ENGLISH FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE
PAPER 3
GRADE 12 
NSC PAST PAPERS AND MEMOS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017

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. Give each response a suitable title/heading. 
10. Do NOT consider the title/heading when doing a word count.
11. Write neatly and legibly.

QUESTIONS

SECTION A: ESSAY
QUESTION 1 

• Spend approximately 80 minutes on this section. 
• 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 you have chosen, for example 1.1 A memorable journey. 
• Give your own title if your choice is QUESTIONS 1.2, 1.7.1 OR 1.7.2. 

1.1 A memorable journey [50]
1.2 Write a story that includes the following words: I regret pressing 'Send' on my cellphone. [50]
1.3 The people who make my life interesting [50]
1.4 There is too much pressure on the youth to have perfect bodies. [50]
1.5 Do not start your day with broken pieces of yesterday. [50]
1.6 Success is the result of hard work; luck has nothing to do with it. [50] 
1.7 Choose ONE of the pictures on the next page 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
 
[Source: Sawubona, September 2015] [50] 

1.7.2
 
[Source: Nedbank Brochure, 2015] [50]

TOTAL SECTION A: 50

SECTION B: LONGER TRANSACTIONAL TEXT 
QUESTION 2 

• Spend approximately 40 minutes on this section. 
• 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 TO THE PRESS. 
• Pay particular attention to format, language and register. 

2.1 FORMAL LETTER TO THE PRESS 
There is much debate about whether Grade 12 final results should be  published in the newspapers, or not. 
Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper expressing your views on  this matter. [30] 

2.2 OBITUARY 
A learner at your school, who had excelled at sport, has passed on. As a  close friend of the deceased, you have been asked to pay tribute to him or her  by writing the obituary which will appear in the school's newspaper. [30] 

2.3 INFORMAL REPORT 
The principal and staff at your school intend reviewing the rules regarding  learner uniforms and hairstyles. As the chairperson of the Representative  Council of Learners (RCL), you have been asked to write a report on possible  changes to these rules.  
Write the report that you will submit to the principal. [30]

2.4 INTERVIEW 
You have won first prize in a prestigious inter-school public-speaking competition. A local radio station has invited you to an interview to discuss  your success. Write out the interview that takes place between you and the  radio presenter.  
NOTE: Use the dialogue format. [30]

TOTAL SECTION B: 30

SECTION C: SHORTER TRANSACTIONAL TEXT 
QUESTION 3 

• Spend approximately 30 minutes on this section. 
• 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 INVITATION CARD. 

3.1 INVITATION CARD 
A teacher at your school is about to retire. As the chairperson of the  Representative Council of Learners (RCL), you have been asked to invite this  teacher to attend a farewell function in his/her honour. 
Write out the content of your invitation card. 
NOTE: Do NOT include illustrations or drawings. [20]

3.2 POSTCARD 
You and your family have moved to a new country/province. 
Write a postcard to your friend sharing some of your experiences in this new  country/province. [20] 

3.3 DIRECTIONS 
A relative is visiting your home in Sprite Street for the first time. You have  been asked to give him or her directions from the airport to your house. Use  the map given below to write out your directions.  
You must include landmarks, estimated distances and specific directions. 

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

TOTAL SECTION C: 20 
GRAND TOTAL:  100