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English

1st Additional Language

Paper 1, 2 and 3

Spring School 2011

3rd 7 th OctoberLearners Guide


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English (FAL) Exam Revision Learner s Guide Spring School October 2011

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Contents

Introduction ............................................................................................. 3

Programme Outline ................................................................................. 4

Broadcast Schedules .............................................................................. 5

ENGLISH FOR THE EXAMS .................................................................. 6

Preparing for the English Examination Papers. ....................................... 9

EXAM OVERVIEW FOR ENGLISH PAPER 1: LANGUAGE ................. 11

TIPS FOR ENGLISH PAPER 1: LANGUAGE ....................................... 11

EXAM OVERVIEW FOR ENGLISH PAPER 2: LITERATURE .............. 17

TIPS FOR ENGLISH PAPER 2: LITERATURE ..................................... 17

OVERVIEW FOR ENGLISH PAPER 3: CREATIVE WRITING ............. 29

TIPS FOR ENGLISH PAPER 3: CREATIVE WRITING ......................... 29


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Introduction

Have you heard about Mindset? Mindset Network, a South African non-profitorganisation, was founded in 2002. We develop and distribute quality andcontextually relevant educational resources for use in the schooling, health andvocational sectors. We distribute our materials through various technology platformslike TV broadcasts, the Internet (www.mindset.co.za/learn ) and on DVDs. Thematerials are made available in video, print and in computer-based multimediaformats.

At Mindset we are committed to innovation. In the last two years, we successfully rana series of broadcast events leading up to and in support of the NSC examinations

Now we are proud to announce our 2011 edition of Matric Exam Revision, which

began with our Winter School in July. We ve expanded the broadcast to support youin seven subjects - Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, MathematicalLiteracy, English 1 st Additional Language, Accounting and Geography.

During our Spring School, you will get exam overviews, study tips on each of thetopics we cover, detailed solutions to selected questions from previous examinationpapers, short question and answer sessions so you can check you are on track andlive phone in programmes so you can work through more exam questions with anexperienced teacher.

Getting the most from Spring School

Before you watch the broadcast of a topic, read through the questions for the topicand try to answer them without looking up the solutions. If you get stuck and can tcomplete the answer don t panic. Make a note of any questions you have. Whenwatching the Topic session, compare the approach you took to what the teacherdoes. Don t just copy the answers down but take note of the method used.

Make sure you keep this booklet for after Spring School. You can re-do the examquestions you did not get totally correct and mark your own work by looking up thesolutions at the back of the booklet.

Remember that exam preparation also requires motivation and discipline, so try tostay positive, even when the work appears to be difficult. Every little bit of studying,revision and exam practice will pay off. You may benefit from working with a friend ora small study group, as long as everyone is as committed as you are. Mindsetbelieves that the 2011 Spring School programme will help you achieve the resultsyou want.

If you find Spring School a useful way to revise and prepare for your exams,remember that we will be running Exam School from 15 th October to 22 nd Novemberas well where we will be repeating material from Spring School with additional liveshows. See the full schedule below.
http://www.mindset.co.za/learnhttp://www.mindset.co.za/learnhttp://www.mindset.co.za/learnhttp://www.mindset.co.za/learn


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Programme Outline

The Mindset Winter School is designed to focus on two subjects each day. For eachsubject you will find the following sessions:

Examination OverviewThis is a 15 minute session that gives details of what you can expect in eachexamination paper. Practical guidelines are also given on how to prepare for theday of the exam.

Topics TipsIn this session you will be given a 15 minutes summary of the key ideas you needto know, common errors and study hints to help you prepare for your exams.

Topic SessionAn expert teacher will work through specially selected questions from previousexam papers.

Live Phone-inThis is your chance to ask your own questions. So submit your question to theHelp Desk and we might call you back to help you live on TV. All questions yousubmit will be answered within 48 hours as normal. The Help Desk is availablethrough the following channels.

Web: www.learnxtra.co.za MXit: learnxtrahelpdeskFacebook: www.facebook.com/learnxtra Email: [email protected] Phone: 086 105 8262
http://www.learnxtra.co.za/http://www.learnxtra.co.za/http://www.learnxtra.co.za/http://www.facebook.com/learnxtrahttp://www.facebook.com/learnxtrahttp://www.facebook.com/learnxtramailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.facebook.com/learnxtrahttp://www.learnxtra.co.za/


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Broadcast SchedulesSpring School

Monday 3 rd October

Tuesday 4 th October

Wednesday 5 th October

Thursday 6 th October

Friday 7 th October

09h30 Maths Paper 1:Calculus English FAL: Paper2

Physical SciencesPaper 1: Waves,Sound and Light

Maths Paper 2:Trigonometry Graphs and Solving3D Problems

Physical SciencesPaper 2:Electrochemistry

13h00 Lunch

13h30 Maths Literacy:Shape and Space

Accounting:ManufacturingAccounts

Life Sciences Paper 1:Evolution

Geography:Climatology

Life SciencesPaper 2:EnvironmentalStudies

17h00Maths Paper 1:LinearProgramming

English FAL: Paper3

Physical SciencesPaper 1: Mechanics

Maths Paper 2:Trigonometry Equations andIdentities

Physical SciencesPaper 2: OrganicChemistry

19h00 Maths Literacy:Data Handling Accounting: CashFlow andInterpretingStatements

Life Sciences Paper 1:DNA & RNA

Geography:Geomorphology

Life SciencesPaper 2: LifeProcesses

21h00 Maths Paper 1:Functions English FAL: Paper1

Physical SciencesPaper 1: Electricityand Magnetism

Maths Paper 2: Co-ordinate Geometryand Transformations

Physical SciencesPaper 2: Ratesand ChemicalEquilibrium

23h00 Maths Literacy:Financial Maths

Accounting:FinancialStatements

Life Sciences Paper 1:Genetics Geography: Mapwork

Life SciencesPaper 2:Reproduction

01h00 Broadcast Ends

Exam School Saturday 15 th October : Prelim Review Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life

Sciences, Maths Literacy Wednesday 19 th October : Maths Literacy Paper 2 Thursday 20 th October : Mathematics Paper 2 Friday 21 st October : English FAL Saturday 22 nd October : Prelim Review - Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life

Sciences, Maths Literacy Sunday 23 rd October : Accounting Monday 24 th October : Accounting Tuesday 25 th October : Mathematics Paper 1 Wednesday 26 th October : Maths Literacy Paper 1 Thursday 27 th October : Mathematics Paper 1

Saturday 29 th October : Mathematics Paper 2 Tuesday 8 th November : Physical Sciences Paper 1 Wednesday 9 th November : English FAL Thursday 10 th November : Physical Sciences Paper 1 Saturday 12 th November : Physical Sciences Paper 2 Sunday 13 th November : Physical Sciences Paper 2 Monday 14 th November : English FAL Wednesday 16 th November : Life Sciences Paper 1 Thursday 17 th November : Life Sciences Paper 1 Saturday 19 th November : Life Sciences Paper 2 Sunday 19 th November : Life Sciences Paper 2

Monday 21st

November : Geography Tuesday 22 nd November : Geography


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ENGLISH FOR THE EXAMS

Writing exams can be stressful. However, a great way to help yourself is to simplyunderstand what the examiner is asking of you! So, remember to read theexamination instructions and questions carefully and make sure you have a clear understanding of what is expected of you!

Tip: Look at the mark allocation for every question. The mark allocation often tellsyou how much detail is required and how much time you should spend on aquestion.

Every subject has its own special vocabulary describing terms which you need toknow but there are common terms that are often used in exam questions that arecommon to all subjects. The list below is given to help guide you answer questionscorrectly.

Question: Calculate Example: Calculate the average rainfall for January and the average rainfall

for December. Explanation: You must work out the answer . You can use a calculator but

remember to write down all the steps and don t just give a finalanswer. In some cases you will need to include units ofmeasurement in your final answer. Don t forget the units.

Question: Compare Example: Compare the minimum and maximum hours for Powerlite with the

minimum and maximum hours for Beamer. What do you notice? Explanation: You must give a response in which you examine the specific

differences and similarities between two things or events. Identify thecharacteristics for one thing. In the example above the minimumhours for Powerlite. Then state what is true for the second thingusing the same characteristic. In the example you would write downthe minimum hours for Beamer. Next write down a secondcharacteristic for the first thing and then do the same for the secondobject and so on.

Question: Describe Example: Describe the African Hypothesis . Explanation: You must give a precise account in your own words. Write in full

sentences.

Question: Discuss Example: Discuss the exaggerated features in the picture. (Caricature) Explanation: You are expected to examine and consider the topic of the question

including reasons for and against as well as drawing aconclusion. Write your answer in full sentences.


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Question: Explain Example: Explain by using energy principles, why the kinetic energy at the end

of the ball s motion is less than at the start of its motion.

Explanation: Provide a reason why or how something takes place. You mustprovide an analytical explanation as well as include examples. In thisPhysics example you would need to do a calculation to support youranswer. You should not just do calculations though. In your finalanswer you need to write a concluding sentence. The kinetic energyat the end of the ball s motion is 45 J which is less than the energy ithad at the start (64 J). This is because the ball was moving over arough surface and some kinetic energy was converted into heat dueto friction.

Question: Identify

Example: Identify the organisms that are represented by each of A, B and C. Explanation: You must pick out, find or select the answer.

Question: List Example: List FOUR characteristics that primates and humans have in

common . Explanation: You are required to provide the answer in the form of a list. (No

reasoning or explanation necessary just the word or phrase)

Question: Name Example: Name the effect that is illustrated in experiment 1. Explanation: You must simply name the correct answer but be specific. Be

careful to write down your answer in words. Don t use symbols or abbreviations.

Question: Predict Example: Predict the form that a graph of a variant of whitish coloured

peppered moths would have taken . Explanation: You are expected to answer by stating what they think or expect will

occur.

Question: Quote a sentence Example: Quote a sentence from the passage which proves that Florence

Nightingale did not discriminate against anyone. Explanation: You are required to repeat words from the provided text or passage.

Question: State Example: State ONE reason why apes and humans are referred to as

hominids . Explanation: Write a brief, specific answer that is to the point.


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Question: Substantiate Example: Do boys and girls experience this pressure equally or differently?

Substantiate your answer using the information in the table?

Explanation: You must prove or verify you answers with sufficient and validsupport. Here you need to use the information given in the question.

Question: Suggest Example: Suggest TWO ways of reducing NO(g) in urban areas. Explanation: You are required to propose or offer ideas.

Question: Tabulate Example: Tabulate THREE visible differences from the two skulls shown

above that scientists have used to differentiate between Homosapiens and other primates.

Explanation: You must answer the question in the form of a table. Make sure youfollow the rules for drawing up a table.

Question: Why questions Example: Why are there more accidents involving pedestrians between

5:00pm and 8:00pm? Explanation: This is another way of asking you to explain an event or evidence

presented. You need to write a full sentence giving a reason orreasons for the evidence identified in the question.

Question: Which questions Example: Which drink is more popular? Explanation: A type of comparison question. Make sure you select an answer

based on the evidence presented in the question. Although it wouldbe best to write a full sentence, in some subjects the correct word orphrase would be enough.

Question: Direct questionsExample: Is there solution A better than solution B? Explanation: There are different words used to ask direct questions but for these

types of questions you must answer Yes or No and then explain yourchoice in a full sentence giving reasons for your answers.

Question: Short questions Example: Match the statement in Column A with the word in Column B. Write

down only the number and letter in your answer

Write down only the words, GREATER THAN, EQUAL TO or LESSTHAN.

Explanation: These types of questions are often easy but you must follow theinstructions give n. You will be penalised if you don t follow the

instructions.


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Preparing for the English Examination Papers.

1. Read as much as you can during the year and look closely at the daily news tobe able to know what s going on in our world. The more you read and have agood general knowledge, the better you will do in Comprehension and VisualLiteracy.

2. Study as many cartoons and comic strips as possible during the year and applythe skills you were taught when analysing visual literacy.

3. Study extremely hard for Paper 2(Literature), because a good mark in this paper,could improve your overall English mark. This is only study work and testsknowledge of the content of the literature genres you have studied.

4. Make sure that you understand the examination terminology. You should knowwhat is expected of you when a certain question is being asked: Example: Quotea line .... In this case you should know that you write down the exact words from

the text and put these words in inverted commas. ( ) 5. Read through your poems and short stories/drama/novel again if at all possible.The better you know the content, the better you will do.

6. Test whether you understand the typical exam questions by doing some pastDoE exam papers (1 and 2). The more papers you can use in your revision, themore at ease you will be when you have to write your exams. The type ofquestions asked stays the same every year, and the format of the papers staysthe same.

7. Prepare well in advance for all your papers and subjects. Set up a study time-table according to your final Gr. 12 exam time-table and stick to your studyroster. If you study a small section every day, then you will feel you have

achieved something and you are not as nervous by the time you have to go andwrite your first paper.8. Your study programme should be realistic and should allow you enough time to

study at least 3-4 weeks before the exams.9. Use all notes and resources that you have: notes made in classes, extra notes

given by your teachers, text books, study guides and old exam papers.10. Eat well, sleep enough and exercise during the exam period since it is a very

stressful time.

When you receive your exam paper: Don t panic, because you have prepared well.

You are always given additional reading time before you start writing beforeyou even start reading, take a few deep breaths to calm your nerves.Read through the paper to see what is expected of you. Pay special attention tothe instructions given. For example make sure you start each new question on anew pageTime management is crucial. You have to make sure that you answer all

questions asked in the given time. Make quick notes on your paper to ensurethat you stick to the planning of questions and the times given.You may underline or highlight important instructions or questions in the paperwhile you are reading through it.

It is a good idea always to underline the key words of a question to make sureyou answer it correctly. (Example: Describe/Discuss/Quote etc.)


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When you start answering your paper, it is important to read every questiontwice to make sure you understand what to do. MANY marks are lost becauselearners misunderstand questions and then answer incorrectly.

LOOK at the mark allocation. If a question counts 2 marks, you will have tomention at least two ideas, facts or words. If a question counts more, a longerparagraph is needed. In FAL, questions usually count 1- 3 marks. (Except inpaper 3 if an essay question is answered)When you start writing make sure you number your answers exactly as they arein the questions.Think carefully before you start writing. It is better to write an answer once anddo it correctly than to waste time rewriting answers.DO NOT use correction fluid (Tippex) because you may forget to write in thecorrect answer while you are waiting for the fluid to dry. Rather scratch a wronganswer out lightly with pencil or pen and rewrite the correct answer.Check your work. There is usually enough time to finish Eng. FAL papers and ithelps to go through your answers. You may just pick up a language or spellingerror or realise that you have answered a question incorrectly.

Examination terms for English

TERM EXPLANATIONAccount for Explain whyComment on Give an opinion based on the facts in order to

explain

Compare Point out BOTH the similarities and differencesContrast Point out the differencesDescribe Say what happensDiscuss Give the facts and evaluate or comment on themEvaluate Assess the information in order to reach a

conclusionExplain Give the reason for the meaning ofGive an account of Tell the story ofGive the context of Say who is speaking to whom, when, where, why

and what the results areIllustrate Give examples by referring to actions or wordsMotivate Give reasons forRelate Tell the story of what happensSummarise Give only the main pointsTabulate Make a table or listList Do not use full sentences. Just write down the

words, names etc.Mention Write downName Give the names ofState Write downComplete Fill in the missing words or spaces

Distinguish Write down the differences between


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EXAM OVERVIEW FOR ENGLISH PAPER 1: LANGUAGE

Comprehension30 marks for ComprehensionQuestion 1 & 2

Summary10 Marks for SummaryQuestion 3

Language40 MarksQuestion 4: Visual Literacy 20 Marks

-Cartoon- Advertisement

Question 5:Languague and Editing Skills 20 Marks-Text- Apply language skills to text

TIPS FOR ENGLISH PAPER 1: LANGUAGE

Comprehension1. Comprehension means understanding. Therefore, a comprehension task

tests your understanding of a particular text (passage, extract or article).When answering the questions, you have to show that you understand what thetext means. You must be able to answer the questions from the given passage.Comprehension questions are not like literature questions: you are not supposedto give your own view or interpretation (unless asked). You have to answer insuch a way as to show that you understand the text.

2. Understanding of difficult words: It is impossible for you ever to understand themeanings of ALL the words used in a comprehension passage. It helps to try andfigure out the meaning of a word by looking at the context in which it is used try

to understand what it could mean as used in a specific sentence. Don t just leavea question out, because you do not understand a word.

3. NEVER leave questions unanswered. Always try ! You might just write downsomething that is correct or earns you half of the marks.

4. Look at the heading/title of the passage: it is always a summary of what thepassage is about and a good indication of what you can expect from reading thewhole text.

5. Always make sure that you know what the source of the text is : from whichmagazine or paper the text was taken. It helps to decide whether the tone is

formal (newspaper) or a bit more informal or even humorous (some magazines orLifestyle sections of newspapers).


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6. Typical questions:

Why? explain or give reasonsWhat? identify or explain something; say what it isHow? describe something with regard of the manner or way ithappenedWhen? provide an answer with regard to TIMEWhere? provide an answer with regard to PLACETo what extent? state how much something applies or notQuote write directly from the source and put in inverted commas ( ) Answer in OWN words do not quote! Explain what you understand inyour own English.Give a synonym: give a word meaning the same (If they ask from thepassage, then the word must be taken from the passage. If not, youmay give your own word).Give an antonym: give a word meaning the opposite (See Synonymnotes).

6. Never start an answer with because or coz! Write full sentences whereapplicable or just one word or phrase if asked.

7. Time is a problem to many learners: learners become stressed if they see thattime is running out. Below are a few guidelines that you may follow to help you:

Preview the passage: look at the first sentences in every paragraph

just to have an idea of what the passage will be aboutRead the text quickly with a pencil in the hand and underline lines thatyou think could be importantRead the questions: (look at question words and mark allocation).Read the text very carefully: while doing that, mark possible answers toquestions.Begin answering the questions: mark allocation is very importantbecause it gives you an idea of how much time should be spent on aquestion.

Number correctly!Answer questions EXACTLY as asked: it helps to underline a keyphrase or word in the questions when you read through it. A key wordmight be somethin g like Give a reason for .... When asked: Yes/No; True/False, you have to answer yes/no first andthen give a reason in order to get marks. Yes/No or TRUE/FALSEwithout a reason, won t get you any marks. If asked: FACT or OPINION, firstly say what it is and THEN give areason or motivation 2 marks.Multiple choice questions: write ONLY the number and correct symbolor correct answer. Example: 1B or 2. Bread


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SummaryThe summary question in the exam (Paper 1) can be taken from any sourceand you will be asked to write the summary in point form.

Tips on how to write summaries:1. Read the instructions make sure you know how many words are

expected in your summary and which part of the given passage must yousummarise.

2. Read the passage at least twice with a pencil in hand.3. Highlight or underline the main points or ideas.4. It is usually easier to highlight one main idea per paragraph as a starting

point.5. Write a rough draft in your OWN words: don t look at the passage and try

to write down what you can remember after reading the passage. This isusually a good indication of what is important.

6. Give the summary a title if required.7. Write the rough draft of the summary:

Do not repeat ideasUse your own wordsDo not use quotes or direct speechLeave out all the descriptive words like adjectives and adverbsUse full sentences (although short)

8. Count the number of words used: too few make sure all facts areincluded; too long shorten phrases to words, omit examples and otherextra words.

9. Edit your work: Correct spelling, grammar10. Write the summary out neatly(final draft): put in the word count at the end;include the title in your word count if required (Do not lie about your wordcount)

LanguageHow to approach the Language Section

Based on a text or several short textsQuestions will be on language used in a particular contextYou will not be tested on your knowledge of language terms BUT on your abilityto apply your knowledgeAlways make sure that you know where the text comes from: a dialogue, diaryentry, recipe, a newspaper extract, an advertisement, a book cover and manymoreA visual text (Visual Literacy) will always be included: might be a bar graph, atable, a cartoon, an advertisement or any other picture-based piece ofinformationAlways look at mark allocationGive ONE answer only never write two answers and think the marker willselect the correct one! Markers mark the first answer given.The better your general knowledge and vocabulary, the better you will perform. Ithelps to read newspapers and study cartoons and various advertisementsthroughout the y ear.


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The examiner does not want to trick you, but only to assess how well you canuse everyday English.Study all the notes you have on visual literacy, language and editing, common

errors, dictionary work, punctuation, where and when to use the apostrophe,plurals, passive and active voice, direct and indirect speech, the cloze exerciseand tenses.

Visual Literacy: Cartoons or Comic strip

What do you need to look at when analysing a cartoon or comic strip?

Pay attention to the following:

Body language of characters (How do they use their bodies to convey a

certain message: non-verbal communication)Gestures (Movement of hands)Facial expression (Do they look sad, happy, irritated etc.)Verbal communication (What do the characters say?)Tone (of voice)Setting (What is the background to the pictures)Scale (Is one character bigger than the other?)Stereotypes and Caricatures (See Additional Information, Section C)Speech bubbles (Words of characters)Thought bubbles (Thoughts of characters)FONT size (size of letters in text)

A drawing orsequence of drawingsusually showing ahumorous situation.

Cartoons are mostlyaccompanied by acaption (words)

Cartoonists often try

to convey a politicalmessage by usingcaricature or satire.

Cartoon

A drawing thatexaggerates ordistorts (make biggerand make funny) aperson or a thing tocreate humour or geta message across.

It often serves apolitical purpose or itis used to convey astereotype.

Caricature

A generalised andover-simplifiedpicture of a person orgroup or country.

Stereotypes are oftenbased on people'sprejudice or ideasthat they normallydon't have proof of.

Example: All lawyerstend to be deceitfulor devious.

Stereotype


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Visual Literacy: Advertisement

The goal of advertising is to convince the public to buy a product or support a certain

company or service. It may include flyers, newspaper or magazine ads, SMSmessages, websites and off course the radio.

Clever techniques are used to attract the consumer s attention. In this session weare going to teach you to identify these techniques and target groups. Only if we areaware of techniques used by companies to manipulate us to buy their products, canwe make informed choices about which products to buy.

Different advertising techniques used to attract the buyer/readers attention tothe product

A) Visual Techniques Colourful, romantic or beautiful photos Different fonts (letter types and sizes) and also "funny" letters Exclamation marks Large print Outline diagrams and tables Statistics to impress the buyer Unusual or "funny" layout or planning of Ad Wavy lines and shapes/interesting lines and shapes in Advertisement

B) Linguistic (Language) Techniques Assertions (words that convince people that buying this product will give

them a healthier life, better lifestyle or better image) Funny language - like creating new words Emotive language - that will stir emotions of the reader (like "wonder

product, "scientifically proven", "real", "100% pure", "new", "better", "allnatural", "guaranteed results" etc.)

Interesting headlines or captions Puns (play on words) Repetition of words and ideas Rhetorical questions (grab the reader's attention) Slogans - a typical phrase linked to a product


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Target groups and human desires

The AIDA principle (From: X-Kit, Essential Reference: English, PEARSON)

The AIDA principle says that a good advertisement must have 4 features:

A attention - Advertisement should grab the reader s attention I interest Interest of reader needs to be held long enough to read theadvertisementD desire Advertiser wants reader to have a desire for the productA action Advertiser wants the reader to take action and order or buy the product

Target groups(who is the advertisement aimed

at?) car lovers computer addictsDVD and play station lovershealth conscious peopleenergetic shopperspeople who like travellinggamblers

smokersdrinkerspeople who like partiesmoms with toddlers or babiesMANY more

Human desires to be like other people to have the latest technology to have the latest and most expensivenew products like cars

to be healthy to save money to be a family person to be safe to be protective of one's family to be loved and have friendsMANY more

A

Attention

I

Interest

D

Desire

A

Action


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EXAM OVERVIEW FOR ENGLISH PAPER 2: LITERATURE

There are 4 sections in the Literature Paper:

Section A (Novel)

Section B (Drama)

Section C (Short Stories)

Section D (Poetry)

You must answer TWO questions from TWO different SectionsEach section is worth 35 marks.Paper = 70 marks (2 hours)

HintsThere are choices in each Section. Make sure you select the question you cananswer best.Number your answer exactly as it appears in the question paper.Spend about an hour on each question.

TIPS FOR ENGLISH PAPER 2: LITERATURE

How to prepare for the Literature Paper

If you have enough time it is wise to read your prescribed works by yourself just to refresh your memory on the content of the texts.You have to STUDY for the Literature Paper! Thorough preparation, anyonecan do well in the Literature Section of the exams.Revise and study ALL the notes your teachers have given you. Do not justfocus on the content of the stories. Look at the different characters who arethe main characters and why? Do they develop and grow as characters ornot?Revise the plot (story line): Look at the introduction of the stories, the risingaction, the climax and the conclusion.Revise the background of the different authors.Make sure that you know and understand the different themes of all yourprescribed works.


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TIPS FOR ANSWERING LITERATURE QUESTIONS

1. Contextual Questions

o Remember : The examiners want to see if you know and understand the text you cannot write down your own interpretation of the texts, unless so asked!

o Make sure you understand the question word : it helps to underline the key phrase of question word of a question like discuss or write down.

o Look carefully at the mark allocation to decide how detailed your answer shouldbe. A ONE or TWO mark question has to be less detailed than when a questioncounts 3 or more marks.

o ONE or TWO mark questions as short as possible either a word or a phrase.o THREE marks or more: Remember the following:

Give the answer in your OWN words.

Explain your statement.Substantiate or motivate your answer by either quoting from the text or bygiving a clear reference from the text.Use quotation marks when you are quoting from the text!Give one good point for each mark.

o Try to answer ALL the questions you might write down something that is goodenough to give you a mark.

o Remember: the contextual questions usually refer to the whole book and NOTonly to the passage given in the exam. You have to know what happened in theplay or novel before and after a selected passage.

o Read and re-read the passage before attempting the questions.o Underline the question words in the questions to make sure that you answer whatis asked!o Spell the names of characters and places in the story correctly.o Always check your answers after you have done everything to make sure your

answers are written in good English and that there are no careless spelling errors.o Do NOT start you ans wer with because or cause

2. How to quote

o It helps to learn a few good quotations while you study it gives a goodimpression when used in an answer.

o If you quote, write down directly from the text don t change words!o Put the quote in quotation marks ( ) o Avoid long quotations. Do not quote a paragraph or many sentences.o If you quote a single word or phrase, then the quoted text is put in inverted

commas as part of a longer sentence.o DO NOT quote if you are asked to give an answer in your OWN words.


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3. The Literature Essay

o A literature essay is a response where you have to reason and discuss a topic ortheme from the novel or play. You either have to agree or disagree with astatement or discuss a character.

o The style of the literature essay is formal and NOT written in the first person.o This essay should be planned before writing the final draft.o It helps to use quotes from the text. If you cannot remember a quote correctly,

paraphrase in your own words.o How to write:

Analyse the topic: Underline what is asked and make sure you understand whatthe essay is all about.Plan the essay using a mind map or a format that is easy for you.

Stick to what is asked! You may write a whole page on something that is notasked and then you won t o btain marks.The essay must have an introduction restate or introduce the topic; it shouldhave two to three paragraphs as development and discussion of the topic.Do not retell the story, but focus on what is asked.Keep the style formal.Use quotes but avoid long quotations that may become faulty.Essay must end with a conclusion : round off your essay with a strongstatement or conclusion. Do not just rewrite the question.Read through the essay again to correct spelling and language errors.

o The CONTENT of the essay counts more than the presentation and style ofwriting. The examiner wants to make sure that you have an in-depth knowledge ofthe topic or the novel/play.

o The STYLE of the essay is assessed in terms of structure and planning, language,punctuation and spelling. Good marks will be given for a good introduction andconclusion.

Tips on Section A: The Novel

If writing is not POETRY, it is PROSE. A Novel is an example of PROSE writing.

NOVELS are longer works of PROSE and tell stories either realistic orimaginary.Novels are made up of a series of events that develop as the story is told.Because of the length of the NOVEL, the writer can experiment with differenttechniques and the longer story has many characters and many stories may bedeveloped within one novel.There are many types of NOVELS: Romance Novel, Thriller, Historical Novel,Science Fiction, Westerns (Cowboy stories) and even Fantasy Novels (think ofHarry Potter )

When we study a novel, we look at different aspects of the story.


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Summary of the NOVEL:

May have a largenumber of characters

Main charactersMinor charactersCharacterDevelopment

Main idea of storyContains the messageof the NOVEL

May have a number ofthemes

What happensEvents arranged ina certain way

Story line

WHERE?WHEN?Background ofstory

Setting Plot

CharactersThemes

Narrator

Structure

Ending

First person Second person Third person Persona Writing

Linear Circular Flashbacks Looks into the future

Contains solution of story Open-ended


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Important points to remember!

The Setting:

This is the background of where and when the story takes place.It may be in one time and place or change through the story.The setting is important to understand the theme and the characters.

Plot:This is what happens in the story (sequence of events)Some novels have a lot of action in the story line BUT some are very slowand nothing seems to happen. All the action is then inside the charactershearts and minds.

Theme:This is the main message that the writer wishes to get across to the reader.A novel may have more than one theme.Themes are often linked.Certain characters are linked to certain themes.Common themes are: love, hate, family struggles, politics and socialcomments, childhood memories and justice.

Characters:May have a large number of characters depending on the length of novel. Always one or a few MAJOR (main) characters most important to thedevelopment of the story.

Always a few minor (smaller) characters in a novel linked to the maincharacters.Characters usually develop/change through the story.Round characters: -are characters that grow and develop during the course ofthe novel. What makes them change? 1) Interaction with other characters and2) Things that happen in the plot.Flat characters: - do not really develop or change throughout the novel. Thesecharacters are usually very predictable and they don t really surprise thereader, because you know what they are going to do or how they are going to

react.How do we get to know the characters? 1) Their words 2) What they think andhow they feel 3) What they do and 4) What other characters say about themor how they react to them. Example: Joan was a very brave woman


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Narrator:The writer of the story has to decide how the story will be told and bywhom.narrator)

First person narrator (I/we): One of the characters tells the story and we havephrases like: I drove far to find the deserted house. ( Writer cant alw ays bepresent in ALL actions in story ) Third person narrator: the writer tells the story and refers to each characteras she, he or they. The writer is always present and knows what goeson in every character s life = omniscient author .Persona writing: where the story is told by a first person narrator who reallyexists , like a famous movie star or politician. The person also makescomments about him- or herself.

Structure: (how plot is organized)Linear : Novel develops in order from beginning t o the end.Circular: Novel starts almost at the end of the story, then goes back to thebeginning. The whole story is told until it reaches the end again (conclusion).Flashbacks: Novel moves backwards and forwards in time throughout thebook.Looks into the future: Somewhere in the story, characters may have a lookinto the future by either what they see, dream or wish.

Ending:

Most story lines are built around CONFLICT between two characters or evenamongst many characters. The ending of the story usually is a conclusion of thisconflict and a resolution (solving) of the problem(s).

A story may be open-ended = no proper ending and the reader must decide on itsending

Tips on Section B Drama

The DRAMA genre refers to all kinds of plays. You have to remember that plays arewritten to be acted and not only for reading in class. While reading a play, you shouldalways imagine the play being performed on stage. When studying a drama, wehave to look at factors like lighting, stage directions, costumes, setting and not onlyat the plot, characters and theme.


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Hints: The following questions should be asked when studying a drama:

Who is the playwright (writer) of the play? What is his background?

What is the TITLE of the play? Does the TITLE mean something important inrelation to the play?What is the SETTING of the play where and when does it take place?What is the THEME of the play? (What is it about?)What is the STRUCTURE of the play? (Arrangement of Acts and Scenes)What is the PLOT of the play? (Main events)What kinds of CONFLICT happen in the play?Who are the CHARACTERS in the play? (Characteristics, roles they play,relationships between characters)Your PERSONAL RESPONSE to the play. (How do you feel?)

The structure and form of a play

Prologue:Play may begin with an

introductory speech(sometimes called a

CHORUS in Shakespeareplays)

Plot:Action in story - created

through conflict betweenvarious characters

Subplot: Sometimes there is more

than one story line that onlycomplicate the action

Setting: The place and time where

the story takes place (may bemore than one setting)

Theme:This is what the play is all

about and can be the mainmessage of the play. (Can be

more than one theme)

Acts/Scenes:Play divided into acts whichmay be further divided into

scenes. Some plays haveONE act - one-act play.

Epilogue:Sometimes a speech ends a

play - Epilogue - often in

Shakespeare plays.


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Tragedy, Comedy and Dramatic Irony

Play format

Tragedy Deals with serious and imprtant

subjects Situations of tension and

conflict Action rises to a climax Tragedy comes at the end of

the play with the death of thehero or heroine.

Shakespeare tragedies are goodexamples

Comedy Get different styles of comedy Also sometimes deal with

serious topics, but solutions aremore positive

Often include songs and dances Love and marriage are common

themes Always end with happiness for

the main characters

Dramatic Irony This happens in a play when

the audience knows more aboutwhat is happening than thecharacters.

Audience have a betterunderstanding of the mainevents.

Dialogue: - the conversation between characters andwritten in typical dialogue form.

Stage directions: are written in italics andenclosed in brackets and do the following: tell us HOW the stage should beset; show changes in lighting; give sound cues; give instructions to theactors.

Aside: - another kind of stage direction. When a character sayssomething ONLY so that the audience can hear e.g . Macbeth: [Aside] If chance will have me king .......


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Character development in plays (How do we get to know characters)

Tips on Section C: The Short Story

It is important to read and re-read the prescribed stories. It is only through

repetition that you will be able to do well in the contextual questions, because ithelps you to know the content of the stories thoroughly.Make a summary of each short story where you can include the following:

AuthorBackground and SettingThemesCharactersPlotSymbolsLanguage / Style

An example of a summary of The Deep River by Bessie Head is given on the nextpage.

ActorThe lines the actorssay

Body language -facial expressions and

gestures

The tone of voice

Interactions withother characters

Way in whichcharacters are

grouped on stage


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Themes: 1) The individual vs the group: Individual actions vs the unity of the tribe

2) Gender issues: Looking at the fact that women had no choices and men had to act in a"manly" way

3) Romantic Love: Love that was seen as something only woman can feel

Background and setting: The African Kingdom of Monemapee: a traditional African

village with the normal African rituals and beliefs

Symbols: River is the central symboland the titile of the story -source of life for the tribe

Plot:Told by an omniscient

character( narrator who is"everywhere" and can

experience and commenton all the actions and

thoughts)

Characters: Sebembele: Individual,

faces a problem andchoices

Rankwana: Tries to act asindividual

The Tribe: More importantthan the individuals

Language/Style: Narrated in the style of the

ORAL TRADITION -involves rhythm and

repetition, e.g. "the people"


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Tips on Section D: Poetry

Poetry is usually written in lines and stanzas NOT in sentences and paragraphs.

There are also many different kinds of poetry. If we look at the structure of poetry, weexamine features such as length, pattern of lines, rhyme and the arrangement ofstanzas and verses. Poems are divided into different kinds because of their differentstructures.

Poetic form and formatA poem has lines and stanzas (verses)Does not have to have versesIn FREE VERSE, the poet defines his own form.May use POETIC LICENCE they may use words as theyplease to fit their poem.Enjambment occurs at the end of lines where there is nopunctuation to create a sense of flow and unbroken ideas.

(1) Either Narrative or Lyrical in form.(2) Other forms like ballads, sonnets or odes have also

developed.(3) Narrative = tells story

Ballad = oldest form of narrative poetry, usually about love, death, war and rhythmhas a strong beat, lots of action.Epic = very long narrative poem telling the story of an historical figure or event.

(4) Lyrical poetry : poem with musical or song= Itconveys the personal thoughts and feelings of thespeaker. Most famous poem format is the SONNET.

SONNETS: Always has 14 lines Shakespearean and Italian Sonnet

Shakespearean : 3 quatrains and a rhyming couplet: abab cdcd efef gg Rhyming couplet at end summarizes the theme .

Italian Sonnet: Usually divided into octave (first 8 lines) and sestet (last 6 lines) Definite break in thought and often the octave conveys the problem and the

sestet the solution. Octave- abbaabba( rhyme scheme)

Sestet varies and may have cdecde or cdcdcd or cddcef.Modern poets often combine the two sonnet forms but still use the 14 linesformat.

Rhyme Schemes:Pair Rhyme: aabb ccddAlternate rhyme: abab cdcdEnclosed rhyme: abba cddc

2 rhyming lines = couplet4 rhyming lines = quatrain6 rhyming lines = sestet8 rhyming lines = octave


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Examples:

Pair

The cat sits on the mat aOn somebody s hat aLicking its paw bWith a wide-open jaw b

Alternate:The cat sits on the mat aLicking its paw bOn somebody s hat aWith a wide-open jaw b

Enclosed:The cat sits on the mat aLicking its paw bWith a wide-open jaw bOn somebody s hat a

Remember : Rhyming is about SOUND and NOT spelling e.g. light rhymes with kite spelling different.

How to approach a poetry question

Look at the TITLE of the poem meaning in relation to the poem as a whole. Look at POET s name who is the poet, when did he/she live, what famousthemes does the poet usually write about?Read through poem and try to figure out what the general idea or THEME is.Look at the STRUCTURE of the poem: how is it arranged into lines, stanzas andrhyme scheme?Look at DICTION: Choice of words. Try to understand the meaning of difficultwords by looking at the context in which they are used.Positioning of words and WORD ORDER: sometimes unusual word order is used

to emphasize an idea or theme.Look at Figures of Speech and sound devices (Next Session). What is the TONE of the poem? Ask yourself WHAT FEELING does the poet orspeaker express in the poem.Read questions carefully and look at mark allocation .


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OVERVIEW FOR ENGLISH PAPER 3: CREATIVE WRITING

This Paper carries more marks than Paper 1. If you prepare well for this Exam youcan improve your overall result.

There are four Sections in Paper 3:Section A: Essay 50 Marks

Section B: Longer Transactional Text 30 Marks

Section C: Shorter Text 20 Marks

HintsYou must do one question from each section.

Start each question on a new page.Make sure you number your answer correctly.Plan your answer by drawing a mind map, flow chart or a list of key words. Editand make changes to the plan and then write your final answer out neatly. Put aline through your planning.Remember to proof read your final answer.Manage your time carefully do not spend more than 80 minutes on Section A,40 minutes on Section B and 30 minutes on Section C.Write neatly so that it is easy for the examiner to mark your work

TIPS FOR ENGLISH PAPER 3: CREATIVE WRITING

Hints on writing the EssayPlanning is essential. Make sure that you have an introduction, a middle andan ending.Write in full sentences.Use words that you know how to spell.Make sure your essay has a title and is numbered correctly.You will have a choice of different topics to write on, including photos thatneed to be given a title. Take time to decide which topic you know moreabout. It is best to write on something you have personal experience of. Your

essay must link to the title you have chosenOnce you have selected a topic and done the planning, don t change yourmind.Do not write too much or too little. Do not include the title in your word count.Re-reading and edit your essay. Look for common grammar errors and forspelling.


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Section B: Longer Transactional Text

In this section you need to answer in one of the questions. Examples of questions

may include:DialogueLetterNewspaper ArticleReportReviews

Section C: Shorter Text

In this section you need to answer in one of the questions. Examples of questionsmay include:

AdvertisementInvitationsSMSNotesDirections

Hints for Transactional Texts Make sure you know the structure and format required to answer each of the

questions in this section.For example: Make sure you set out the address correctly in letterEnd a letter correctlyReports and Letters need to be signed

Make your selection based on what you know and have experienced.Plan your response carefullyMake sure the tone of your response is appropriate for the question you haveselected. Think carefully about the audience you are writing for.Be guided by the word count given in the question. Don t write too much or toolittle. Don t waste time counting each word. You should know how many wordsyou usually write on a line. Multiply this number by the number of linesRe-read and edit your final answer.Check for common grammar and spelling errors.