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

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION 

1. This question paper consists of TWO sections: 
   SECTION A: Essay (50) 
   SECTION B: Transactional Texts (2 x 25) (50)
2. Answer ONE question from SECTION A and TWO questions from SECTION B. 
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 the answer. 
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 your time as follows:
   SECTION A: approximately 80 minutes
   SECTION B: approximately 70 (2 x 35) minutes 
8. Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this  question paper. 
9. The title/heading must NOT be included when doing a word count.
10. Write neatly and legibly. 

QUESTIONS 

SECTION A: ESSAY 
QUESTION 1 
Write an essay of 400–450 words (2–2½ pages) on ONE of the following topics.  Write down the NUMBER and TITLE/HEADING of your essay.  
1.1 'Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke  of luck.' (The Dalai Lama) [50] 
1.2 Peaceful protests – the only option [50]
1.3 The final hours … [50] 
1.4 'I have spread my dreams under your feet; Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.' (William Butler Yeats) [50] 
1.5 They learned about the brutality and the beauty of life. [50] 
1.6 The pictures reproduced below may evoke a reaction or feeling in you or stir  your imagination.  Select ONE picture and write an essay in response. Write the question  number (1.6.1, 1.6.2 or 1.6.3) of your choice and give your essay a title. 
NOTE: There must be a clear link between your essay and the picture you  have chosen. 
1.6.1
 
[Source: www.steppingstonetalent.com] [50]
1.6.2
 
[Source: www.shutterstock.com] [50]
1.6.3
 
 [Source: www.4.bp.blogspot.com] [50] 

TOTAL SECTION A: 50

SECTION B: TRANSACTIONAL TEXTS 
QUESTION 2 

• Respond to TWO of the following topics.
• The body of each of your answers should be 180–200 words (20–25 lines) in  length.
• Pay careful attention to the following:
  • Audience, register, tone and style
  • Choice of words and language structure
  • Format
• Write down the NUMBER and the TITLE/HEADING of the text you have chosen,  e.g. 2.1 Formal Letter.  

2.1 FORMAL LETTER 
You would like to raise funds for a charity that is close to your heart.  
Write a letter to the owner of a prominent local business to request support for  your venture. [25] 
2.2 DIALOGUE 
Your reputation has been compromised after your involvement in a  controversial issue. You have been summoned by a senior person to account  for your actions and/or words.  
Write the dialogue that transpires. [25]
2.3 INFORMAL LETTER 

[Source: www.wisegeek.com] 
You have received a text message that has provoked/pleased you. You feel  that responding to the message via your cellphone would be inadequate. 
Write a letter expressing your feelings to the person from whom you have  received the message. [25]
2.4 MAGAZINE ARTICLE 
You are a follower of a particular genre of music which is frequently criticised.  Write an article for a youth magazine in defence of this genre.  [25] 
2.5 COVERING LETTER AND CURRICULUM VITAE 
Local business owners have launched a competition for aspirant  entrepreneurs. Young adults, between the ages of 17 and 21, are invited to  apply by submitting a covering letter and curriculum vitae.  
Write the covering letter and curriculum vitae which you will submit in  
response to this invitation. [25]
2.6 MINUTES OF A MEETING 
The local library has been vandalised. As the secretary of Friends of the  Library, you have to record the minutes of a special meeting convened in the  City Hall. 
Write the minutes of this meeting, using the agenda below. 
AGENDA 

1. Opening and welcome 
2. Attendance 
3. Vandalism of the library 
4. Recommendations
5. Closure [25] 

TOTAL SECTION B: 50
GRAND TOTAL: 100