WRITING WORKBOOK

If people cannot write well, they cannot think well,

and if they cannot think well, others will do their thinking for them.

George Orwell

CONTENTS

PAGE

What to expect from Paper 3 EFAL 2

What to expect from Paper 3 EHL 3

Essay writing tips 4

Section A: Narrative Essay 5

Descriptive Essay 6

Example of a Narrative Essay 7

Argumentative / Discursive Essay 8

Visual Essays 9

Section B: Longer Transactional: Letters 11

Formal letters 14

Informal / semi-formal letters 15

Example of letter of complaint 16

Letter to the Editor / Press 17

Letter of application 18

Curriculum Vitae 19

E-mail 20

Obituary 23

Formal report 26

Review 28

Newspaper article 31

Magazine article 31
 Agenda and Minutes of Meeting 33

Speech 37

Dialogue / Interview 39

Section C: EFAL Only 43

Advertisement 43

Invitation Card 45

Flyer 46

Poster 47

Diary Entries 48

Instructions 49

Directions 50

Compiled by CE Swart - Lejweleputswa

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PAPER 3
EXAM GUIDELINES:

TIPS:
PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU WRITE ALL THREE PIECES FOR MAXIMUM
MARKS!
DO NOT WRITE SOMETHING YOU ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH!
KEEP AN EYE ON TIME ALLOCATION SUGGESTED PER SECTION.
REMEMBER! PLAGIARISM is a criminal offence!
Plagiarism = copy / lift / piracy / fraud / theft / stealing / thieving / illegal
use of… / breach of copyright!

Please note that I have placed a frame around the writing pieces to separate them from
the document. In your writing paper you will not draw a frame around your writing pieces.

ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE

Answer ONE from Section A and TWO from Section B.

You have 3 hours available.
You are strongly advised to spend your time as follows:

SECTION A: approximately 100 minutes

SECTION B: approximately 80 (2 x 40) minutes

The examiner may NOT prescribe what type of essay a candidate should write on a topic.
Know what the rubric states!

Section A: Essay
Eight topics, of which a minimum of two and a maximum of three should be visual stimuli.

Section B: Transactional Texts

SIX topics will be set from the categories indicated below.
Category A: Set a minimum of ONE and a maximum of
TWO questions from Category A.
Friendly letter/formal letter
(request/application/business/complaint/sympathy/
congratulations/thanks) formal/informal letter to the press/Curriculum
Vitae and covering letter (asked as a combination)/e-mail
Set a minimum of ONE and a maximum
Category B: of THREE questions from Category B.
Formal report/informal report/review/newspaper article/magazine
article/ agenda and minutes of meeting (asked as a combination)
Set a minimum of ONE and a maximum
Category C: of THREE questions from Category C.

Formal speech/informal speech/dialogue/written

interview/obituary
NOTE: Visuals may be used only as supportive material.
ESSAYS – See Page 75-76 English Handbook and Study Guide

This is the length you are allowed to write for an essay. It is the content and does not
include the title. Do not go over the number of words allowed as everything after the
limit will be ignored and not assessed.

EFAL EHL

10 150-200 10 300-350

11 200-250 11 350-400

12 250-300 12 400-450

EXAM AND WRITING TIPS BEFORE WE START

❖ You must have paragraphs! No solid writing!

❖ You must do planning BUT there is no time for a rough draft.
❖ Do a detailed mind map or list or flow chart.
❖ Do not waste time. Do not use a ruler to draw perfect blocks for your mind
map. Use your time on the actual writing.
❖ Edit on your neat work in the same colour ink in which you wrote.
❖ Time management is important. Allocated time is supplied on the instructions
page as well as the total number of words allowed. (Do not go over the
number of words)
❖ Write about what you know.
❖ If you are uncertain about the meaning of word select another topic.
❖ If you select a quote, write about the whole quote i.e. make sure you
understand what it means. A 4-line quote might have one message or more.
❖ Do not simply repeat the title or quote you have selected.
❖ Visuals – there must be a clear link but do not describe what you see in the
picture. You can tell a story and the link to the visual can be at the end of the
essay.
❖ Do not retell a film you have seen or a book you have read.
❖ The marker does not need to know about your drunken parties, sexual
exploits or any other vulgarity. YOU WILL BE MARKED DOWN ON
CONTENT which will affect your Language mark. Content may only be one
column lower than language. Content can be marked right down to
Inadequate in this case.
❖ If your religion is important to you and topical you may write about it but do not
simply quote from the scriptures and/or preach.
❖ Number according to the numbering on the question paper.
❖ Be careful of using words you are not sure of – it could impress or flop.
o Register formal = no contractions / slang
o informal = slang only in direct speech

4
Do you feel as if you struggle to write as well as you can speak?

Try this: Tell a story verbally paragraph by paragraph and then write down what you
have said. In exam conditions you will have to “tell” your story in your head and then
write. Let’s get writing!

SECTION A: NARRATIVE ESSAY

The narrative essay tells a story. It can also be called a “short story”. Generally the
narrative essay is conversational in style, and tells of a personal experience. This
essay could tell of a single, life-shaping event, or simply a mundane daily
experience.
Contains action / something must happen – plot.
It is most commonly written in the first person (I). Can be in 3rd person (he, she, they,
them)
Limit characters
Has a beginning, a middle and an end.
Usually uses past tense.
Present tense used to create sense of immediacy.
Varying lengths of sentences.
May have a moral lesson.

A narrative essay could tell of . . .

❖ my brother’s and my fishing trips
❖ a boring trip to the grocery store
❖ my near-death experience at the beach.

Topic:

My best childhood memory.

Now do the following:
1. Plan your essay – use the “W” question words if you struggle to plan. Below is
an example to assist you.

Who? What happened? Where did it happen?

My sister and I Slipped away to Visit to my Aunt

the roadhouse
She lived close to a
roadhouse

Moral

Don’t be dishonest Childhood When did it happen?

memories I was about 5 years old

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 Conclusion? Why? How?

Daddy caught us We wanted an ice We climbed the fence

cream

Once your planning is done, decide which will be paragraph 1 through to 6, 7 and 8.
2. Now write your introductory paragraph.
3. When you have written the introduction ask yourself: Do you think this
introduction will make anyone curious to know more?

SECTION A: DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY

Paint a picture with words.

The descriptive essay describes people, places, objects, scenes, feelings, processes
etc.

Use SIDES
• Strong verbs
• Imagery
• Detail
• Experience
• Suggestions

Present tense creates a feeling of intimacy.

Use adjectives, adverbs and figures of speech appropriately.
Answer questions how, when, where, why and who?
Make details count.

Examples: A descriptive essay could describe . . .

• a tree in my backyard
• a visit to the children’s ward of a hospital
• a hot fudge sundae

I have included an example essay of a learner who wrote a

Narrative/Descriptive Essay incorporating the following words in the essay:

One minute I was small and cold, skulking dead-scared down a black passage, with
my hollow belly thumping and my heart like a time bomb…

Note that this topic lends itself to a narrative style too.

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 EXAMPLE OF NARRATIVE/DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY
This is an EFAL learner.

(The learners had to write an essay which included the following somewhere in the
essay: “One minute I was small and cold, skulking dead-scared down a black
passage, with my hollow belly thumping and my heart like a time bomb…”)

Rulandé Swart
Grade 11
Extended Writing: Term 1/2005 31 January 2005

One minute I was small and cold, skulking dead-scared down a black passage,
with my hollow belly thumping and my heart like a time bomb…

But wait! Let me start at the beginning!

I was working in the house when suddenly something sucked me in. I found myself
in an unknown realm where nothing was normal; a village where children were
floating around and young people were throwing fireballs at each other in a game
of catch. Creatures like you have never seen before roaming the land; an elf, a
dream sprite and even fairies. This is where I had my first experience of
witchcraft.

An old woman came up to me and asked me to go with her. She said that she was
the only one who would be able to help me with my destiny. She told me that I
was the chosen one and that magic is the art of performing works of wonder or
gaining knowledge through the supernatural. There are two types of magic: black
and white, each having its own purpose. She taught me that white magic is used to
heal and to counteract the effects of black magic, which is used to kill or injure
someone.

Black magic consists of witchcraft, sorcery, and the invocation of demons; white
magic consisted of tolerated forms: astrology, jugglery and slight of hand. She
warned me against the evil magician, Magician of Primal Chaos. He would destroy
me if he ever got the chance. I started to learn spells - all easy at first - but after
about a year she thought I was ready for more advanced spells and she gave me
the Book of Secret Arts.

I had always read about it in stories but never thought it would be real. I worked
hard and did my best for another year and then one day I came face to face with
the dark magician! He looked bigger than I imagined, but I would not let him stop
or destroy me ever. I was standing and then something hit me and the next thing I
remember was… [353 words]

Writers may use Direct Speech in a Narrative but this learner chose to use
Indirect/Reported Speech.

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SECTION A: ARGUMENTATIVE / DISCURSIVE (EXPOSITORY) ESSAY

ARGUMENTATIVE:
Convinces or persuades
Offers a viewpoint/opinion
Formal
Structured
Opinions are logically stated
Draws a conclusion
Write pros and cons of topic
Present both sides of question
Support your argument with examples

DISCURSIVE/ (EXPOSITORY only for enrichment):

Clarifies writer’s ideas
Offers information
Gives pros and cons
Uses arguments to back a viewpoint
Formal and structured
Backs up opinions
Similar to Argumentative but does not require a conclusion – main purpose to
present information and opinions in an interesting way.

Plan and write an essay on the following topic:

Mankind is on the edge.

Since this is creative writing, the interpretation of a topic could be totally out of the
box.

You are supplied with topics, but you decide what path to follow with the topic. Select
a topic that speaks to you. Something you know you will be able to write about
successfully.

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SECTION A: VISUAL ESSAYS

Look at the visuals supplied and then plan and write an essay.
There will be at least TWO visuals in a Paper 3, but a maximum of THREE.
Since this is creative writing, the interpretation of a topic could be totally out of
the box.
You are supplied with topics but you decide what path to follow with the topic.
Select a topic that speaks to you. Something you know you will be able to
write about successfully.
There must be a clear link to the topic even if it is only cleverly revealed in the
last paragraph.
If you are unsure of which topic to select, read through all the topics and then
look at the visuals, close your eyes and relax to ‘see’ which topic ‘speaks’ to
you.
I have included four visual topics.

Plan and write an essay on one of the following visuals:

1.

9
2.

3.

10
4.

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SECTION B – LONGER TRANSACTIONAL WRITING

Do not do a writing piece unless you have practised it.

Candidates will be expected to answer from this Section:

Home Language – TWO

The length of your response must be:

HL

Transactional writing 180-200 words

TIPS:
You have a choice.
If you do not know what a word means, select another topic.
Always cancel planning!
Do a mind map for planning and then write directly from planning.
There is no time for a rough draft.

SECTION B: CATEGORY A
LETTERS
EXERCISE 1

1.1 Write the format / structure of a letter for an informal / friendly letter i.e.
address etc. but no content. (indicate paragraphs with XXX)
1.2 Write the format / structure of a formal / business letter. No content. (indicate
paragraphs with XXX)
1.3 What are the main differences in format between informal and formal letters?
1.4 To whom would you address an Informal letter?
1.5 To whom would you address a Formal letter?

PLEASE! Do not start a letter by saying: I am writing this letter…

Any fool can see it is a letter.
Learners often ask why they need to learn how to write letters.

You will be “judged” on a piece of paper before anyone has met you e.g. a letter of
application for a position in a company. Many companies screen the letters before
they even consider the Curriculum Vitae.

During the Covid-19 pandemic companies have had to address letters of motivation
supplying reasons why they should receive financial assistance.

The power of the pen cannot be emphasised enough.

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Exercise 1 MEMO:

1.1 INFORMAL / FRIENDLY LETTER

NOTE: No punctuation in the address, date,

subject line or salutation and no colon (:) after 23 Mahler Street
Dear…
Riebeeckstad

9469

29 April 2021

Dear Sally

XXX

Introductory paragraph

XXX

Body

XXX
We ‘give’ our love; we do not ‘send’
Conclusion
our love.
XXX

Give my love to Granny and Grampie.

XXX

Yours sincerely

June

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 1.2 FORMAL / BUSINESS LETTER
In formal rather say: The above refers/With reference to the above…

23 Mahler Street

Riebeeckstad

9469

29 April 2021

The Manager

AngloGold

Private Bag X25

Welkom

9660

Sir/Madam

XXX

Application for position

XXX

Introductory paragraph

XXX

Body

XXX

Conclusion

XXX

Yours faithfully

(Signature)

J Peters (Ms)

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1.3 Main differences in format between informal and formal letters

Informal / friendly letters have only the address of the sender AND you end
your letter with your name only. Whoever you are addressing is someone
who knows you. Register will also be informal.

Formal / business letters have two addresses, a Subject Line and specific
endings. If you address the person in a business letter as Mr or Mrs Radebe
you will sign off with Yours sincerely. If you do not have the person’s name
and you address them as Sir/Madam your letter must be signed off: Yours
faithfully.

1.4 To whom would you address an Informal letter?

Usually written to people who are close to the writer e.g. friends, family etc.

1.5 To whom would you address a Formal letter?

Someone you may/may not know personally or by name only. Any business
letter will be formal.

15
FORMAL:

Style:

• Direct, simple English

• Audience should understand what is communicated
• Clear and straightforward
• Concise and to the point
• Logical

Structure:

• All letters must have an introduction, body and conclusion

• Two addresses – writer’s and recipient’s
• A title or subject line follows the salutation = a one-line summary of the letter
and may be underlined e.g. In a letter of complaint about poor service delivery
you could say: Complaint about poor service delivery
• Register – formal
• Conclusion – formal
• Yours faithfully (if I don’t supply a name for addressee)
• Yours sincerely (if I supply a name for addressee)

Issues to avoid:

• Slang and colloquial language

• Contractions, abbreviations and acronyms
• Unsubstantiated accusations, threats that cannot be carried out, emotional
language, sarcasm, clichés.

Names:

• A man does not put Mr before his name.

• Women should indicate how they wish to be addressed in return letters; for
example, it will make it easier for the correspondent if Jane Fellows indicates
that she wishes to be addressed as Ms Jane Fellows by putting Ms in
brackets after her name.

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INFORMAL:

• Mainly written to express an emotion, e.g. congratulate, sympathize, advise,

etc. the recipient.
• Due to the relationship between the writer and the recipient, the language
register and style, among other, differ from those of the formal letter.

Style:

• Simple English
• Writer may elaborate a little on a point, e.g. reminding the recipient of a
shared moment that might have led to the letter being written.
• Number of words restricted, but writer is allowed a little flamboyance.
• Letters are livelier than formal letters.
• Logical and pursue the intended point to the end.

Issues to avoid:

• While the language register is more relaxed than in the formal letter, the
following will have to be avoided:
• Slang and colloquial language
• Contractions, abbreviations and acronyms
• Innovations as used in WhatsApp; and,
• Foul language
• Lose “whereby” from your vocabulary!
• Do not start with: “I am writing this letter…”
The recipient can see that you have written a letter!

We give our regards and do not send regards!

SEMI-FORMAL LETTERS

• Usually written to people you know but it does require your name and
surname e.g. a letter to the Governing Body about discipline or a letter to the
owner of the tuck-shop at school about improvements to be made.
• It may have a subject line.

17
EXERCISE 2:
TOPIC:

You are dissatisfied with poor customer service at a retail clothing shop.
Write a letter to the Manager of the store expressing your discontent.

The length of your response (number of words) is calculated from the content only,
i.e. paragraphs.

TIPS:
* I have already placed the most important information in bold print. Make sure
that you address the topic.
* Do not just complain but say more, maybe suggest a solution to the problem.
* Be polite about it.
* Do not demand!
* This is not about a product.
* What is customer service?
* What then is poor customer service?
* When you have identified the topic accurately you will be able to address it
correctly.

EXAMPLE: LETTER OF COMPLAINT.

3 Mahler Street

Riebeeckstad

9469

5 May 2020

The Manager

Mr Price Goldfields Mall

Private Bag X13

Welkom

9660

XXX

Sir/Madam

XXX

POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE

18
The above refers. I wish to lodge a complaint with you regarding Mr Price in the
Goldfields Mall in Welkom. There is no one to help you when you are looking for
something. The shelves are untidy, some items are damaged and to crown it all,
the specials that are advertised are not available in store.

XXX

It does not matter what time you get to the shop, it is always overcrowded and
there is only one cashier on any given day. The staff members chat to one another
or are on their phones while they serve you. I suggest you ensure that staff
members do not keep their cell phones with them so that they can give your
customers all the attention they need.

XXX

I would appreciate your urgent attention to this problem as it is very unpleasant!

XXX

Yours faithfully

(Signature)

J Fellows (Ms)

(138 words)

19
Please note:
Complaints about poor customer service have been identified and the client has
made some suggestions.
The writer has supplied the examiner with what was asked and more!

LETTER TO THE PRESS / LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

When you have read your letter ask yourself: “If I were the Editor, would I print
this in my newspaper?”

TIPS:
This letter expresses your view.
Never instruct the Editor to solve any problems – that is not the role of the Editor.

BOTH FORMATS ARE ACCEPTABLE:

A. The standard business/formal letter.

B. This is the correct format to use if you do not want all of your information
printed in the newspaper.

A. • Everything in this letter may be printed,

including your name.
• Editors may only publish letters if the 69 Hollow Lane
legitimate name of the writer appears
Glenville
somewhere in the letter.
6578

5 May 2021

The Editor

The Daily Herald

P O Box 2591

Johannesburg

2000

XXX

Sir/Madam

XXX

Subject line

20
Paragraph 1 in which you introduce your topic or comment.

XXX

Body

XXX

Paragraph 4 which includes your conclusion.

XXX

Yours faithfully

J Fellows (Ms)

B.
• Editors may only publish letters if the
The Editor
legitimate name of the writer appears in the
letter, however, with this format everything
The Daily Herald which appears below the solid line may not
be printed.
P O Box 2591
• You are granting the editor permission to
print everything above the line.
Johannesburg

2000

XXX

Sir/Madam

XXX

TOPIC FOR DISCUSSION

XXX

Paragraph 1 in which you introduce your topic or comment.

XXX

Body

XXX • If you use a pseudonym it

should be associated with the
Paragraph 4 which includes your conclusion. topic.
• If you use your real name
XXX here you don’t repeat it below
the line again.

21
 Concerned citizen OR Yours faithfully

J Fellows (Ms)

________________________________________________________________

J Fellows (Ms)

69 Hollow Lane

Glenville

6578

5 May 2021

EXAMPLE OF LETTER OF APPLICATION:

Please note that I have placed a frame around the advertisement and the letter
to separate them from the rest of the document.

TOPIC:

The following advertisement appeared in the Vista on 5 March 2021.

AngloGold is awaiting applications for a Receptionist at their Welkom branch.

Successful candidates must have passed Grade 12, be computer literate as well
as have a strong command in speaking and writing in English.

Preference will be given to candidates who have excelled at English and CAT.

Submit a letter of application to The Manager at AngloGold on or before 16 March

2021.

22
 25 Mahler Street

Riebeeckstad

9469

5 March 2021

The Manager

AngloGold

Private Bag X25

Welkom

9660

XXX

Sir/Madam

XXX

Application for position as Receptionist

The above refers. Kindly receive herewith, my application for the position of
Receptionist in your company. The post was advertised in The Vista of 5 March
2021. Grade 12 √

XXX

I was educated at Riebeeckstad High School where I passed the Senior Certificate
with distinction in English Home Language, Afrikaans First Additional Language,
Mathematical Literacy, Computer Application Technology, Tourism, Consumer
Studies and Life Orientation. Computer literate √

XXX

I have excellent computing skills and have extensive knowledge of a wide variety
of computer programmes. Furthermore, I am fluent in English. I was the captain of
the Debating Team and the school’s number one speaker. I also served as Editor
of our school newspaper. Speaking and writing in English√

XXX

Your advertisement specifies that applicants must have done well in these
subjects.

23
 XXX

Please find enclosed my curriculum vitae, certified copies of recent testimonials

and my certificates.

XXX

If I am fortunate in securing the position, I shall endeavour to give every

satisfaction.

XXX

Yours faithfully
You do not need to add your cell
(Signature) number or email address as you are
attaching a CV.
J Peters (Ms)

(148 words)
Word count = words in paragraphs only.
CURRICULUM VITAE AND COVER LETTER

We have already addressed the cover letter which is also as a letter of application. If
you are requested to do a CV and cover letter this is what you may need to include
in the CV. In essence you will be doing two writing pieces for one question. The word
count will be calculated from the paragraphs in the letter only. Ensure that you do the
complete format.
Please complete the CV in your writing book.
CURRICULUM VITAE OF

PERSONAL DETAILS

Surname :

First names :

Nickname :

Date of birth :

Identity number :

Address :

Contact numbers :

Gender :

Marital status :

Dependants :

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Religion :

Nationality :

Criminal record :

Driver’s Licence :

LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

SPEAK WRITE READ

English Fluent Fluent Fluent

Afrikaans Fluent Fluent Fluent

French Average Average Average

FORMAL QUALIFICATIONS

Secondary education

Name of institution : Riebeeckstad High School

Highest qualification obtained : Grade 12

Year of completion : 2019

Tertiary education

Name of institution :

Highest qualification obtained :

Year of completion :

WORK EXPERIENCE

Name of Company :

Designation :

Responsibilities :

Period employed :

Reason for leaving :

25
 REFEREES

Name : Mr Poggenpoel

Position : Principal

Name of institution : Riebeeckstad High

Contact Number : 057-1213456

Name : Pastor Mokoena

Position : Pastor

Name of institution : Church of God

Contact Number : 057-1234567

E-mail
Emails have the reputation of being informal. The degree of formality depends mostly on
your register. Your choice of register depends on who you are writing to and what you are
writing about.

Use the following tips on structure and style:

• To: (enter email address of the person/company to whom you are writing.) For
example:
o Option 1: Claire Fondant <c.fondant@icing.co.za>
▪ This option indicates that the person is in your address book and you
have probably communicated with them before.
o Option 2: c.fondant@icing.co.za
▪ This option indicates that you have typed the address in and it may
not be in your address book.
o If you are listing more than one recipient then separate their email addresses
with a comma.
• Date: insert day month year
• From: your email address.
• CC: relevant email address. (If you want to send a copy of the email directed to
someone else.)
• BCC: write Undisclosed.
o If you want to send a copy of the email to someone but you do not want the
recipient to see who is receiving a copy.
• Subject: A short and accurate heading which describes what the email is about.
• Skip a line.
• Start your email with Dear ________
o If it is an informal email, you can use the first name of the person.

26
 o If it is about a serious issue and to someone you do not know personally, use
the person’s title and name and surname.

• Introduction:
o Explain who you are and why you are writing.
• Body:
o Provide details of why you are writing.
▪ Use logical connectors if you are using more than one paragraph.
▪ Use strong topic sentences to organise your thinking logically.
• Conclusion:
o Suggest the action you would like to see taken as a result of your email.
o Thank the recipient.
• Greeting:
o If you know the recipient and the email is informal you can greet informally.
o If you do not know the recipient and the email is formal, you should end with
Yours faithfully, skip a line and type your title, name and surname
▪ In this case you may wish to, underneath your name and surname,
write you position at a company and contact details.

Exercise 3:
You are planning to surprise your Grandmother by visiting her on her birthday. She
lives far from you. You need someone to meet you at the airport and get you to your
grandmother’s home. Send an email to your favourite cousin asking for his/her
assistance, including all the necessary arrangements.

Write the email you will send to your cousin.

27
CATEGORY C EHL: Obituary
Not a eulogy – if it sounds like a speech, it is not an obituary.

What is an obituary?

A notice of the passing on of someone known by the target audience.

Over and above ‘formally’ announcing the death, it also sketches the cause of
death as well as the funeral arrangements.
The following aspects should be included:
o Surname first, in bold, then the name (first or second that the person
was better known by). If the deceased was married and you wish to
include the maiden name, then you can add it in brackets (neé Ross)
o A nickname may be added – what she was known as.
o Details of the service, possible cause of death (e.g. after a long illness,
the tragic passing - you don’t have to say what she died of or how she
died!) and instructions concerning condolences are given.
Euphemism is used – passed away instead of died.

Surname and name of deceased

Year of birth and year of passing (DOB – DOD)

Name and surname of deceased ...... , age ….., passed away on ……..(date) at
…..(place). Cause of death ….. .

Born in …(town/city), he was the son/daughter of …… (parents). He/she

attended… (school) / graduated at … ( University/CUT/ College). He/she was
employed at … (place of work) and worked as …. (job title).

Tribute is where you say positive things about deceased. Refer to the
requirements in the paper, e.g. ‘sports’, then you mention sport achievements or
‘person helped poor’ – give examples.

He/she (name) was a member of (church /organisations/ groups/

committees/RCL).

He /she enjoyed .... (hobbies/activities, etc.).

Pay tribute (depending on what is asked in question paper)

He/she is survived by wife/husband, children, grandchildren, etc. (be very careful

to determine this. If it is a child, then it will be parents and siblings. If a
grandmother / grandfather then there must be grandchildren).

The funeral service will be held on .... (date) at ....(time) at ....(place and address).

He/she (name) will be remembered for his/her ... (personality traits/things)

28
NOW! Let us look at what is required for this obituary!

Your favourite aunt has passed away under tragic circumstances. She was actively
involved in various charity organisations. Although she had no children of her own,
you were raised by her. She would not want flowers but rather donations to House of
Hope.

Write the obituary you will present.

OK! What does the examiner want from you?

Your favourite aunt has passed away under tragic circumstances. She was actively
involved in various charity organisations. Although she had no children of her own,
you were raised by her. She would not want flowers but rather donations to House of
Hope.

Present your obituary.

NOTE: Do not simply lift from the question as it will seem that you do not know what
the topic is about.

Planning

favourite aunt tragic circumstances actively involved in

various charity
organisations

Obituary

no children you were raised by her donations to House of

Hope

29
 Smith, Edith (Edie)

(nee Ross)

1960 – 2019

Edith Smith, 59, passed away on 21 November 2019 at Welkom Mediclinic

following a horrific car accident.

She was born on 2 May 1960 in Kimberley, the daughter of Andy and Linda Ross.
Edie attended Kimberley Combined School and graduated at the University of
Cape Town. She was employed at First National Bank Welkom and worked as
Human Resources Manager until her tragic passing.

Active in charity organisations – mention by

name

Edie was actively involved in charity organisations. She was a well-known face in
fund raisers for House of Hope, CANSA and Sponsor a Learner. She passionately
fought for the rights of the voiceless. As an active member of her church, her
lovely voice will be sorely missed in the church choir.

Edie, your contributions and help to those less fortunate will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her husband, William and her niece Emily, whom she raised as
her own. Favourite aunt No children - You were raised by
her

The funeral service will be held on 28 November 2019 at 11:00 at the Old
Apostolic Church, Central Place, Riebeeckstad. In lieu of flowers, kindly donate
contributions to the House of Hope. No flowers – donate to House of
Hope

Edie, or Queenie, as she was lovingly known, will be remembered for her
kindness, compassion and love for her fellow man.

30
Now write an obituary:

TOPIC:
Your best friend has passed away while trying to break an extreme sport record.
Present the obituary which will appear in the newspaper.
(TIP: Do not simply repeat the instruction. Identify what the record in extreme sport
was.)

SECTION B:

EHL: Category B:
Formal report/informal report/review/newspaper article/magazine
article/ agenda and minutes of meeting (asked as a combination)

EHL: Category C:
Formal speech/informal speech/dialogue/written interview/Obituary

CATEGORY B: FORMAL REPORT

What is it?
A report is a summary of an investigation that has been made at the request of a
person in authority.

These are the steps taken to do a report:

1. Information is collected.
2. Information is summarised.
3. Conclusions are drawn.
4. Recommendations are made.

Tips:
Reports are formal and brief.
Reports follow a specific format.
Reports are dated and signed.

Here is the format of a report:

1. Person addressed
2. Title of the report
3. Terms of reference
4. Procedure
5. Findings
6. Conclusion
7. Recommendations
By whom was it
requested?
It may be written in point form for clarity.
Facts must be correct, relevant, informative and able
to be substantiated (proven)
Keep report objective!
Avoid using the first person (I or
me)
31
Date

Must be signed!
(Signature)

Name of Reporter

Designation of reporter

32
Example of a formal report taken from X-kit:

The principal of your school has requested you, as RCL Chairperson, to investigate
improving the sports facilities at your high school. Your committee consists of the
Principal, Deputy Principal, Sports Teachers and all RCL members.

1. Person addressed: Mr S. Johnson (Principal)

2. Title of Report: Investigation into the improvement of sporting facilities
3. Terms of reference: As requested by the principal, this report investigates
the necessity to upgrade sports facilities at Camdeboo High School.
4. Procedure:
1. A survey was drawn up in collaboration with the Deputy Principal, the
sports teachers and RCL members (copy attached).
2. It was distributed to all learners.
3. The results were collated and analysed.
5. Findings:
1. 55% of the learners stated that as there was only one soccer field
and one netball field, there was very little opportunity for all the
students who wished to participate in sports activities.
2. 37% said that they would consider involving themselves if they were
assured of facilities.
3. The balance of the students (8%) was either undecided or were not
interested in participating.
6. Conclusion:
It is obvious that the sports facilities at the school are inadequate.

7. Recommendations:
1. The Governing Body and the Parent Teacher Association should
embark on a fund-raising campaign so that funds can be made
available for an extension of facilities.
2. An approach should be made to the neighbouring Sports Clubs for
temporary loan of their sports fields.

12 May 2020

(Signature)

J.S. Stevens

Chairperson: RCL

33
Now draft your own report on the topic below.

TOPIC:
The Principal of your school has requested you, as RCL Chairperson, to investigate
the feasibility (whether it is practical/likely) for a matric farewell this year.

Draft your report.

REVIEW
A personal response, a review is an evaluation of a publication, product, service, or
company such as a movie, video game, musical composition, book – just about
anything can be reviewed!
A review must supply a recommendation!

Read reviews by Barry Ronge or Leon van Nierop.

Use:
Personal viewpoint – use personal pronoun (I and me)
Usually, present tense
Use adjectives and emotive words appropriately to convey thoughts and
feelings.
Tone may be used to inform or entertain the audience.
Substantiate by referring to text or other reliable sources.
May comment on technical aspects e.g. lighting in a film or theatre production.
Judgement of subject and a recommendation is made.

Do not give away the end of the film or book.

Example of a film review by Barry Ronge

34
Director: Paul Greengrass

Screenplay: Billy Ray

Makes you want to watch the film.
Camera: Barry Ackroyd
Tells of events without revealing too much.
Music: Henry Jackman

Production designer: Paul Kirby

Costume designer: Mark Bridges

Cast: Tom Hanks, Catherine Keener, Barkhad Abdi

(16LV 133 min.)

Tom Hanks delivers one of his best performances but there is another important
character, the captain of the pirate boat who tries to board the huge ship. He is
Abduwali Muse (Barkhad Abdi) and the battle of wills between these two men is
tense and unforgettable.

This is a quasi-war movie set in a nominal “peacetime” but as events are revealed,
it becomes a vicious battle to the death. It’s a bold recreation of real-events that
occurred when an American cargo ship was attacked by Somali pirates.

The film’s power resides in its simplicity and its authenticity as Captain Richard
Phillips (Hanks) takes command of a cargo-ship, and he has orders to sail its
cargo through the Gulf of Aden to Mombasa.

Phillips is aware that Somali pirates routinely attack these ships in the Gulf of Aden
with the intention of stealing everything they can find. As they set out Captain
Phillips stages a dry run, to see if all the security precautions are in place and
ready to be used.

On the Somali coastline, the pirates launch a motorised skiff, and to the shock of
the American crew, the pirates are able to board the ship and a violent, compelling
drama unfolds.

35
The film is exciting from start to end, and there is not a shaky performance.

It’s one of the best films of the year and it’s likely to make its mark at the Golden
Globes and the Oscars.
Recommendation!

36
EXAMPLE OF BOOK REVIEW PLANNING

ACTIVITY:

DO THE PLANNING ONLY.

It need only be a mind map or list.

Do the planning of a book you have read that has had a profound (overwhelming /
great / intense / overpowering) effect on your life. For example

Who? What? Where?

Characters: Plot: Setting:

Mackenzie Allen Phillips Mack’s daughter, Missy Home

(Mack) is abducted and
murdered. The shack
Missy – Mack’s youngest
daughter Letter in the post A garden

The Triune God i.e. God the Mack faces his

Father, the Son and the heartbreak and sense of
Holy Spirit guilt and many
questions.

Recommendation? Title of book: The When?

Shack
I’d read it again. 4 years later after Missy
Author: William P. is kidnapped and
Definitely 10/10 Young murdered

Publisher: Windblown
Media

How? Why?

How did this book affect Why did I select and

your life? read the book?

Enriched me spiritually. The cover was

interesting, I heard about

37
 Made me see things clearly. Do not give the end the book from a friend
away. and after I read the blurb
it made me curious to
know more.

NEWSPAPER ARTICLE/REPORT

• It must be factual relevant and informative.

• Title (headline) – short, powerful, eye-catching, encapsulates the articles main
idea.
• By-line: name of journalist and where it was written in bold capital letters at
the top of the first paragraph.
• Written in PARAGRAPHS.
• Leave a line open between paragraphs.
• Paragraph 1 = short summary of the article (should introduce us to the who,
what, when, where, why and how that is to follow.)
• Each fact is expanded in its own paragraph (Remember the limit on the
number of words).
• NEVER use first person (I, me).
• Objective reporting (Emphasis on facts, not opinion.)
• Report in the third person (he, she, it, they)
• Where possible use the people’s names.
• Tone – unbiased and impersonal.
• Use Direct Speech when people comment or give advice.
• Present and past tense verbs are often used in the same article.

REMEMBER TO DO THE PLANNING ONLY:

(This is what the topic could look like)

TOPIC:

A learner in your school has been awarded a coveted prize for a unique
achievement.

Write the newspaper report that will appear in the local newspaper.

MAGAZINE ARTICLE/REPORT

• It must be interesting and informative.

• Title (headline) – short, powerful and eye-catching.
• Structured and separated into paragraphs.
• Usually an introduction, body and conclusion.
• The name of the writer is always mentioned.

38
 • Topic, tone and style depend on the audience as well as the nature of the
article. i.e. teen magazine / sports magazine as well as the content.

DO THE PLANNING ONLY FOR THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE:

(This is what the topic could look like)

TOPIC:

Strained relationships are often caused by misunderstandings between parents and

teenagers. As the chairperson of the youth support group at your school, you have
decided to write an article on what can be done to improve relationships between
parents and teenagers. This article will appear in a teenage magazine.

(Source: EFAL P3 November 2016)

Write the magazine article.

REMINDER:

There might be visuals attached to transactional writing.

Do not write about the visual. It is simply there as a stimulus.

39
AGENDA AND MINUTES OF MEETING
Minutes are asked as a combination with an Agenda.
An agenda may be supplied and you may only have to complete the Minutes of the
Meeting.

The opening sentence includes the date, time and place of the meeting.
The following numbered headings are written against the left-hand margin

1. Welcoming
2. Attendance
3. Apologies (from those who couldn’t attend)
4. Minutes of the Previous Meeting (if a previous meeting has been held)
5. Matters arising from the Agenda / Topics for discussion
6. Other matters
7. Date of the next Meeting
8. Closing

This is how a meeting usually plays out: Just for your information.

1. The chairperson opens 2. Those present must ask

the meeting and follows the chairperson’s
the Agenda. They make permission to speak.
sure all present get a
chance to speak.

4. The scribe takes down 3. The chairperson works

notes and any decisions through the Agenda in the
that are made, with the correct order. Those
names or initials of the present talk only about
people responsible for these items and not about
carrying out tasks. things that are not on the
agenda.

40
 5. The chairperson closes
the meeting when all the
items on the agenda have
been discussed and
usually sets a date for the
next meeting.

Here is an example of an Agenda and the Minutes of a Meeting:

Date Time Venu
AGENDA
e

A meeting will be held on Wednesday 2 May 2021 at 14:00 in Mrs. Swart’s class
for all Grade 11 register teachers and Grade 11 learners.

1. Welcoming
The agenda tells us about a
2. Attendance
meeting that is to take place with
3. Apologies
the date, time and venue. We are
4. Topics for discussion: also informed of what topics are to
4.1 Matric Farewell date be discussed at the meeting.
4.2 Selection of Matric Farewell Committee.

4.3 Theme

4.4 Fundraisers

4.5 Venue

4.6 Music

4.7 Other matters

5. Closing

NOTE:

The Agenda is sent to participants before the meeting is held while the Minutes of
the Meeting record the actual meeting.

41
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE MATRIC FAREWELL COMMITTEE

A meeting of the Matric Farewell Committee and members was held on

Wednesday 2 May 2021 at 14:00 in Mrs. Swart’s class.

1. Welcoming.

The Chairperson, Mpho McDonald, welcomed everyone present and thanked

them for attending this meeting. He opened with a short scripture reading and
prayer.

2. Attendance.

All Grade 11 register teachers and Grade 11 learners attended the meeting.
An attendance register was circulated for all attendants to sign.

3. Apologies.

Mr. Viljoen was unable to attend the meeting as he was at the Principals’
Conference in Port Elizabeth, while Mrs. van Rooyen was at an urgent
meeting of the local town council.

4. Topics for discussion

4.1 Matric Farewell date.

The date for the Matric Farewell was set for Friday, 2 October 2021,
17:30 for 18:00.

4.2 Selection of Matric Farewell Committee.

The Chairperson suggested that all the register teachers serve on the
committee with at least two learners from each class.

Nominations were made for members for the Matric Farewell

Committee. Each class nominated and voted for two members. This
was dealt with quickly and efficiently by the register teachers and the
following learners were selected:

11A: John and Jessie

11B: Sammy and Leah

11C: Mpho and Unathi

42
 11D: Carli and Lerato

11E: Jack and Feni

4.3 Theme.

After much discussion and voting a decision was reached to have a

“Romance in Africa” theme. Learners also voted to raise funds so that
they could decorate the hall according to the theme.

4.4 Fundraisers.

The Grade 11’s decided to do the fundraising as a group. They decided

to host a Valentine’s Dance, a Golf Day and, have ice-cream sales
every Friday. The Chairperson will request permission for the ice-cream
sales with Mrs. Fruitee of the tuckshop. Weekly meetings are to be held
to keep an eye on progress! The Grade 11’s would like to keep the
price of the farewell as low as possible.

4.5 Venue.

As this years’ group of Matrics is exceptionally large the newly

upgraded Bundu Lodge is the best venue available. The decision to
use this as the venue was accepted unanimously.

4.6 Music.

Since there are two DJs in Grade 11 who offered their services free-of-
charge the learners opted to accept their generous gift. The Matrics will
be allowed to hand in requests a week before the Matric Farewell.

4.7 Other.

Mrs. Magnolia offered to arrange for a red carpet for the Matrics to walk
on from the ramp where they will be dropped off to the front door of the
hall.

43
 5. Closing

The Chairperson thanked everyone for their contributions. The next meeting
will be held in the school hall on Tuesday 17 May 2021 at 18:00 for 18:30 to
accommodate Grade 11 parents. An invitation to the meeting with an Agenda
will be sent a week before the meeting is to take place.

SPEECH

When you write a speech think about the following before you begin and adapt
accordingly:
• Occasion
• Purpose
• Audience

NO! Oh Yes!

√
Good morning/Good
day/Good afternoon/Good
evening, ladies and
X Greetings – gentlemen

You are not an alien!

44
Some tips on preparing and delivering an outstanding speech:
1. Research your topic comprehensively and gather facts and statistics to use.
2. Write a powerful and attention-grabbing introductory first sentence.
3. Use cue cards; this will help you deliver a more fluent speech.
4. Practise your speech by saying it aloud.
5. Ask for help with words you cannot pronounce.
6. Use illustrations or graphs, this will help your audience to understand your
statistics.
7. Don’t stress! Stress will cause you to stutter and stumble over your words.
8. Good luck with your speech. I have confidence that you will do wonderfully.

Look at the example supplied. The instruction was as follows:

You have been asked to present a speech at your brother’s birthday. He is very
special to the family and the pride of the nation.

Some of the greatest speeches ever written include:

• The Sermon on the Mount by Jesus in Mathew 5
• I am an African by Thabo Mbeki
• I have a dream by Martin Luther King
• When you write a speech, write from your heart!
• Mean what you say!

45
TOPIC:
You have been asked to present a speech at the Open Day for potential Grade 8
learners. You have to ensure that your speech convinces the learners that this is the
school for them.
Identify key elements required.
Tell them of all the exciting things your school has to offer. Make sure you include
references to academic achievements, cultural events, sporting activities and fun
events your school may celebrate.
Consider:
❖ Who are you addressing?
❖ What is the occasion?
❖ Register, tone
❖ Add humour

Example:
Good morning future Grade 8s. I am … and I welcome you on behalf of our
Principal, Staff, RCL and learners. We are exceptionally excited to know that there
are so many learners who wish to become part of our great family.

The main goal of selecting a school is to be able to become the best you can
academically. Yes, that’s true, but there is no harm done in having the best
experience of your life while doing this!

If you become a member of our family you get to participate in some of the most
exciting events ever! We not only concentrate on academic achievements but
believe that a well-balanced life is of utter importance. Success = happiness and
here is where you’ll find it!

Become part and parcel of our special Grade 8 club. This exclusive offer includes
team building camps, the famous Fools’ Concert, athletics meetings, Girl
Guides and Boy Scouts, art and hobby classes, music and singing lessons
and of course the very popular Melodrama. Well, I haven’t even touched on the
pageant for our school’s Junior and Senior princes and princesses or the Idols
Evening, or even the Spring challenge. If you want to have the best stories to tell
your grandchildren one day, then you had better start getting your material
together now!

46
 Becoming a member of this family is your first step in the right direction. This is a
choice you will never regret!

Welcome to our family!

DIALOGUE / INTERVIEW

What is the difference between a dialogue and an interview?

A dialogue is a conversation between two people.

An interview is where someone is asking questions and another person is answering
the questions. Be careful of asking questions that require a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’.

TIPS:
• Set the scenario (tell what is happening) OR
• Start at the action!
• Don’t waste words with introductions and greeting one another!

As an exercise have a conversation in English with a parent or sibling. Write down

what you say and then what they say. Write in dialogue format.

47
TOPIC:

You have an opportunity to interview a celebrity who has had his/her reputation
tarnished.

Write the interview which transpires between you and the celebrity.

(TARNISHED = damaged, ruined)

e.g. (In this example the conversation sets the scene, but you may for example have
said:

Trevor Noah is interviewing John Black who has been accused of a serious offence.

Trevor: You have been accused of a serious offence. How has this affected
your work?

John: I have been falsely accused of stealing my former girlfriend’s cell

phone. Although I was found innocent of the act it has had a negative
effect on any job offers I might receive. It seems you are found guilty
by default!

GIVE YOUR CHARACTERS NAMES e.g. The interviewer may be Trevor Noah
and the celebrity may be Charlize Theron or Bonang Matheba

Now is your time to shine!

If you write something personal and your religion is an important part of your life,
write about it. BUT be careful!

Don’t preach or quote large portions from the Scriptures!

Serious consequences!

48
Have fun, be positive but stay away from:
Politics
Religion - preaching
Drunken parties
Sexual exploits
Crude and vulgar language

So what happens if I ignore these instructions?

Content will be marked down!
When Content is marked down, your Language mark may only be one column
higher than Content. It won’t matter how good your language is! So, if your
Content is marked down to Elementary your Language mark can be no higher
than Moderate (even if it is actually skilful or even exceptional).
You penalise yourself!
The EFAL Rubric is used as an example but the same applies for the EHL
Rubric.

49
50
DIARY
A diary entry is a record and reflection on personal experience. The number of entries will be
determined by the question. “Entry”= one day
Consecutive days = 2 days which follow one another directly.
Before and after usually refers to the day before and the day after.
A diary entry

must reflect a date for each entry

must be written in the first person
must express feeling and emotions
will be informal in style
Example of a diary entry:
Instructions
You recently participated in a talent contest. Write TWO diary entries. The first entry must indicate
how you felt before the talent contest and the second entry must express how you felt after the
contest. (This example has a bit of a twist to the tale. Not what you would expect.)

27 APRIL 2020
Dear Diary
My nerves are shattered. My stomach is filled with butterflies and my hands are sweaty and won’t
stop shaking. I’m so nervous about this talent show tonight. What on earth made me decide to
compete in the first place and why did I choose singing as my talent?

28 APRIL 2020
Dear Diary
I’m so disappointed. Just when I had built up the courage to go and sing my heart out last night,
the President placed a lockdown on the country and the show was cancelled. Now I’ll never know
if I have the courage to step out on stage.

Note:
Contracted form is always informal.
By commencing with Dear Diary you are setting the correct tone and
register.
Please note that there is no colon or other punctuation mark after
Dear Diary

During lockdown I suggested that you keep a journal. Those of you who followed this
instruction can now check whether it is true to a diary format, style and register.

51
INSTRUCTIONS

We give instructions when we are describing how something is done through a series of
sequenced steps.

Instructions must

• have a scenario
• be concise and clear
• be in chronological order (listing them will be easier)
• be written using the imperative form

Example of Instructions
Instruction:
Your cousin, who is in Grade 8, has to prepare and present a speech. He/she has asked you for
assistance. Write a set of instructions that he/she must follow when preparing and presenting the
speech.

TO PRACTISE: Say out loud what steps you follow when you make a cup of coffee or prepare a
sandwich for yourself.

TIP:
When an instruction to a topic states “he/she” select one and
use that. It detracts from your writing if you have and/or;
his/her…

52
DIRECTIONS
We use directions when we are telling someone how to get somewhere.
Directions must

• have a scenario
• be concise and clear
• be in chronological order (listing them will be easier)
• refer to a specific direction
• indicate the approximate distance
• provide information about landmarks along the way
• be written using the imperative form

Example of Directions:
Instruction:
You have decided to start a study group at your house, but not all learners know where you live.
Give them directions from the school to your house.

Directions from school to house

1. Exit the school and turn right into Walter Street.

2. Walk down Walter Street for approximately 100m.
3. At the four-way crossing, turn left into Church Street.
4. Pass Checkers on your left-hand side.
5. Keep straight on that road until you have crossed the second set of traffic lights with Pick &
Pay on your left-hand side.
6. Turn right into Boom Street.
7. On your right-hand side you will see Pep stores.
8. Walk a further 500m until you reach a T-junction.
9. Turn left into Solomon Street. The third house on the left-hand side is my house.

Common errors found in directions:

Be careful of distances and prepositions used incorrectly.
I am not going to walk 500km to my friend’s house.
TO PRACTISE:
Imagine you’re on your way to school and someone stops you for directions. You need to give the
driver directions to reach his/her destination. Practise using various destinations for the driver.
Take note of the distances, mention landmarks and number of words you use.

Good luck and happy writing!

53