolism in inviting readers to understand the Congo.
- Discuss ways that Kingsolver's narrative structure affects readers' interpretations of the Price family.
These are only based on the sample exam, so the structure and nature of the questions might be different on the actual paper (I'd hope not, but who knows! Maybe check with your teacher? But if they're not sure either, don't worry - everyone's in the same boat!)
Either way, this should hopefully help give you a foundation so you can start constructing plans, practice paragraphs, or full essays. And then no matter what the exam prompt looks like, you will have had some super valuable practice in analysing parts of the text
Hope that helps!