ENGLISH FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE
PAPER 3
GRADE 12 
NSC PAST PAPERS AND MEMOS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018

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 

• 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 correctly, for  example 1.1 An escape.
• Give your own title if your choice is QUESTION 1.7.1 OR 1.7.2.
• Spend approximately 80 minutes on this section. 

1.1 An escape [50]
1.2 We have been friends since Grade 1. [50] 
1.3 The home in which I grew up [50]   
1.4 'Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.' – Confucius Discuss this statement. [50]
1.5 We are responsible for what future generations will inherit from us. [50]
1.6 Freedom of speech is both a right and a responsibility.  Do you agree? [50] 
1.7 Choose ONE of the pictures below 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: www.google.com] [50]
1.7.2 

 [Source: www.dreamstime.com] [50]

  TOTAL SECTION A: 50

SECTION B: LONGER TRANSACTIONAL TEXT 
QUESTION 2 

• Respond to ONE of the following transactional writing texts.
• 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 FRIENDLY LETTER.
• Pay particular attention to format, language and register.
• Spend approximately 40 minutes on this section. 

2.1 FRIENDLY LETTER 
Your friend has won a gold medal at a provincial sports tournament. Write a  letter to congratulate him/her on the achievement. [30] 
2.2 LETTER OF APPLICATION 
A production company is filming a new television series in your area. The  company has placed an advertisement for the position of a general assistant  in the local newspaper.  
Write a letter of application to the production manager applying for this  position. [30] 
2.3 INFORMAL REPORT 
As a volunteer at an orphanage, you organised a project to collect food items  for the children. The director of the orphanage has asked you to submit an  informal report at the end of this project. 
Write out the report. [30]
2.4 INTERVIEW 
Your grandmother is very ill and requires home-based care. She has asked  you to conduct an interview with a private nurse for the position of a caregiver.  
Write out the interview that takes place between you and the private nurse. NOTE: Use the dialogue format. [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 INVITATION CARD.
• Spend approximately 30 minutes on this section. 

3.1 INVITATION CARD 
Your friend will soon be moving to another province to study. You wish to  organise a farewell party for him/her.  
Write out the content of the invitation card that you will send to his/her friends.  NOTE: Do NOT include illustrations or drawings. [20]
3.2 DIARY ENTRIES 
You have just started a new casual job.  
Write TWO diary entries. The first entry must indicate how you felt before you  went to work and the second entry must express how you felt after your first  day at work. [20] 
3.3 DIRECTIONS 
You are in a shopping centre and a passer-by asks you for directions to the  local post office. Give him/her directions from the shopping centre to the post  office. 
You must include landmarks, distances and specific directions in your  response. 
NOTE: Do NOT include sketches or maps. [20] 

TOTAL SECTION C: 20
GRAND TOTAL: 100