Subject: English First Additional Language (FAL) Grade: 12 (Matric) Focus: Advanced Language Structures, Literature Analysis, and Formal Writing
Introduction
Grade 12 English FAL is the final test of your language ability. You need to demonstrate that you can not only understand English but use it persuasively and accurately in academic and real-world contexts.
This guide breaks down the curriculum based on the Examination Guidelines, showing you exactly where the marks are hidden.
Paper 1: Language in Context (80 Marks)
This paper tests your ability to understand and analyze texts.
1. Comprehension (30 Marks)
This is usually a magazine article or newspaper report.
- Technique: Read the questions first. This tells you what to scan for.
- Own Words: When a question asks “in your own words”, do NOT quote. Rewrite the idea simply.
- Mark Allocation: If a question is worth 2 marks, you need a Fact + Reason.
2. Summary (10 Marks)
You will be asked to summarize a text into 7 points.
- Format: Number your points 1-7.
- Word Count: Keep it under 70 words.
- Draft: Write a rough draft first, then edit it down to the word limit.
3. Language Structures & Conventions (40 Marks)
This section tests your grammar rules.
- Visual Literacy: Analyzing cartoons (irony, body language) and advertisements (target audience, AIDA principle).
- Grammar Rules:
- Passive Voice: Object becomes Subject (“The dog bit the boy” -> “The boy was bitten by the dog”).
- Reported Speech: “I am tired” -> He said that he was tired. (Change pronouns and tense back one step).
- Concord: “The group of boys is playing” (Singular subject ‘group’ takes singular verb ‘is’).
Paper 2: Literature (70 Marks)
You need to know your setworks inside out. You will answer questions on a Novel, Drama, Short Stories, or Poetry.
1. The Literature Essay (Novel/Drama)
This is a long essay (250 words) on a theme or character.
- Structure: Introduction (Thesis), Body (PEEL: Point, Evidence/Quote, Explanation, Link), Conclusion.
- Quotes: You must memorize key quotes to support your argument. “As Othello said…”
2. Contextual Questions
These are short questions based on an extract from the book.
- Place the Extract: Know exactly where in the story this scene happens (Beginning, Climax, Resolution).
- Character Motives: Why did the character say that? What were they feeling?
3. Poetry
You will be tested on “Seen” poems (ones you studied) and one “Unseen” poem.
- Figures of Speech: Metaphor, Simile, Personification, Alliteration.
- Tone & Mood: Is the poem sad, angry, joyful? How do the words create that feeling?
Paper 3: Writing (100 Marks)
This paper is where you can score high marks if you follow the format.
1. Essay Writing (50 Marks)
- Narrative: Telling a story (Intro, Complication, Climax, Resolution).
- Descriptive: Painting a picture with words (Adjectives, 5 Senses).
- Discursive: Discussing both sides of an issue objectively.
2. Longer Transactional Texts (30 Marks)
- Formal Letter: Know the format (Two addresses, Date, Salutation, Subject Line).
- Report: Title, Terms of Reference, Procedure, Findings, Conclusion, Recommendations.
3. Shorter Transactional Texts (20 Marks)
- Diary Entry: “Dear Diary,” emotional and personal.
- Advertisement: Catchy headline, persuasive language.
My Top Tips for Distinction
1. Master the “Editing” Section In Paper 1, Question 5 asks you to correct errors in a text. Practice identifying spelling mistakes, punctuation errors (apostrophes!), and concord errors. This is often the easiest place to gain marks.
2. Learn “Tone” and “Register” Examiners love asking “What is the tone of this passage?”. Learn words like sarcastic, somber, enthusiastic, formal, informal.
3. Planning is Essential for Paper 3 Never start writing an essay without a plan (Mind map). It stops you from rambling and ensures your story has a logical flow. Marks are awarded for planning!
Conclusion
English FAL Grade 12 is about precision. Be precise in your grammar, structure your essays logically, and know your literature quotes.
Good luck with your Matric Finals!