INFORMATION FOR THE MARKER

In assessing a candidate's work, the following aspects, among others, drawn from the assessment rubric, must be borne in mind:

• The overall effect of planning, drafting, proofreading and editing of the work on the final text produced
• Awareness of writing for a specific purpose, audience and context – as well as register, style and tone – especially in SECTION B
• Grammar, spelling and punctuation
• Language structures, including an awareness of critical language
• Choice of words and idiomatic language
• Sentence construction
• Paragraphing
• Interpretation of the topic that will be reflected in the overall content: the introduction, the development of ideas and the conclusion

SUGGESTED APPROACH TO MARKING
SECTION A: ESSAY

Refer to SECTION A: Rubric for Assessing an Essay found on pages 7 and 8 of these marking guidelines.

1. Read the whole piece and decide on a category for CONTENT AND PLANNING.
2. Re-read the piece and select the appropriate category for LANGUAGE, STYLE AND EDITING.
3. Re-read the piece and select the appropriate category for STRUCTURE.

SECTION B: TRANSACTIONAL TEXTS

Refer to SECTION B: Rubric for Assessing Transactional Texts found on page 9 of these marking guidelines.

1. Read the whole piece and decide on a category for CONTENT, PLANNING AND FORMAT.
2. Re-read the piece and select the appropriate category for LANGUAGE, STYLE AND EDITING.

NOTE:

• Various formats of transactional/referential/informational texts have been taught/ are in current practice. This has to be considered when assessing the format.
• Give credit for appropriateness of format.
• Look for a logical approach in all writing.

SECTION A: ESSAY
QUESTION 1
Candidates are required to write ONE essay of 400–450 words (2–2½ pages) on ONE of the given topics. Candidates may write in any genre: narrative, descriptive, reflective, discursive, argumentative, or any combination of these.
1.1 My stumbling blocks became my stepping stones.

• Responses could include circumstances/challenges that the narrator had overcome and that helped him/her to progress.
  [50]

1.2 'If I were not African, I wonder whether it would be clear to me that Africa is a place where the people do not need limp gifts of fish but sturdy fishing rods and fair access to the pond.'

– Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

• Candidates could address self-reliance as opposed to charity.
• Focus could be on fair opportunity.
• The misunderstood African identity could be discussed.
  [50]

1.3 There is no place for traditional values in modern society.

• Candidates could argue for or against the motion.
• Candidates could also present a mixed response.
  [50]

1.4 The magic of a South African summer

• The unique appeal of a South African summer should be explored.
  [50]

1.5 A mask … a mistake … hilarious!

• Candidates should recount a humorous story/anecdote, relating to a mask.
• Credit literal/figurative interpretations of the topic. [50]

1.6 NOTE: There must be a clear link between the essay and the picture chosen.
1.6.1 Child and cat

• Credit literal, figurative and/or mixed responses. [50]

1.6.2 Robot and human hand

• Credit literal, figurative and/or mixed responses.
  [50]

1.6.3 The Car

• Credit literal, figurative and/or mixed responses.
  [50]

TOTAL SECTION A: 50

SECTION B: TRANSACTIONAL TEXTS

QUESTION 2
Candidates are required to respond to TWO of the topics set. The body of each response should be 180–200 words (20–25 lines) in length. The language, register, style and tone must be appropriate to the context.

2.1 FORMAL SPEECH

• The speech could be inspirational/motivational and/or galvanise public support/provide updates.
•  Register should be appropriate.
  [25]

2.2 MAGAZINE ARTICLE

• The candidate should appeal to the reader's patriotism and dispel the notion that emigrating is a solution.
•  Format: headline is essential; by-line is optional
  [25]

2.3 E-MAIL

• The candidate must motivate the organisation's suitability to be a beneficiary, by focusing on the profile of the organisation/the needs and possibly the management plan designed for the distribution of the personal protective equipment.
• Format: sender's and recipient's e-mail addresses; subject line; salutation and signing off; appropriate register/tone
  [25]

2.4 DIALOGUE

• The employee could acquiesce or object to the employer's request.
• Valid dialogue format should be used.
  [25]

2.5 LETTER TO THE PRESS

• The candidate should present his/her views on beauty pageants.
• Format: own address, date, addressee, subject line, salutation and signing-off [25]

2.6 FORMAL REPORT

• The report should focus on under-utilisation of public libraries.
• Format: headline; terms of reference; procedure; findings; conclusion; recommendations
  [25]

TOTAL SECTION B: 50
GRAND TOTAL: 100

NOTE:

• Always use the rubric when marking the creative essay (Paper 3, SECTION A).
• Marks from 0–50 have been divided into FIVE major level descriptors.
• In the Content, Language and Style criteria, each of the five level descriptors is divided into an upper-level and a lower level sub-category with the applicable mark range and descriptors.
• Structure is not affected by the upper-level and lower-level division.

ASSESSMENT RUBRIC FOR ESSAY – HOME LANGUAGE [50 MARKS]