Question 1: A Brief History of the English Language (Marks: 15)
Neologisms are recently adopted terms, words, or phrases, that are often used in casual, informal speech or written language, but have yet to be adopted into mainstream use. The use of neologisms is a great example of the evolving nature of language and display how it is not static, but a reactive aspect of communication.
Q.1.1. In a short paragraph, discuss the etymology of and define, the following neologisms: (5)
• Webinar
• Staycation
The word “pajama” has its origin in Hindi: “pae jama” or “pai jama”, which literally translates as “garment for the legs” and dates back to the Ottoman Empire of the 13th century. Pajamas were originally for them loose pants or boxers with a simple cord to tie them (Gilis.com, 2022). A great example of commonly used, yet seldom-understood adoption of words into the English language.
Q.1.2. Why is it important to understand the etymology behind words like this? (4)
Q.1.3. In a short paragraph, discuss how South African English (SAE) came to commonly use words originating from other geographical locations. Provide one example of another such word as well as it’s origin. (6)
Question 2: Grammar, Syntax and Meaning in Written and Spoken English (Marks: 10)
Q.2.1 Identify and correct the incorrect word in each of the sentences below. Ensure correct spelling in each instance and when correcting sentences, rewrite the whole sentence.
Correct the following sentences for grammar, punctuation or syntax.
Q.2.1.1 Alexa says she hasn’t seen neither Nobusiso or Jade all evening. (1)
Q.2.1.2 Her hair was so fare, I’ve never seen anything like it. (1)
Q.2.1.3 They decided that the only way out, was a dual to the death! (1)
Q.2.1.4 The decision they made had set a dangerous president. (1)
Q.2.1.5 Athol Fugard is a famous South African playwrite. (1)
Q.2.2 Complete the following sentences by supplying the missing word
Q.2.2.1. [ ] is the proper agreement between pronouns, nouns, adjectives, and verbs. (1)
Q.2.2.2 The literal or primarily defined meaning of a word, is known as… (1)
Q.2.2.3. A [……] is the humorous use of a word that exploits its multiple meanings. (1)
Q.2.2.4. The formation of a word from a sound associated with it is called… (1)
Q.2.2.5. A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable is called a…. (1)
Question 3: Introduction to Textual Analysis (Marks: 5)
In a short paragraph, explain what textual analysis is and why it is necessary for educators to be able to practice and facilitate this skill with their learners.
Question 4: Poetry Analysis – From the 16th to the 21st Century (Marks: 30)
Read through the two poems from your prescribed reading and conduct a literary analysis according to the criteria set below.
| Coal – Audre Lorde
I Is the total black, being spoken From the earth’s inside. There are many kinds of open. How a diamond comes into a knot of flame How a sound comes into a word, coloured By who pays what for speaking.
Some words are open Like a diamond on glass windows Singing out within the crash of passing sun Then there are words like stapled wagers In a perforated book—buy and sign and tear apart— And come whatever wills all chances The stub remains An ill-pulled tooth with a ragged edge. Some words live in my throat Breeding like adders. Others know sun |
Say No – by Gcina Mhlope
Say No, Black Woman Say No When they call your jobless son a tsotsi Say No Say No, Black Woman Say No When they call your husband at the age of 60 a boy Say No Say No, Black Woman Say No When they rape your daughter in detention and call her a whore Say No Say No, Black Woman Say No When they call your white sister |
| Seeking like gypsies over my tongue To explode through my lips
Like young sparrows bursting from shell. Some words Bedevil me. |
a madam Say No
Say No, Black Woman Say No When they call your white brother |
| a Baas | |
| Love is a word another kind of open—
As a diamond comes into a knot of flame I am black because I come from the earth’s inside Take my word for jewel in your open light. |
Say No
Say No, Black Woman Say No When they call a trade unionist a terrorist |
| Say No | |
| Say No, Black Woman | |
| Say No | |
| When they give you a back seat | |
| in liberation wagon | |
| Say No | |
| Yes Black Woman | |
| a Big No |
Write a short essay in which you compare the two poems above.
In your essay, make sure that you address:
• The relevant themes of race, gender and resistance as addressed by the poems.
• The poetic form and genre of the two poems.
• The imagery, figurative language, and use of repetition in each of the poems.
Your essay must:
• Be approximately 2 pages or 600 words in length
• Have an introduction, a body, and a conclusion
• Include quotes from the poems to support your comparison and contrast.
• Include a reference list at the end of your essay
Note: 10 marks have been allocated to the formatting and academic quality of the essay. Hence, it is advisable that you review your essay thoroughly before submitting your exam.
All additional sources must be referenced in-text and included in the reference list in IIE-Harvard
format.
Question 5: The Novel – Haroun and the Sea of Stories (Marks: 30)
Read the following extract and respond to the essay question that follows.
Magical realism is a genre or style of literature or visual art, that developed in the postmodern period and is characterised by sometimes subtle, sometimes overt fantastical elements that are present in otherwise ordinary settings and situations. These elements often have a symbolic nature and are used to comment on themes like identity, race, gender, censorship, politics and war.
Salman Rushdie’s Haroun and the Sea of Stories (1992) is no exception to this, and an astute reader can connect his representation in this multi-layered narrative, to themes that were of clear importance to him, when writing this text. Rushdie managed to compose a text that could be read by young and old alike, with a different message for each and every type of reader.
Write a short essay in which you critically discuss.
• The nature of magical realism as a genre of literature.
• The exploration of themes of censorship and the balance between silence and speech.
• The suitability of the plot, language, setting and characterisation in Haroun and the Sea of Stories, as relates to readership.
Your essay must:
• Be approximately 2 pages or 600 words in length
• Have an introduction, a body and a conclusion
• Include quotes from the novel and at least two additional credible sources to support your critical discussion.
• Include a reference list at the end of your essay
Question 6: Drama – Boesman and Lena (Marks: 30)
Athol Fugard’s play Boesman and Lena (1973) is an example of absurdist theatre, which upon first glance appears to be a depressing snapshot of the futile lives of its titular characters. Upon closer inspection, it is evident that Fugard was making some fairly profound statements about themes which were of great significance in the era in which it was written. Many of these themes continue to be relevant to the contemporary discourse, to this day.
Compose an essay in which you explore the following:
• How does Fugard’s play manage to highlight the themes of Gender-based Violence and the Power of language in Boesman and Lena (1973)? Refer to specific instances, dialogue and language from of the characters.
• How do the events in the play relate to current social dynamic, nearly 50 years after it was
written?
Your essay must:
• Be approximately 2 pages or 600 words in length
• Have an introduction, a body and a conclusion
• Include quotes from the play and refer to at least two additional, credible sources to support your discussion.
• Include a reference list at the end of your essay
Note: 10 marks have been allocated to the formatting and academic quality of the essay. Hence, it is advisable that you review your essay thoroughly before submitting your exam.
Answers to Above Questions on English
Answer 1.1: The etymology of webinar can be traced back to the 90s when Eric R. Korb registered The trademark webinar in 1998. The word webinar is a combination of two words that is web + Seminar. The main concept behind webinar is delivering information to a specific audience via the internet. The etymology of staycation is …..
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