English FAL Matric Revision: discursive essay, descriptive essay, factual description, reflective essay

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CAPS Grade 12: Essay Writing Revision Notes

Introduction

In Grade 12, mastering various types of essays is a critical skill. The different essay types include discursive, descriptive, factual description, and reflective essays. These essays help students develop analytical, descriptive, and reflective thinking skills, essential for both academic and real-world settings.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the structure and purpose of each essay type.
  • Develop skills to write clear, coherent, and compelling essays.
  • Learn to avoid common misconceptions and errors.

1. Discursive Essay

Key Points:

  1. Objective Presentation: Balance both sides of an argument impartially.
  2. Structure:
  3. Introduction: Present the issue and broad opposing views.
  4. Body: Three or four paragraphs presenting arguments for and against.
  5. Conclusion: Summarize both sides and give a balanced opinion.
  6. Language Features: Unemotional, objective, and formal. Use logical connectors like “however,” “therefore,” and “because.”

Example:

Topic: The Effects of Social Media – Discuss
– Introduction: State that social media has both positive and negative effects.
– Body:
– Positive effects such as reducing social anxiety and rapid news sharing.
– Negative effects like potential addiction and privacy issues.
– Conclusion: Suggest that while social media has benefits, users should be aware of its risks【4:0†source】.

Common Misconceptions and Errors:

  • Subjectivity: Avoid letting personal bias affect the balance of the essay.
  • Evidence: Ensure each point is backed by clear evidence.

Practice and Review:

Question: Write a balanced essay on the impact of cellphone use in schools.
Tip: Use phrases like “on the one hand,” “on the other hand” to link contrasting points.

2. Descriptive Essay

Key Points:

  1. Vivid Description: Use sensory details to create a “picture” for the reader.
  2. Structure:
  3. Introduction: Broadly describe what will be detailed.
  4. Body: Three or four paragraphs, each focusing on a specific aspect.
  5. Conclusion: Summarize the description and reflect on its impact.
  6. Language Features: Use adjectives, adverbs, and figurative language like similes and metaphors.

Example:

Topic: Describe Your Favourite Activity
– Introduction: State the activity and its importance.
– Body:
– Describe the environment (e.g., park, time of day).
– Use sensory details to describe activities (e.g., jogging, sights, sounds).
– Conclusion: Reflect on why this activity is favorable【4:16†source】【4:17†source】.

Common Misconceptions and Errors:

  • Overloading Details: Stick to relevant details to avoid overwhelming the reader.
  • Generalizations: Avoid vague descriptions; be specific.

Practice and Review:

Question: Write a description of a place you visit often.
Tip: Engage all five senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell).

3. Factual Description

Key Points:

  1. Objective Information: Give precise details about a person, place, or event.
  2. Structure:
  3. Introduction: General orientation to the topic.
  4. Body: Step-by-step accurate description of each feature.
  5. Conclusion: Recap from a new perspective.
  6. Language Features: Use specific nouns, adjectives, and verbs in the present tense.

Example:

Topic: Describe a Hospital
– Introduction: Define what a hospital is.
– Body:
– Describe different sections (e.g., outpatient, wards, ICU).
– Mention roles of staff (e.g., doctors, nurses) and activities.
– Conclusion: Reflect on the hospital as a place of healing despite the hardship【4:15†source】【4:9†source】.

Common Misconceptions and Errors:

  • Subjective Comments: Keep descriptions purely factual.
  • Ambiguity: Avoid vague terms; be specific and clear.

Practice and Review:

Question: Write a factual description of a location such as your school or a shopping center.
Tip: Use diagrams or bullet points for detailed planning.

4. Reflective Essay

Key Points:

  1. Personal Reflection: Contemplate an event or idea and its impact.
  2. Structure:
  3. Introduction: State the topic and why it’s significant.
  4. Body: Each paragraph should detail one aspect of the reflection.
  5. Conclusion: Link back to the introduction and summarize the reflection.
  6. Language Features: Use personal pronouns and emotional vocabulary. Write in the past or present tense.

Example:

Topic: What High School Meant to Me
– Introduction: Reflect on the importance of high school.
– Body:
– Describe specific experiences (e.g., academic challenges, friendships).
– Discuss personal growth and learning.
– Conclusion: Summarize how high school shaped your identity【4:3†source】【4:5†source】【4:6†source】【4:9†source】.

Common Misconceptions and Errors:

  • Detachment: Reflective essays should be personal and involve deep thought.
  • Chronology: Ensure reflections are logically ordered and not random.

Practice and Review:

Question: Reflect on a challenging experience and what you learned from it.
Tip: Use phrases like “I felt”, “I learned” to express personal insights.

Summary and Quick Review

  • Discursive: Balanced argument, unemotional language.
  • Descriptive: Vivid imagery, sensory details.
  • Factual Description: Precise details, specific nouns.
  • Reflective: Personal insight, emotional reflection.

Additional Resources

These revision notes should help you grasp the key aspects of essay writing, avoid common errors, and practice your skills effectively. Happy studying!