INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION
These marking guidelines must be used together with the attached English FAL assessment rubrics for SECTIONS A, B and C.

SECTION A: ESSAY QUESTION 1
Instructions to Markers:

  • Candidates are required to write on ONE topic only.
  • The ideas listed below the topics are only some ways in which the topic could be interpreted.
  • Full credit must be given for the candidates' own interpretation.
  • Marking must be objective. Give credit for relevant ideas.
  • Use the 50-mark assessment rubric to mark the essays. The texts produced by candidates must be assessed according to the following criteria as set out in the assessment rubric:
    • Content and planning (30 marks)
    • Language, style and editing (15 marks)
    • Structure (5 marks)

NOTE:

  • Adhere to the length of between 250 and 300 words as prescribed in the CAPS document. However, should the maximum word count be exceeded, refer to the First Additional Language Examination Guidelines Grade 12, 2021.
  • No additional penalties may be imposed as the rubric itself imposes penalties.

1.1 Every day is a gift.
Reflective/Descriptive/Narrative/Discursive/Argumentative

  • If reflective, the essay should convey the writer's/candidate's reactions and feelings.
  • If descriptive, the candidate should create a picture in words, using as many senses as possible to make the description clear.
  • If narrative, the essay must have a strong story line and an interesting ending.
  • If discursive, the arguments for and against must be well-balanced and clearly analysed in the essay. The candidate must provide supporting evidence for his/her arguments. The candidate may come to a particular conclusion at the end of the essay, which should include recommendations.
  • If argumentative, the essay must reflect a specific argument or viewpoint for or against the topic. The candidate should give a range of arguments to support and substantiate his/her view. The conclusion should be a strong, clear and convincing statement of the writer's opinion.

NOTE: A candidate may write an essay which contains elements of more than one type of essay/any other essay type, relevant to the topic. [50]
1.2 When I answered the call …
Narrative/Reflective/Descriptive

  • If narrative, the essay must have a strong story line and an interesting ending.
  • If reflective, the essay should convey the writer's/candidate's reactions and feelings.
  • If descriptive, the candidate should create a picture in words, using as many senses as possible to make the description clear.

NOTE: A candidate may write an essay which contains elements of more than one type of essay/any other essay type, relevant to the topic. [50]
1.3 If only we could laugh more.
Reflective/Descriptive/Narrative/Argumentative/Discursive

  • If reflective, the essay should convey the writer's/candidate's reactions and feelings.
  • If descriptive, the candidate should create a picture in words, using as many senses as possible to make the description clear.
  • If narrative, the essay must have a strong story line and an interesting ending.
  • If argumentative, the essay must reflect a specific argument or viewpoint for or against the topic. The candidate should give a range of arguments to support and substantiate his/her view. The conclusion should be a strong, clear and convincing statement of the writer's opinion.
  • If discursive, the arguments for and against must be well-balanced and clearly analysed in the essay. The candidate must provide supporting evidence for his/her arguments. The candidate may come to a particular conclusion at the end of the essay, which should include recommendations.

NOTE: A candidate may write an essay which contains elements of more than one type of essay/any other essay type, relevant to the topic.[50]
1.4 Natural disasters
Descriptive/Reflective/Narrative/Argumentative/Discursive

  • If descriptive, the candidate should create a picture in words, using as many senses as possible to make the description clear.
  •  If reflective, the essay should convey the writer's/candidate's reactions and feelings.
  • If narrative, the essay must have a strong story line and an interesting ending.
  • If argumentative, the essay must reflect a specific argument or viewpoint for or against the topic. The candidate should give a range of arguments to support and substantiate his/her view. The conclusion should be a strong, clear and convincing statement of the writer's opinion.
  • If discursive, the arguments for and against must be well-balanced and clearly analysed in the essay. The candidate must provide supporting evidence for his/her arguments. The candidate may come to a particular conclusion at the end of the essay, which should include recommendations.

NOTE: A candidate may write an essay which contains elements of more than one type of essay/any other essay type, relevant to the topic. [50]
1.5 Saving for the future must start at a young age.
Argumentative/Discursive/Reflective/Narrative/Descriptive

  • If argumentative, the essay must reflect a specific argument or viewpoint for or against the topic. The candidate should give a range of arguments to support and substantiate his/her view. The conclusion should be a strong, clear and convincing statement of the writer's opinion.
  • If discursive, the arguments for and against must be well-balanced and clearly analysed in the essay. The candidate must provide supporting evidence for his/her arguments. The candidate may come to a particular conclusion at the end of the essay, which should include recommendations.
  • If reflective, the essay should convey the writer's/candidate's reactions and feelings.
  • If narrative, the essay must have a strong story line and an interesting ending.
  • If descriptive, the candidate should create a picture in words, using as many senses as possible to make the description clear.

NOTE: A candidate may write an essay which contains elements of more than one type of essay/any other essay type, relevant to the topic. [50]
1.6 'Do what is right, not what is easy nor what is popular.' – Roy T Bennet
Discursive/Argumentative/Descriptive/Reflective/Narrative

  • If discursive, the arguments for and against must be well-balanced and clearly analysed in the essay. The candidate must provide supporting evidence for arguments. The candidate may come to a particular conclusion at the end of the essay, which should include recommendations.
  • If argumentative, the essay must reflect a specific argument or viewpoint for or against the topic. The candidate should give a range of arguments to support and substantiate his/her view. The conclusion should be a strong, clear and convincing statement of the writer's opinion.
  • If descriptive, the candidate should create a picture in words, using as many senses as possible to make the description clear.
  • If reflective, the essay should convey the writer's/candidate's reactions and feelings.
  • If narrative, the essay must have a strong story line and an interesting ending.

NOTE: A candidate may write an essay which contains elements of more than one type of essay/any other essay type, relevant to the topic. [50]
1.7 Interpretation of pictures
The candidate:

  • must give the essay a suitable title.
  • may interpret the pictures in any way.
  • may choose to write any type of essay.
  • must link the interpretation to the picture.
  • may write in any appropriate tense.

1.7.1 Picture: Dancers/People exercising
Narrative/Descriptive/Reflective/Argumentative/Discursive

  • Literal interpretations: dancing, hobbies, agility, exercising
  • Figurative interpretations: youth, relationships, joy [50]

1.7.2 Picture: A robot
Narrative/Descriptive/Reflective/Argumentative/Discursive

  • Literal interpretations: robots, toys
  • Figurative interpretations: innovations, fourth industrial revolution, technology [50]

TOTAL SECTION A: 50

SECTION B: LONGER TRANSACTIONAL TEXT
QUESTION 2
Instructions to Markers:

  • Candidates are required to answer ONE question.
  • Marking must be objective. Give credit for relevant ideas.
  • Use the 30-mark assessment rubric to mark the responses in this section. The texts produced by candidates must be assessed according to the following criteria as set out in the assessment rubric:
    • Content, planning and format (18 marks)
    • Language, style and editing (12 marks)

NOTE:

  • Adhere to the length of between 120 and 150 words as prescribed in the CAPS document. However, should the maximum word count be reached mid-sentence, read to the end of that sentence.
  • No additional penalties may be imposed as the rubric itself imposes penalties.

2.1 FORMAL LETTER
A letter to the manager of a literacy organisation.

Related Items

  • Allow for acceptable variations of the format, e.g. addresses.
  • The letter must be addressed to the manager of a literacy organisation.
  • The tone and register of the letter must be formal.
  • The letter must include an introduction, a body and a conclusion.
  • The following aspects of format must be included:
    • Address of sender
    • Date
    • Recipient: The Manager
    • Address of recipient
    • Greeting/Salutation
    • Subject line
    • Suitable ending
    • Signature
    • Name of sender
  • The following information must be included in the letter, among others:
    • Request for assistance
    • Reasons for conducting reading lessons [30] 

2.2 OBITUARY
An actor/actress has recently passed away.

  • The tone must be formal.
  • The following aspects of format must be included:
    • Full name of the deceased
    • Date of birth
    • Date of death
    • Birthplace
    • Where the person was living at the time of death
    • Key survivors (e.g. spouse, children) and their names
    • Date, time and place of funeral
  • The following information may be included:
    • Biographical information
    • Cause of death.
  • The obituary must pay tribute to the deceased. [30]

2.3 MAGAZINE ARTICLE
An article for a magazine.

  • The article must have a suitable heading.
  • The article must have clearly defined paragraphs.
  • The style should be personal, addressing the reader.
  • The language must be formal.
  • The article should be stimulating to the reader/encourage the youth to become involved in sport.
  • The article must provide the reader with reasons why it is important to become involved in sport. [30]

2.4 DIALOGUE
A conversation between friends.

  • A brief context must be provided at the beginning of the dialogue.

The dialogue must be between friends.

  • The tone must be informal.
  • The following aspects of the dialogue format must be included:
    • The names of the speakers written on the left side of the page.
    • A colon after the name of the character who is speaking.
    • A new line to indicate each new speaker.
    • Where necessary, actions must be given in brackets before the words are spoken. [30]

TOTAL SECTION B: 30

SECTION C: SHORTER TRANSACTIONAL TEXT QUESTION 3
Instructions to Markers:

  • Candidates are required to answer ONE question.
  • Marking must be objective. Give credit for relevant ideas.
  • Use the 20-mark assessment rubric to mark the responses in this section. The texts produced by candidates must be assessed according to the following criteria as set out in the assessment rubric:
    • Content, planning and format (12 marks)
    • Language, style and editing (8 marks)

NOTE:

  • Adhere to the length of between 80 and 100 words as prescribed in the CAPS document. However, should the maximum word count be reached mid-sentence, read to the end of that sentence.
  • No additional penalties may be imposed as the rubric itself imposes penalties.

3.1 ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement for an event involving the elderly.

  • The advertisement should:
    • have a catchy headline to attract the reader's attention.
    • create interest.
    • inspire action.
    • have the following details: date and venue of the event, a list of activities and contact details.

NOTE: Do NOT award marks for illustrations or drawings. [20]

3.2 DIARY ENTRY
The candidate's feelings AFTER receiving notification of acceptance to a tertiary institution.

  • There MUST be ONE diary entry.
  • The date/time must be reflected.
  • The entry must express the candidate's feelings after receiving notification of acceptance.
  • The diary entry must be written in the first person.
  • The language must be simple and informal.
  • The tone must reflect suitable emotions. [20]

3.3 DIRECTIONS
Directions from the entrance of the town to your home.

  • The directions may be in either point or paragraph form.
  • Complete sentences are not necessary.
  • Directions must be in the correct order.
  • Approximate distances, specific directions and landmarks must be included.

NOTE: Do NOT award marks for illustrations or drawings. [20]

TOTAL SECTION C: 20
GRAND TOTAL:  100

ASSESSMENT RUBRIC FOR ESSAY – FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE [50 MARKS]

Criteria

 

Exceptional

Skilful

Moderate

Elementary

Inadequate

CONTENT & PLANNING

(Response and ideas) Organisation of ideas for planning;

Awareness of purpose, audience and context

30 MARKS

Upper level

28–30

22–24

16–18

10-12

4-6

  • Outstanding/Striking response beyond normal expectations
  • Intelligent, thought-provoking and mature ideas
  • Exceptionally well organised and coherent (connected), including introduction, body and conclusion/ending
  • Very well-crafted response
  • Fully relevant and interesting ideas with evidence of maturity
  • Very well organised and coherent (connected), including introduction, body and conclusion/ending
  • Satisfactory response
  • Ideas are reasonably coherent and convincing
  • Reasonably organised and coherent, including introduction, body and conclusion/ending
  • Inconsistently coherent response
  • Unclear ideas and unoriginal
  • Little evidence of organisation and coherence
  • Totally irrelevant response
  • Confused and unfocused ideas
  • Vague and repetitive
  • Unorganised and incoherent
 

Lower level

25–27

19–21

13–15

7–9

0–3

 
  • Excellent response but lacks the exceptionally striking qualities of the outstanding essay
  • Mature and intelligent ideas
  • Skilfully organised and coherent (connected), including introduction, body and conclusion/ending
  • Well-crafted response
  • Relevant and interesting ideas
  • Well organised and coherent (connected), including introduction, body and conclusion
  • Satisfactory response but some lapses in clarity
  • Ideas are fairly coherent and convincing
  • Some degree of organisation and coherence, including introduction, body and conclusion
  • Largely irrelevant response
  • Ideas tend to be disconnected and confusing
  • Hardly any evidence of organisation and coherence
  • No attempt to respond to the topic
  • Completely irrelevant and inappropriate
  • Unfocused and muddled

LANGUAGE, STYLE & EDITING

Tone, register, style, vocabulary appropriate to purpose/effect and context;

Word choice; Language use and conventions, punctuation, grammar, spelling

15 MARKS

Upper level

14–15

11-12

8- 9

5- 6

0 – 3

  • Tone, register, style and vocabulary highly appropriate to purpose, audience and context
  • Language confident, exceptionally impressive
  • Compelling and rhetorically effective in tone
  • Virtually error-free in grammar and spelling
  • Very skilfully crafted
  • Tone, register, style and vocabulary very appropriate to purpose, audience and context
  • Language is effective and a consistently appropriate tone is used
  • Largely error-free in grammar and spelling
  • Very well crafted
  • Tone, register, style and vocabulary appropriate to purpose, audience and context
  • Appropriate use of language to convey meaning
  • Tone is appropriate
  • Rhetorical devices used to enhance content
  • Tone, register, style and vocabulary less appropriate to purpose, audience and context
  • Very basic use of language
  • Tone and diction are inappropriate
  • Very limited vocabulary
  • Language incomprehensible
  • Tone, register, style and vocabulary not appropriate to purpose, audience and context
  • Vocabulary limitations so extreme as to make comprehension impossible

Lower level

13

10

7

4

 
  • Language excellent and rhetorically effective in tone
  • Virtually error-free in grammar and spelling
  • Skilfully crafted
  • Language engaging and generally effective
  • Appropriate and effective tone
  • Few errors in grammar and spelling
  • Well crafted
  • Adequate use of language with some inconsistencies
  • Tone generally appropriate and limited use of rhetorical devices
  • Inadequate use of language
  • Little or no variety in sentence
  • Exceptionally limited vocabulary

STRUCTURE

 

5

4

3

2

0–1

Features of text; Paragraph development and sentence construction

5 MARKS

  • Excellent development of topic
  • Exceptional detail
  • Sentences, paragraphs exceptionally well-constructed
  • Logical development of details
  • Coherent
  • Sentences, paragraphs logical, varied
  • Relevant details developed
  • Sentences, paragraphs well- constructed
  • Essay still makes sense
  • Some valid points
  • Sentences and paragraphs faulty
  • Essay still makes some sense
  • Necessary points lacking
  • Sentences and paragraphs faulty
  • Essay lacks sense

ASSESSMENT RUBRIC FOR LONGER TRANSACTIONAL TEXT – FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE [30 MARKS]

Criteria

Exceptional

Skilful

Moderate

Elementary

Inadequate

CONTENT, PLANNING & FORMAT 

Response and ideas; Organisation of ideas for planning; Purpose, audience, features/conventions and context 

18 MARKS

15–18

11-14

8-10

5-7

0–4

  • Outstanding response beyond normal expectations
  • Intelligent and mature ideas
  • Extensive knowledge of features of the type of text
  • Writing maintains focus
  • Coherence in content and ideas
  • Highly elaborated and all details support the topic
  • Appropriate and accurate format
  • Very good response demonstrating good knowledge of features of the type of text
  • Maintains focus – no digressions
  • Coherent in content and ideas, very well elaborated and details support topic
  • Appropriate format with minor inaccuracies
  • Adequate response demonstrating knowledge of features of the type of text
  • Not completely focused
  • some digressions
  • Reasonably coherent in content and ideas
  • Some details support the topic
  • Generally appropriate format but with some inaccuracies
  • Basic response demonstrating some knowledge of features of the type of text
  • Some focus but writing digresses
  • Not always coherent in content and ideas
  • Few details support the topic
  • Necessary rules of format vaguely applied
  • Some critical oversights
  • Response reveals no knowledge of features of the type of text
  • Meaning obscure with major digressions
  • Not coherent in content and ideas
  • Very few details support the topic
  • Necessary rules of format not applied

LANGUAGE, STYLE & EDITING

 

Tone, register, style, purpose/effect, audience and context; Language use and conventions;

Word choice; Punctuation and spelling

10–12

8–9

6–7

4-5

0–3

  • Tone, register, style and vocabulary highly appropriate to purpose, audience and context
  • Grammatically accurate and well- constructed
  • Virtually error-free
  • Tone, register, style and vocabulary very appropriate to purpose, audience and context
  • Generally grammatically accurate and well-constructed
  • Very good vocabulary
  • Mostly free of errors
  • Tone, register, style and vocabulary appropriate to purpose, audience and context
  • Some grammatical errors
  • Adequate vocabulary
  • Errors do not impede meaning
  • Tone, register, style and vocabulary less appropriate to purpose, audience and context
  • Inaccurate grammar with numerous errors
  • Limited vocabulary
  • Meaning obscured
  • Tone, register, style and vocabulary do not correspond to purpose, audience and context
  • Error-ridden and confused
  • Vocabulary not suitable for purpose
  • Meaning seriously impaired

12 MARKS

         

ASSESSMENT RUBRIC FOR SHORTER TRANSACTIONAL TEXT – FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE [20 MARKS]

Criteria

Exceptional

Skilful

Moderate

Elementary

Inadequate

CONTENT, PLANNING & FORMAT 

Response and ideas; Organisation of ideas; Features/conventions and context 

12 MARKS

10–12

8-9

6-7

4-5

0-3

  • Outstanding response beyond normal expectations
  • Intelligent and mature ideas
  • Extensive knowledge of features of the type of text
  • Writing maintains focus
  • Coherence in content and ideas
  • Highly elaborated and all details support the topic
  • Appropriate and accurate format
  • Very good response demonstrating good knowledge of features of the type of text
  • Maintains focus – no digressions
  • Coherent in content and ideas, very well elaborated and details support topic
  • Appropriate format with minor inaccuracies
  • Adequate response, demonstrating knowledge of features of the type of text
  • Not completely focused
  • some digressions
  • Reasonably coherent in content and ideas
  • Some details support the topic
  • Generally appropriate format but with some inaccuracies
  • Basic response, demonstrating some knowledge of features of the type of text
  • Some focus but writing digresses
  • Not always coherent in content and ideas
  • Few details support the topic
  • Necessary rules of format vaguely applied
  • Some critical oversights
  • Response reveals no knowledge of features of the type of text
  • Meaning obscure with major digressions
  • Not coherent in content and ideas
  • Very few details support the topic
  • Necessary rules of format not applied

LANGUAGE, STYLE & EDITING 

Tone, register, style, vocabulary appropriate to purpose and context; Language use and conventions;

Word choice; Punctuation and spelling

7–8

5-6

4

3

0–2

  • Tone, register, style and vocabulary highly appropriate to purpose, audience and context
  • Grammatically accurate and well- constructed
  • Virtually error-free
  • Tone, register, style and vocabulary very appropriate to purpose, audience and context
  • Generally grammatically accurate and well-constructed
  • Very good vocabulary
  • Mostly free of errors
  • Tone, register, style and vocabulary appropriate to purpose, audience and context
  • Some grammatical errors
  • Adequate vocabulary
  • Errors do not impede meaning
  • Tone, register, style and vocabulary less appropriate to purpose, audience and context
  • Inaccurate grammar with numerous errors
  • Limited vocabulary
  • Meaning obscured
  • Tone, register, style and vocabulary do not correspond to purpose, audience and context
  • Error-ridden and confused
  • Vocabulary not suitable for purpose
  • Meaning seriously impaired

8 MARKS

         
Last modified on Wednesday, 30 November 2022 13:09