English Paper Three (P3)
Grade 12
Amended Senior Certificate Exam
Past Papers And Memos 2016

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION 

1. This question paper consists of THREE SECTIONS:
   SECTION A: Essay (50)
   SECTION B: Longer Transactional Text (30)
   SECTION C: Shorter Transactional Text (20)
2. Answer ONE question from EACH section.
3. Write in the language in which you are being assessed.
4. Start EACH section on a NEW page.
5. You must plan (e.g. using a mind map/diagram/flow chart/key words), edit and proofread your work. The plan must appear BEFORE each text.
6. All planning must be clearly indicated as such. It is advisable to draw a line  through all planning.
7. You are strongly advised to spend approximately:
   • 80 minutes on SECTION A
   • 40 minutes on SECTION B
   • 30 minutes on SECTION C.
8. Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this  question paper.
9. Write down the title/heading of each response. Give your own title/heading if  one has not been provided. 
10. The title/heading must NOT be included when doing a word count. 
11. Write neatly and legibly.

QUESTIONS

SECTION A: ESSAY 

QUESTION 1

• Write an essay of between 250 and 300 words in length on ONE of the following  topics.  
• Write down the NUMBER and TITLE of the essay correctly, for example  1.1 My entire future lay in that sealed envelope. 
• Give your own title if your choice is QUESTION 1.2, 1.7.1 OR 1.7.2. 
• Spend approximately 80 minutes on this section.

1.1 My entire future lay in that sealed envelope. [50]
1.2 Write an essay that includes the following words: 
      We could not stand each other when we met, but now ... [50]
1.3 How I reached my most difficult goals. [50]
1.4 It was picture perfect. [50]
1.5 Problems can arise if one generation fails to understand the other. [50]
1.6 What you wear reflects who you are. [50] 
1.7 Choose ONE of the pictures and write an essay on a topic that comes to  mind. Write the question number (1.7.1 or 1.7.2) and give your essay a  suitable title. 
 
NOTE: There must be a clear link between your essay and the picture you  have chosen. 
1.7.1    [50]  

1.7.2         [50] 

SECTION B: LONGER TRANSACTIONAL TEXT 
QUESTION 2 

• Respond to ONE of the following transactional writing tasks. 
• The body of your response should be between 120 and 150 words in length. 
• Write down the NUMBER and the HEADING of the text you have chosen, for  example 2.1 FORMAL LETTER. 
• Pay particular attention to format, language and register. 
• Spend approximately 40 minutes on this section.

2.1 FORMAL LETTER

You have been experiencing problems with your cell phone which you  recently purchased. 
Write a letter of complaint to the manager of the store from which you bought  the cell phone. [30] 

2.2 OBITUARY 

A close colleague has passed away suddenly. His or her family has asked  you to write an obituary paying tribute to him or her. [30] 

2.3 REVIEW 

You are the owner of a store that hires out films/DVDs. You provide reviews  of films to assist your customers in their selection.  
Write a review of a recently released film/DVD that is suitable for family  viewing. [30] 

2.4 SPEECH 

Your best friend will be getting married soon and you have been invited to  speak at the wedding. 

Write out the speech that you will deliver at the wedding. [30]

TOTAL SECTION B: 30

SECTION C: SHORTER TRANSACTIONAL TEXT  

QUESTION 3 

• Choose ONE of the following topics and write a short text.  
• The body of your response should be between 80 and 100 words in length. 
• Write down the NUMBER and the HEADING of the text you have chosen, for  example, 3.1 ADVERTISEMENT. 
• Spend approximately 30 minutes on this section. 

3.1 ADVERTISEMENT 

You have just completed your studies and have decided to place an  advertisement in a local newspaper to seek employment. Write out the  content of your advertisement. 

NOTE: Do NOT include illustrations or drawings. [20]

3.2 DIARY ENTRIES 

Your close friend has left you feeling disappointed about something. You have  decided to discuss the matter with him or her. 
Write out TWO diary entries expressing your feelings before and after your  discussion with your friend. [20] 

3.3 INSTRUCTIONS 

You are a volunteer at your local library. The librarian has reported that some  learners do not behave well when visiting the library. He or she has asked you  to write out a set of instructions on how to behave when using the library. 
Write out the instructions. [20] 

TOTAL SECTION C: 20
GRAND TOTAL: 100