GERT SIBANDE DISTRICT

GRADE 8

2024
ENGLISH BASELINE ASSESSMENT

MARKS: 50
DURATION: 1hour 30 minutes

School Name

Learner’s Name

Class
 2024 GRADE 8 BASELINE ASSESSMENT

English
First Additional Language

BASELINE ASSESSMENT
Grade: 8

JANUARY 2024

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

1. This question paper consists of TWO sections:
 SECTION A: Comprehension (15 marks)
 SECTION B: Language and Editing Skills (15 marks)
 SECTION C: Visual Literacy (10 marks)
 Section D: Summary Writing (10 marks)
2. Read ALL the instructions carefully.
3. Answer ALL the questions.
4. Start EACH section on a NEW page.
5. Rule off after each section.
6. Where there are multiple choice questions, simply write down the letter of your choice.
7. Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this question paper.
8. Leave a line after each answer.
9. Write neatly and legibly.
10. Pay special attention to spelling and grammar.
 2024 GRADE 8 BASELINE ASSESSMENT

SECTION A

QUESTION 1: COMPREHENSION
Technology, Phones and Changes

1. I am not as young as I used to be, and in my life of more than half a century I have seen many
changes and developments: most of these interesting. I can remember the first human heart
transplant, which took place at Groote Schuur in Cape Town; I remember too the first moon
landing and first flight of the space shuttle. Above all though, I remember the excitement of
receiving my first pocket radio and my first electronic calculator.

2. Why was I so much more excited about this simpler technology rather than events making
world history? Well, it was mine – and it was small enough to be taken with me wherever I went.
What I never knew all those years ago, of course, was that those small battery- powered devices
were steps being taken towards the portable gadgets which today affect us more than anything
else: mobile phones, or, as we call them in this country, cell phones.

3. Cell phones are to me quite amazing. When I bought my first one, a Nokia 5110, it felt as if I
had taken a giant leap into the future! The first landline telephone that I had used as a
child had a crank-handle sticking out of its side, and when I wanted to make a call I had to turn
this handle briskly to attract attention of the operator, who would ask to what number I would
like to be connected. My family‟s next phone had a circular dial, which required the caller to
turn it by different amounts six times in order to make a local call; it was possible to place calls
to other towns – or even other countries – by dialling a longer sequence of numbers, but this
was far too expensive for some people. Eventually the telephone exchanges became
electronic, which made push-button key pads possible, and that is what my final landline had.

4. Today I have the latest Huawei, an impressive piece of technology which is not only a phone:
it is a top-quality camera, scientific calculator, a dictionary, an encyclopaedia, a satellite
navigation device, and a method of sending messages instantly and cheaply to anywhere in the
world. Even so, I know that in a decade from now it will be as obsolete as landlines and pocket
radios, since technology just keeps getting better.
Source: Masterminds Magazine, January 2018. Author: A. Bishop

QUESTIONS
1.1 Describe in detail where the first human heart transplant was done. (2)
1.2 For how long has the author been alive? Your answer must be written in words. (2)
1.3 Explain in your own words why the author was more excited about getting an electronic calculator than abou
1.4 Forty years ago, most South Africans could not afford to make long-distance calls.
Is the above statement true or false, support your answer by quoting

from the text?

(1) 1.5 Compare

the author‟s landline with his Huawei cell phone.
1.5.1 Give two differences between them. (2)

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 2024 GRADE 8 BASELINE ASSESSMENT

1.5.2 Identify two similarities between them. (2)

1.6 Which of the following statements is false according to the passage, justify your answer? (1)
a.The first cell phone ever made is Nokia 5110.
b.Cell phones do not require circular dials.
c.Cell phone technology is improving rapidly.

1.7 “…I know that in a decade from

now it will be obsolete as landlines
and pocket radios …” Do you agree
with author‟s statement? Give a
reason for your answer.

(2)

15 marks
SECTION B
QUESTION 2: LANGUAGE AND EDITING SKILLS
2.1 Rewrite the words in brackets so
that the language error is corrected in
each sentence. Write down only the
word.

2.1.1 We all (has) to have cell

phones nowadays.
(1) 2.1.2 I hate inconsiderate
people (which) litter in the streets.
(1) 2.1.3 She is an amazing person
who has been a true (friends) to
me. (1) 2.1.4 Ouch!
I‟ve just gone and hurt (me) by
whacking my thumb with a
hammer. (1) 2.2 Rewrite the
following sentence in plural form.

A local woman is preparing for an

event in Bloemfontein.
(3) 2.3 He sometimes plays soccer
for the club in Mangaung.
2.3.1 Rewrite the sentence in future tense. (1)
2.3.2 Rewrite the same sentence in past tense. (1)

2.4 Palesa was reluctant to attend

the party. Give a synonym for the

word “reluctant”. (1) 2.5 Rewrite

the following sentence in passive

voice.

The two terrified children

from Kimberly found an

incredibly enormous snake

in the school‟s parking lot.
2.6 Rewrite the following sentence in
reported speech.
“I really have to leave now,” said the man
quietly
Begin your answer with: The man said …… (3)
(15 marks)

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 2024 GRADE 8 BASELINE ASSESSMENT

SECTION C: Question 3
Visual literacy: Corona Time!

Study the cartoon bellow from the cartoon strip Madam and Eve and answer the question that
follow:

TEXT B

3.1 Identify the setting of the cartoon. (1) 3.2

Explain what the men in the cartoon is doing and why. (2) 3.3

Discuss how the clothes the man wears contribute to the

humor in the cartoon. (2)

How do the two women in the cartoon feel? Refer to facial expression? (2)

3.5 State how we know that this cartoon is about the corona pandemic.

(1) 3.6 How do you know feel about the limited sale of take-aways?

(2)

Marks = 10

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 2024 GRADE 8 BASELINE ASSESSMENT

SECTION D:

QUESTION 4 : SUMMARY
Read text C below and list seven benefits of disclosing that you are HIV positive.

Instructions

1. Your summary must be written in point form.

2. List SEVEN points in full sentence using NO MORE than 50-60 words.
3. Number your sentences from 1 to 7.
4 Write only ONE point per sentence.
5. Use your OWN words.
6. Indicate the number of words you have used in brackets at the end of your summary.
TEXT C

Should you disclose that you are HIV-positive?

„Disclosing your status enables you to receive emotional, medical and practical
help to deal with the challenges of living with HIV. But disclosing is never
compulsory - it‟s a choice,‟‟ says Sue.

Sue adds disclosing your status has many implications, so don‟t take that step
until you feel ready to face people‟s reactions.

Never feel pressurized to disclose. It is your right to keep your status to yourself if
that is what‟s makes you comfortable,‟‟ she says.

HIV Aids counsellor, Innie Mokoena says there are benefits to disclosing your
status. Disclosure removes the load of keeping a secrete and helps the person to
accepts his/her status,‟‟ she says.

Innie adds that discloser means that the person has access to medical care and
support that they may need. Sharing your status also helps protect those around
you as you will be able to influence them to avoid infection,‟‟ she adds.

TOTAL SECTION D: 10

GRAND TOTAL: 50 Marks

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