ENGLISH FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE
GRADE 12
PAPER 3 
NSC PAST PAPERS AND MEMOS
SEPTEMBER 2017

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION 

1. This question paper consists of THREE sections:
   SECTION A: Essay (50 marks)
   SECTION B: Longer Transactional Text (30 marks)
   SECTION C: Shorter Transactional Text (20 marks) 
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, etc.), 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:
   • SECTION A: 80 minutes
   • SECTION B: 40 minutes
   • SECTION C: 30 minutes 
8. Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this  question paper. 
9. Write down the title/heading of your 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 250–300 words in length (1 to 1½ pages) on ONE  of the following topics.
• Write down the number and title of your essay correctly, for example 1.1 My beautiful dream
• Give your OWN title if your choice is either QUESTION 1.7.1 OR  QUESTION 1.7.2.
• Spend approximately 80 minutes on this section. 

1.1 My beautiful dream [50]
1.2 Oh! No … [50]
1.3 The fear/fears I have [50]
1.4 The new South Africa offers a better life for a few people. [50] 
1.5 “A [gardener] must take responsibility for what he cultivates; he must mind  his work … preserve (keep) what can be preserved and eliminate what  cannot succeed.” – Nelson Mandela [50] 
1.6 My solutions to the problems caused by social networking. [50]
OR
1.7 Choose ONE of the following 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 Essay based on picture 

[Source: dreamatico.com] [50]
1.7.2 Essay based on picture 

[Source: powerlisting.wikia.com] [50] 

TOTAL SECTION A: 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 120–150 words in length.
• Write down the number and the heading of the text you have chosen, for  example 2.1. Interview
• Pay particular attention to format, language, register and audience
• Spend approximately 40 minutes on this section. 

2.1 FRIENDLY LETTER 
Your best friend who goes to another school, has recently passed his/her  driver’s licence test. 
Write a letter to wish him/her well in his/her new achievement AND advise  him/her very strongly about the importance of observing road safety. [30] 

2.2 INTERVIEW  
A famous person/star was sent from overseas to interview you about a  possible career in sport. The intention is to offer you a bursary to study  towards a sports degree at university. 
Write out the interview between yourself and the sports person/star in which  you point out your strengths in your favourite sport and other ambitions. Include a brief scenario/context before the interview. 
NOTE: Use the dialogue format. [30]
OR

2.2 AGENDA AND MINUTES OF MEETING 
An RCL meeting (Representative Council of Learners) was held at your  school to discuss proposals to be presented to the SGB (School Governing  Body), about improvements to your school buildings and grounds. 
This is the agenda for the meeting: 

AGENDA 

1. Opening and welcome 
2. Attendance 
3. Business of the day
   3.1 Proposals (suggestions) for improvements
   3.2 Resolutions (decisions) regarding the improvements 
4. Closure 

Use the agenda above and write out the minutes of the meeting. [30] 
OR 
2.4 OBITUARY 
A popular life coach who helped members of your community with issues such  as career choices, child behavioural problems, challenges in relationships etc.  has passed away after a short illness. 
Write an obituary in which you point out how he/she has promoted the welfare  of your community. You should also pay tribute to him/her. [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 80–100 words in length.
• Write down the number and the heading of the text you have chosen, for  example 3.1. Flyer
• Spend approximately 30 minutes on this section. 

3.1 FLYER 
You, as a Grade 12 learner, are planning to sell some of the items you were  using for schooling such as your school uniform, your bicycle, books etc. The sale will take place on the last day you write your matric exams in 2017. 
Design a flyer in which you appeal to other learners to buy your used items.
NOTE: Do NOT include illustrations or drawings. [20]
OR 

3.2 DIARY ENTRY 
Recently you were asked to organise an entertainment programme for  matric learners to bid them farewell after many years of schooling. 
Write two diary entries in which you indicate your feelings BEFORE and  AFTER the occasion you had organised. [20] 

OR 
3.3 INSTRUCTIONS 
Obesity is becoming a serious health problem in South Africa. 
With the above in mind, write a set of instructions for young people on how  to prevent being overweight.

[20] 
TOTAL SECTION C: 20 
GRAND TOTAL: 100