ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE
PAPER 1
GRADE 12 
NSC EXAMS
PAST PAPERS AND MEMOS NOVEMBER 2018

NOTE: 

  • These marking guidelines are intended as a guide for markers.
  • The guidelines are by no means prescriptive or exhaustive.
  • Candidates' responses should be considered on merit.
  • Answers should be assessed holistically and points awarded where  applicable in terms of decisions taken at the standardisation meeting.
  • The marking guidelines will be discussed before the commencement   of marking.

INSTRUCTIONS TO MARKERS 
Marking the comprehension: 

  • Because the focus is on understanding, incorrect spelling and language errors in  longer responses should not be penalised unless such errors change the  meaning/understanding. (Errors must still be indicated.) 
  • If a candidate uses words from a language other than the one being examined,  disregard those words, and if the answer still makes sense, do not penalise.  However, if a word from another language is used in a text and required in an  answer, this will be acceptable. 
  • For open-ended questions, no marks should be awarded for YES/NO or  I AGREE/I DISAGREE. The reason/substantiation/motivation is what should be  considered. 
  • No marks should be awarded for TRUE/FALSE or FACT/OPINION. The  reason/substantiation/motivation is what should be considered. 
  • When one-word answers are required and the candidate gives a whole sentence,  mark correct provided that the correct word is underlined/highlighted. 
  • When two/three facts/points are required and a range is given, mark only the first  two/three. 
  • Accept dialectal variations. 
  • For multiple-choice questions, accept BOTH the letter corresponding to the  correct answer AND/OR the answer written out in full.

MEMORANDUM 

SECTION A: COMPREHENSION 
QUESTION 1: READING FOR MEANING AND UNDERSTANDING 
1.1 He is disgusted by/pities the flashy/obscene displays of wealth by spoilt  teenagers. 
[Award only 1 mark for ‘lifting’.] (2) 
1.2 The possessions seem to own the person, who has been 'dwarfed'; the youth  have become less human, 'dehumanised' by their possessions, as ownership has been reversed. 
[Award 2 marks for any TWO ideas.] (2) 
1.3 It is ironic that while these young people intend flaunting their abundant  possessions, they actually reveal how empty their lives are. (2) 
1.4 The writer wishes to provide convincing evidence to support his view/to  validate his argument. (2) 
1.5 A negative connotation is attached to the word 'consumers', who are viewed  as those who purchase goods without discernment. They are self-absorbed  individuals ('more competitive and more selfish') who do not engage with  others and lack 'social responsibility'. 'Citizens' carries a positive connotation; they would be discerning and add value to society. 
[Award 3 marks only if both concepts have been addressed.] (3) 
1.6 The research findings are contrary to what people generally believe:  materialism is associated with happiness. In fact, materialism is shown to be  the enemy of fulfilment./It is paradoxical that people turn to consumerism to  fill their loneliness yet this consumerism makes them more lonely and  isolated./Paradoxically, a consumer journal publishes negative viewpoints on  consumerism.  
[Award 3 marks only if the paradox is well-discussed.] 
[Award only 1 mark for ‘lifting’.] (3) 
1.7 The writer uses various stylistic techniques to strengthen his argument that  materialism gives rise to a cycle of destruction. 

  • The writer uses metaphorical expressions/hyperbole such as 'self mutilation' and 'smashed' to highlight the destructive nature of an  obsession with possessions. 
  • The satirical remark, 'a Rolex short of contentment', graphically illustrates  the insatiable nature of materialism. 
  • The writer inserts a short exclamation 'There is no end to it!' to emphasise  his exasperation with endless consumerism. 
  • Strong emotive words, e.g. 'distressed', 'forces' and 'smashes' effectively  convey a sense of destruction.  
  • Conversational style/use of personal pronouns creates a bond of  confidence between the writer and the reader. 

[Award 3 marks for any TWO techniques well-discussed.] 
[Award a maximum of 1 mark for an identification of TWO techniques.]  [Credit valid alternative responses.] (3)
1.8 YES 
The writer summarises the adverse impact of materialism, by referring to his  initial image of 'deluded' youth, and expanding his focus to broader society.  The reader is drawn into the argument through the use of first person  pronouns. The writer contends that every member of society falls prey to the  destructive cycle of materialism.  
OR 
NO 
[A 'NO' response is unlikely. However, credit responses on merit.] 
[Credit valid alternative responses.] (3) 
1.9 The viewer on the left is disgusted by what he is viewing: he views the  characters in the film as shameful criminals. He embodies the morally correct  reaction to what he is viewing. The viewer on the right is enthusiastic and  engaged, showing how susceptible he is to a lavish lifestyle.  
[Award 3 marks only if attitudes of both characters are discussed.] 
[Credit valid alternative responses.] (3) 
1.10 The cartoonist is critical of the public's gullibility and lack of discernment.  Some of the people are satirically portrayed as being devoid of the ability to  think critically. The film industry has undue influence on social conscience. 
[Award 3 marks only if a critical discussion is included.] 
[Credit valid alternative responses.] (3) 
1.11 Text B portrays the manner in which our morals are compromised by the  created images of materialism. The opulent lifestyle of villains is seen as  desirable. The headline of Text A refers to the effect of a materialistic society:  moral decay erodes our humanity via the imagination ('eats us from the inside  out'). The possessions idolised by the Rich Kids of Instagram are similar to  the desired lifestyle depicted in Text B. In both texts, materialism is  acceptable when it is glamorised. Both the writer and the cartoonist  disapprove of our mindless acceptance of materialism. 
[Award 4 marks only if both paragraph 1 of Text A and Text B are discussed.] [Credit valid alternative responses.] (4) 

TOTAL SECTION A: 30

SECTION B: SUMMARY 
QUESTION 2: SUMMARISING IN YOUR OWN WORDS  
Use the following main points that the candidate should include in the summary as a  guideline. 
Any 7 valid points are to be credited in paragraph-form. 
(Sentences and/or sentence fragments must be coherent.)

NO. 

QUOTATIONS 

NO. 

POINTS

'When we read comics featuring  superheroes, particularly as  children, we develop our ... reading  ability'

While reading about superheroes,  children develop reading skills.

'These comics likely influence our  behaviour, ... and attitudes.'

Their behaviour and outlook on life are  influenced. 

'Pretend play based on the concept  of superheroes helps children learn  language’

Children acquire language competence through participating in imaginary games.

‘we develop our emotions’/’allows  the expression of emotions, both  negative and positive.'

Youngsters pretending to be  superheroes learn to verbalise all  emotions.

'Children can use superheroes and  supervillains to form various  perspectives on a situation and test  the consequences of actions.'

Children learn from superheroes how to  weigh up situations and think before they  act. 

‘we develop our ... morals’/'provide  the exaggerated opportunity to play  out moralistic and ethical dilemmas  for both children and adults.'/'use  their moral compass, so to speak,  before making big decisions.'

Children can role-play in larger-than-life  scenarios to discern right from wrong. 

'superheroes likely feed straight into  boys' tendency to control or "master"  the world.'

Boys gain confidence in taking control of  circumstances.

'children are given the opportunity to  observe how their favourite role  model problem-solves through  ethically sticky situations.'

They can witness how superheroes  extricate themselves from daunting  circumstances./Children learn to make  difficult decisions. 

‘These comics likely influence our ...  leadership ability’/'Teenagers use  villains as avoidance role models,  while imitating superheroes who  display pro-social behaviour,  leadership and a variety of positive  attitudes.'

Superheroes who display socially  acceptable behaviour and integrity are  good role-models for children

10 

‘unwillingness to be a bystander’/'it  could be argued that learning to help  others occurs through the models of  superheroes.'

10 

Altruism is reinforced by the example set  by superheroes. 

PARAGRAPH-FORM 
NOTE: What follows is merely an example. It is not prescriptive and must be used very  carefully. 

Children develop reading skills, emotional intelligence and principles when they read  about superheroes: their behaviour, leadership skills and outlook are influenced.  Furthermore, youngsters imitating superheroes learn to verbalise a range of feelings.  Children learn from superheroes and supervillains how to weigh up situations before  acting. Moreover, children can role-play in larger-than-life scenarios to discern right from  wrong and gain confidence in taking control of circumstances. They can witness the  manner in which superheroes extricate themselves from daunting circumstances. In  conclusion, superheroes with integrity are good role-models and reinforce altruism. 

 (89 words)

Marking the summary: 
Marking is on the basis of the inclusion of valid material and the exclusion of invalid  material. 
The summary should be marked as follows: 

  • Mark allocation:
    • 7 marks for 7 points (1 mark per main point)
    • 3 marks for language
    • Total marks: 10 
  • Distribution of language marks when candidate has not quoted verbatim:
    • 1–3 points correct: award 1 mark
    • 4–5 points correct: award 2 marks
    • 6–7 points correct: award 3 marks 
  • Distribution of language marks when candidate has quoted verbatim:
    • 6–7 quotations: award no language mark
    • 1–5 quotations: award 1 language mark 

NOTE: 

  • Word Count:
    • Markers are required to verify the number of words used.
    • Do not deduct any marks if the candidate fails to indicate the number of  words used or if the number of words used is indicated incorrectly. If the word  limit is exceeded, read up to the last sentence above the stipulated upper  limit and ignore the rest of the summary. 

 TOTAL SECTION B: 10

SECTION C: LANGUAGE STRUCTURES AND CONVENTIONS 
Marking Section C: 

  • Spelling: 
    • One-word answers must be marked correct even if the spelling is incorrect,  unless the error changes the meaning of the word. 
    • In full-sentence answers, incorrect spelling should be penalised if the error is  in the language structure being tested. 
    • Where an abbreviation is tested, the answer must be punctuated correctly.
  • Sentence structures must be grammatically correct and given in full sentences/as  per instruction.  
  • For multiple-choice questions, accept BOTH the letter corresponding to the correct  answer AND/OR the answer written out in full as correct.  

QUESTION 3: ANALYSING ADVERTISING 
3.1 The advertiser is addressing the need for this generation to conserve energy  so that the next generation can continue to experience the benefits of  electricity./The advertiser is warning of impending doom if the current  wasteful practices continue. (2) 
3.2 The repetition of the pronouns drives the point home that the company and  the readers are jointly responsible for the solution. The personal pronouns convey a direct, personal appeal to the reader. (1) (2) 
3.3 The image portrays a young child, snugly reading a book in bed. This is in  sharp contrast to the text, which comments on Shell's activities in the Arctic  as a 'nightmare'. In the context of the advertisement, the image conveys a  false sense of security regarding children's future in the light of Shell's  activities in search of oil. The décor in the room depicts nature and threatened  species, while the light connotes elucidation of a serious issue. 
[Award 3 marks for a well-developed response.] 
[Credit valid alternative responses.] (3) 
3.4 Text D is more informative/inspirational: it provides details that illustrate the  company's social conscience. The advertisement elaborates on the  company's attempts to preserve energy for future use and points out that  global co-operation has been achieved. The domestic setting shows a  personal concern. The blurred image reinforces the fear that the future will be  bleak if we fail to harness all possible sources of renewable energy. 
Text E is more cautionary and emotive, e.g. 'STUFF OF NIGHTMARES'.  Greenpeace satirises Shell's approach and critically comments on Shell's  practices in the Arctic, endangering nature. Greenpeace has mimicked and  presented a parody of the Shell visual. 
[Award 3 marks only if both texts are discussed.] (3) [10]

QUESTION 4: UNDERSTANDING OTHER ASPECTS OF THE MEDIA 
4.1 The boy is concentrating on his drawing./The reader is invited into his thought  processes./It forces the reader to focus on the boy. 
[Award 2 marks for any single idea.] 
[Credit valid alternative responses.] (2) 
4.2 In FRAME 4, the boy outlines the reason for his drawing willingly/in a matter of-fact manner. In FRAME 7, his response is hesitant and evasive/reluctant. 
[Credit answers that view responses as similar, since the boy is evasive in  both frames, e.g. his reference to 'SOMEONE IN OUR FAMILY' in FRAME 4.]
[Award 2 marks only if candidates refer to both frames.] (2) 
4.3

  • In FRAMES 7, 8 and 9, the girl's stern, domineering attitude is depicted  through her scowl, pursed lips and clenched jaw. Her facial expression remains angry throughout. 
  • In FRAME 8, the positioning of the two characters portray the girl’s  overbearing nature. She is menacingly close to her brother, intimidating  him.  
  • In FRAMES 8 and 9, the absence of speech bubbles emphasises her  pent-up rage.  
  • In FRAME 9, the large bold font/onomatopoeia/exclamation  mark/body language/movement lines highlight the girl's aggression.  She has literally overthrown her brother. 

[Award 3 marks for TWO techniques, well-developed.] 
[Award no more than 1 mark for an identification of TWO techniques.] (3) 
4.4 The cartoonist has given prominence to/creates an interest in the ultimate  message of the cartoon by placing it first/inverting the order of the frames,  effectively highlighting the price to be paid for truth. FRAME 1 is the  consequence of the events in the cartoon. It precedes the flashback that  commences in FRAME 2. The boy is depicted as a victim of violence,  illustrated by the ice-pack on his head/sling on his arm/plasters on his face.  
[Credit candidates who refer to the boy's artwork being reduced to  snippets/recreated.] 
[Award 3 marks only if a critical comment is made.] (3) [10]

QUESTION 5: USING LANGUAGE CORRECTLY  
5.1

  • ; (semi-colon) 
    OR 
    : (colon) (1)

5.2

  • I was overwhelmed. 
    [Accept valid alternatives.] 
    [Formal standard English must be used. Past tense must be used.] (1) 

5.3

  • He was taken hostage for almost five years, most of which he spent in  isolation, chained, with no stimulation – not even natural light. 
    OR 
    He spent almost five years in isolation, chained, with no stimulation – not  even natural light – after/when he had been taken hostage. 
    OR
    After/When he had been taken hostage, he spent almost five years in  isolation, chained, with no stimulation – not even natural light. 

[Credit valid alternative responses.] (1) 
5.4

  • He laughed because he had no shoes on when he was released./  Conjunction 'as' indicates reason.
    OR
    He laughed while he was being released./Conjunction 'as' indicates time.
    [Credit responses that make reference to the ambiguity created by the  pronoun, ‘he’.] (2) 

5.5

  • Waite said (that) he had no regrets, self-pity or sentimentality./Waite said  (that) he did not have any regrets, self-pity or sentimentality./Waite said (that) there should be no regrets, no self-pity, no sentimentality.
    [No part-marks to be awarded; the full response must be correct.] (1)

5.6 C – Abstract noun (1)
5.7 causes – cause (1)
5.8 infers – confers  
[Credit valid synonyms for ‘confers’.] (1) 
5.9 Either 'indifferently' or 'apathetic' must be omitted. (1) [10] 

TOTAL SECTION C:  30 
GRAND TOTAL: 70

Last modified on Thursday, 16 September 2021 06:29