ENGLISH FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE
PAPER 2
GRADE 12
NSC PAST PAPERS AND MEMOS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017
INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION
Read this page carefully before you begin to answer the questions.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION A: NOVEL | ||
QUESTION NO. | MARKS | PAGE NO. |
1. To Kill a Mockingbird | 35 | 5 |
2. Lord of the Flies | 35 | 9 |
3. A Grain of Wheat | 35 | 13 |
SECTION B: DRAMA | ||
4. Romeo and Juliet | 35 | 16 |
5. Nothing but the Truth | 35 | 20 |
SECTION C: SHORT STORIES | ||
6.1 'The Dube train' | 18 | 24 |
6.2 'The secret life of Walter Mitty' | 17 | 26 |
SECTION D: POETRY | ||
7.1 'On his blindness' | 17 | 28 |
7.2 'Cheetah' | 18 | 29 |
CHECKLIST
NOTE:
SECTION | QUESTION NUMBERS | NO. OF QUESTIONS TO ANSWER | TICK (✔) |
A: Novel | 1–3 | 1 | |
B: Drama | 4–5 | 1 | |
C: Short stories | 6 | 1 | |
D: Poetry | 7 | 1 |
NOTE: Ensure that you have answered questions on TWO sections only.
SECTION A: NOVEL
In this section, there are questions set on the following novels:
Answer ALL the questions on the novel that you have studied.
QUESTION 1: TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
Read the extracts from the novel below and answer the questions set on each. The number of marks allocated to each question serves as a guide to the expected length of your answer.
NOTE: Answer the questions set on BOTH extracts, i.e. QUESTION 1.1 AND QUESTION 1.2.
1.1 EXTRACT A
[The neighbours discuss Mr Radley's gun-shot.]
Respiration normal, the three of us strolled as casually as we could to the front yard. We looked down the street and saw a circle of neighbours at the Radley front gate. [Chapter 6] |
1.1.1 Choose a description from COLUMN B that matches the name in COLUMN A. Write only the letter (A–E) next to the question number (1.1.1(a)–1.1.1(d)) in the ANSWER BOOK.
COLUMN A | COLUMN B |
(a) Nathan Radley | A an excellent marksman with the nickname 'One Shot' |
(4 x 1) (4)
1.1.2 Refer to lines 1–3 ('Respiration normal, the … Radley front gate').
Why is it necessary for the children to get their 'respiration normal' before they can join the circle of neighbours? (2)
1.1.3 Using your OWN words, explain why the following statement is FALSE:
Mr Nathan Radley has just killed the Negro, Tom Robinson. (1)
1.1.4 Refer to line 13 ('Mr Radley shot … his collard patch.'). Identify and discuss the theme evident in this remark. (3)
1.1.5 What do we learn about Boo when he returns Jem's pants? (2)
1.1.6 'his fat cherub face' (line 26) is an example of a metaphor.
Explain how the metaphor contributes to the humour in the description of the situation the children find themselves in. (2)
1.1.7 Discuss why the title of this novel is relevant to Tom Robinson and Boo Radley. (4)
AND
1.2 EXTRACT B
[Uncle Jack and Atticus are discussing the trial.]
I waited for Uncle Jack to break his promise. He still didn't. [Chapter 9] |
1.2.1 How is 'Uncle Jack' related to Scout? (1)
1.2.2 Refer to line 1 ('his promise').
1.2.3 Refer to lines 6–7 ('The jury couldn't …with the Ewells?').
1.2.4 Using THREE points, explain why Atticus is NOT optimistic that the verdict is going to be in favour of Tom Robinson. (3)
1.2.5 Judge John Taylor appoints Atticus as the defending lawyer in lines 14–15 ('You know, I'd … said, "You're It." ').
What does this appointment reveal about Atticus? State THREE points. (3)
1.2.6 Write down ONE word which best describes Jack's tone of voice in line 16 ('Let this cup pass from you, eh?') (1)
1.2.7 What, in your opinion, are some of the most valuable life lessons Atticus teaches Jem and Scout? (3)
[35]
QUESTION 2: LORD OF THE FLIES
Read the extracts from the novel below and answer the questions set on each. The number of marks allocated to each question serves as a guide to the expected length of your answer.
NOTE: Answer the questions set on BOTH extracts, i.e. QUESTION 2.1 AND QUESTION 2.2.
2.1 EXTRACT C
[The fire burns out of control.]
'A fat lot you tried,' said Jack contemptuously. 'You just sat.' 'We used his specs,' said Simon, smearing a black cheek with his forearm. 'He helped that way.' [Chapter 2] |
2.1.1 Choose a description from COLUMN B that matches the name in COLUMN A. Write only the letter (A–E) next to the question number (2.1.1(a)–2.1.1(d)) in the ANSWER BOOK.
COLUMN A | COLUMN B |
(a) Simon | A takes pleasure in bullying the little ones |
(4 x 1) (4)
2.1.2 Refer to lines 2–3 ('We used his … helped that way').
How does Simon show his kindness in these words? (2)
2.1.3 Refer to line 4 ('I got the … let me speak!').
2.1.4 Refer to Maurice's advice in lines 8–9 ('Put on green … to make smoke.').
2.1.5 Discuss how Jack's behaviour changes in this extract. (2)
2.1.6 Why, in your opinion, is it ironic that Jack is the one who claims that they are 'not savages' in line 24? (3)
AND
2.2 EXTRACT D
[The death of Simon.]
'Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood!' [Chapter 9] |
2.2.1 Refer to line 1 ('Kill the beast! … Spill his blood!').
Choose the correct answer to complete the following sentence. Write only the letter (A–D) next to the question number (2.2.1) in the ANSWER BOOK.
Shortly before the incident described in the extract …
2.2.2 Name the TWO boys who are part of the dance, although they are not part of this group. (2)
2.2.3 How does the thunderstorm described in line 2 ('The blue-white scar was constant, the noise unendurable') contribute to the events in this extract? (2)
2.2.4 Refer to lines 6–8 ('The beast was … on the hill.').
2.2.5 Refer to lines 11–12 ('There were no … teeth and claws.').
What are the boys' actions being compared to and explain why this comparison is appropriate? (3)
2.2.6 State TWO of Simon's character traits which make his death even more tragic. (2)
2.2.7 Explain why the following statement is FALSE:
The boys understand that the killing of a human being is wrong. (1)
2.2.8 Refer to the novel as a whole.
Discuss your views on the author's message that, given the opportunity, all human beings have the ability to be both good and evil. (4)
[35]
QUESTION 3: A GRAIN OF WHEAT
Read the extracts from the novel below and answer the set questions. The number of marks allocated to each question serves as a guide to the expected length of your answer.
NOTE: Answer the questions set on BOTH extracts, i.e. QUESTION 3.1 AND QUESTION 3.2.
3.1 EXTRACT E
[General R and others leave Mugo's hut.]
'Forget?' General R asked in a deceptively calm voice. 'No, my friend. We must find our traitor, else you and I took the oath for nothing. Traitors and collaborators must not escape revolutionary justice. Tomorrow you must go back to Githima and see Mwaura about the new plan.' [Chapter 3] |
3.1.1 Choose a description from COLUMN B that matches the name in COLUMN A. Write only the letter (A–E) next to the question number (3.1.1(a)–3.1.1(d)) in the ANSWER BOOK.
COLUMN A | COLUMN B |
(a) General R | A Mugo's drunken aunt |
(4 x 1) (4)
3.1.2 Refer to lines 1–4 ('Forget? General R … the new plan.').
3.1.3 In line 7 Mugo is described as 'strange'. Give TWO reasons for this strange behaviour. (2)
3.1.4 By referring only to this extract, state TWO character traits of General R. (2)
3.1.5 Refer to lines 10–15 ('It is the … you get out.').
3.1.6 Discuss your views on the ways in which Mugo is presented as a weak character. (3)
AND
3.2 EXTRACT F
[The villagers prepare to run the race.]
Karanja's sudden appearance startled Gikonyo who, to avoid looking at Karanja, moved to where Warui stood and talked to him animatedly. Karanja was also hesitant; it had not occurred to him that Gikonyo might take part in the race. Then contempt for the carpenter filled his heart; he would not give up the race, he resolved, remembering their old race to the train. The unfinished drama was going to be re-enacted in front of Mumbi, and only a few yards from the same railway station. Perhaps this time he would win the race and Mumbi together. Why else had she written that note, he reasoned with anxious optimism, as he bent down to unlace his shoes. Mwaura was talking to General R and Lt. Koina and seemed to be emphasising a point with his right forefinger. The competitors, quite a small crowd consisting of women and men and schoolchildren, were now alerted. The whole field was suddenly hushed a second before the whistle went. Then a tumult of shouting from the spectators accompanied the pandemonium of the starting point. The runners trod on one another. A boy fell to the ground and miraculously escaped unhurt from the trampling feet. Warui dropped out almost immediately. He went and sat next to Wambui and Mumbi. [Chapter 14] |
3.2.1 Briefly describe the events that took place during 'their old race' (line 5), which Karanja remembers. State THREE points. (3)
3.2.2 Why is the race being run in the extract above? (1)
3.2.3 Give a reason why General R and Lt. Koina are at the race. (1)
3.2.4 What happens to Karanja and Gikonyo during the race? (2)
3.2.5 Explain why the following statement is TRUE: Karanja misinterprets the note Mumbi sends to him. (2)
3.2.6 Explain why there is tension between Mumbi and Gikonyo. (2)
3.2.7 Identify and discuss ONE theme that is evident in this extract. (3)
3.2.8 In your opinion, how does the author prevent the reader from feeling sympathy for Karanja? (4)
[35]
TOTAL SECTION A: 35
SECTION B: DRAMA
In this section, there are questions set on the following dramas:
QUESTION 4: ROMEO AND JULIET
Read the extracts from the play below and answer the questions set on each. The number of marks allocated to each question serves as a guide to the expected length of your answer.
NOTE: Answer the questions set on BOTH extracts, i.e. QUESTION 4.1 AND QUESTION 4.2.
4.1 EXTRACT G
[Benvolio and Romeo at the Capulet ball.]
BENVOLIO: Away, be gone! The sport is at the best. Nay, gentlemen, prepare not to be gone. Exeunt all but Juliet and Nurse. My only love, sprung from my only hate! NURSE: What's this, what's this? [Act 1 Scene 5] |
4.1.1 Choose a description from COLUMN B that matches the name in COLUMN A. Write only the letter (A–E) next to the question
number (4.1.1(a)–4.1.1(d)) in the ANSWER BOOK.
COLUMN A | COLUMN B |
(a) Friar Lawrence | A Romeo's cousin |
(4 x 1) (4)
4.1.2 Why does Benvolio say, 'Away be gone!' in line 1? (1)
4.1.3 Explain why the following statement is FALSE: Benvolio takes Romeo to the ball to see Rosaline. (1)
4.1.4 In lines 11–13 ('What is yond … out of door?') Juliet asks the Nurse about two other men before she asks about Romeo.
By using TWO examples of Juliet's behaviour in these lines, explain what is revealed about her character. (2)
4.1.5 Explain the irony in line 18 ('My grave is like to be my wedding bed.'). (2)
4.1.6 Identify and discuss ONE theme of the play which is evident in line 21 ('My only love, sprung from my only hate!'). (4)
4.1.7 Discuss your views on how attending the Capulet ball has BOTH good and bad consequences for Romeo. (4)
AND
4.2 EXTRACT H
[In Juliet's chamber.]
LADY CAPULET: What noise is here? O me, O me! My child, my only life! CAPULET: For shame, bring Juliet forth. Her lord is come. Ha! Let me see her. Out alas! She's cold, NURSE: O lamentable day! [Act 4 Scene 5] |
4.2.1 Choose the correct answer to complete the following sentence. Write only the letter (A–D) and the question number (4.2.1) in the ANSWER BOOK.
The expression 'heavy day' in line 4 refers to …
4.2.2 If you were the stage director of this play, what tone of voice would you tell Lady Capulet to use when saying lines 5–7 ('O me, O … help! Call help.')? Give a reason for your answer. (2)
4.2.3 How does Paris react to the news of Juliet's death and what does his reaction reveal about him? (3)
4.2.4 Refer to line 15 ('Death lies on her like an untimely frost').
4.2.5 Explain how the theme of appearance and reality is explored in this extract. (3)
4.2.6 How would you describe Juliet's relationship with her parents? Illustrate your answer with an example from the play. (2)
4.2.7 Although the play Romeo and Juliet is seen as very romantic, Shakespeare intended it to be seen as a tragedy.
In your opinion, what makes the play so tragic? (3)
[35]
QUESTION 5: NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH
Read the extracts from the play below and answer the set questions. The number of marks allocated to each question serves as a guide to the expected length of your answer.
NOTE: Answer the questions set on BOTH extracts, i.e. QUESTION 5.1 AND QUESTION 5.2.
5.1 EXTRACT I
[Sipho and Thando talk about Themba.]
SIPHO: [Act 1, Scene 1] |
5.1.1 Choose a description from COLUMN B that matches the name in COLUMN A. Write only the letter (A–E) next to the question number (5.1.1(a)–5.1.1(d)) in the ANSWER BOOK.
COLUMN A | COLUMN B |
(a) Sipho | A full-time educator |
(4 x 1) (4)
5.1.2 Give the name of the suburb in which this play is set. (1)
5.1.3 Refer to line 8 ('I said different!').
Choose the correct answer to complete the following sentence. Write only the letter (A–D) next to the question number (5.1.3) in the ANSWER BOOK.
Sipho's tone can best be described as …
5.1.4 If you were the stage director of this play, what would you tell Sipho to do in the stage direction given in line 20 ('[withdrawing into himself]')? Give a reason for your answer. (2)
5.1.5 Using your OWN words, explain the meaning of lines 18–19 ('Yeah, he was … of the Struggle.'). (2)
5.1.6 Identify and discuss ONE theme of the play which is evident in this extract. (4)
5.1.7 Discuss your views on how the character of Sipho portrays the importance of upholding traditional values. (3)
AND
5.2 EXTRACT J
[Mandisa and Thando are talking.]
MANDISA: Listen. After the funeral why don't you come with me to Johannesburg? I've decided I am going to stay for a few extra days. You know I have to see a few designers. Look we can spend a week there together. Please say yes! [Act 2 Scene 1] |
5.2.1 Refer to the funeral mentioned in line 1.
5.2.2 Give a reason why Mandisa is going 'to see a few designers' (line 3). (1)
5.2.3 Refer to lines 11–12 ('No … he is … be back soon.').
Explain where Sipho is when the telephone rings and why he is there. (2)
5.2.4 Mrs Potgieter is mentioned in line 18.
5.2.5 Explain how the character of Themba, as seen by Sipho, differs from Themba seen through Mandisa's eyes. (4)
5.2.6 Discuss how Sipho's reaction to the news that he did not get the promotion differs from his normal behaviour. (2)
5.2.7 In your opinion, how is the title of this drama relevant to the plot and theme? (4)
[35]
TOTAL SECTION B: 35
SECTION C: SHORT STORIES
In this section, there are questions set on the following short stories:
QUESTION 6
Read the extracts from the TWO short stories below and answer the questions set on each. The number of marks allocated to each question serves as a guide to the expected length of your answer.
NOTE: Answer the questions set on BOTH extracts, i.e. QUESTION 6.1 AND QUESTION 6.2.
'THE DUBE TRAIN'
6.1 EXTRACT K
[The narrator boards the train.]
Above and around him, the other passengers, looking Monday-bleared, had no enthusiasm about them. They were just like the lights of the carriage – dull, dreary, undramatic. Almost as if they, too, felt that they should not be alight during the day. |
6.1.1 Where is this story set? (1)
6.1.2 Who does 'him' in line 1 ('Above and around … looking Monday bleared') refer to? (1)
6.1.3 Refer to lines 2–4 ('They were just … during the day.').
What do these lines suggest about:
6.1.4 Refer to line 5 ('Phefeni Station rushed … faces blurring past.').
6.1.5 Quote FIVE consecutive words to prove that the following statement is TRUE:
The way in which the girl behaves makes her appear older than she is. (1)
6.1.6 Explain what the speaker means by 'I knew the type' in line 14. (2)
6.1.7 Using your OWN words, describe the manner in which the tsotsi boards the train. (2)
6.1.8 By referring to the short story as a whole, state ONE character trait of the woman who scolds the men on the train. Illustrate your answer by using an example of her behaviour. (2)
6.1.9 The author gives the impression that the passengers on the train do not care for the tsotsi, even when he is thrown from the moving train. Discuss your views on this apparent lack of caring. (4)
AND
'THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY'
6.2 EXTRACT L
[Walter is waiting for his wife.]
The pounding of the cannon increased; there was the rat-tat-tatting of machine guns, and from somewhere came the menacing pocketa pocketa-pocketa of the new flame-throwers. Walter Mitty walked to the door of the dugout humming 'Auprès de Ma Blonde'. He turned and waved to the sergeant. 'Cheerio!' he said … |
6.2.1 Refer to lines 1–3 ('there was the …new flame-throwers.').
6.2.2 Explain how Walter Mitty's character in his fantasy life differs from his real life. Illustrate this difference by referring to examples from the short story. (4)
6.2.3 Refer to lines 10–12 ('Does it ever … home," she said').
6.2.4 How does Mrs Mitty's absence, described in line 16 ('She was more than a minute.'), provide Walter Mitty with an opportunity to escape reality? (2)
6.2.5 Identify and discuss ONE theme which is evident in the narrator's final description of Walter Mitty as 'the Undefeated'. (3)
6.2.6 In your opinion, how does the author use the descriptions of Mrs Mitty to ensure that the reader feels that she does NOT deserve sympathy? (3)
TOTAL SECTION C: 35
SECTION D: POETRY
In this section, there are questions set on the following poems:
NOTE: Answer the questions set on BOTH poems, i.e. QUESTION 7.1 AND QUESTION 7.2.
QUESTION 7
7.1 Read the poem carefully and then answer the questions which follow. The number of marks allocated to each question serves as a guide to the expected length of your answer.
On his blindness – John Milton When I consider how my light is spent, |
7.1.1 Refer to the structure of the poem.
7.1.2 Refer to line 1 ('my light is spent').
Give both the LITERAL and FIGURATIVE meaning of 'light' in this line. (2) 7.1.3 What is the speaker's 'Talent' he refers to in line 3? (1)
7.1.4 Quote a single word from the poem to prove the following statement TRUE.
The speaker is afraid that God might scold him. (1)
7.1.5 Explain the meaning of line 7 ('Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?'). (2)
7.1.6 Identify the speaker's tone in the first half of line 8 ('I fondly ask'). (1)
7.1.7 Using your OWN words, explain what is meant by lines 10–11 ('Who best bear … serve him best'). (2)
7.1.8 The speaker conveys both his frustration with his disability AND his acceptance of God's will. Discuss your views on this statement. (4)
AND
7.2 Read the poem carefully and then answer the questions which follow. The number of marks allocated to each question serves as a guide to the expected length of your answer.
Cheetah – Charles Eglington Indolent and kitten-eyed, Slouching through the tawny grass Around the vast arena where; Till hunger draws slack sinews tight A tremor rakes the herds: they scent In which, of thousands, only one His stealth and swiftness fling a noose |
7.2.1 What is the setting of this poem? (1)
7.2.2 Refer to stanza 1.
Choose the correct answer to complete the following sentence. Write only the question number (7.2.2) and the letter (A–D) in the ANSWER BOOK.
The poem consists of seven …
7.2.3 Why is the reference to 'twilight' in line 8 important? (2)
7.2.4 Refer to line 14 ('vibrant as a hunter's bow').
7.2.5 Refer to line 19 ('heads rear and jerk').
7.2.6 Refer to stanzas 2 and 7.
Use your OWN words to explain how the movement of the cheetah changes. (2)
7.2.7 Discuss how the cheetah in this poem represents the idea of survival of the fittest. (3)
7.2.8 The title of this poem is 'Cheetah'.
Three other descriptions of the cheetah are used. Give your opinion on how the inclusion of 'kitten', 'pup' and 'leopard' contributes to the ultimate description of the cheetah. (3)
TOTAL SECTION D: 35
GRAND TOTAL: 70