English First Additional Language (FAL) is a key subject for matric students in South Africa. The FAL paper is designed to test a student’s ability to communicate effectively in English, both in writing and speaking. For students who struggle with English, the FAL paper can be a daunting task. However, with the right preparation and study techniques, passing the FAL paper can be achievable.
To help matric students prepare for the FAL paper, there are a variety of resources available online. Past exam papers, study guides, and practice tests can all be accessed online to help students get a better understanding of the FAL paper. Additionally, there are numerous study tips and techniques that can be used to improve a student’s English language skills. By utilizing these resources and techniques, students can improve their chances of passing the FAL paper and achieving success in matric.
Understanding the English First Additional Language (FAL) Subject
English First Additional Language (FAL) is a subject taught in South African schools as part of the National Curriculum Statements (NCS). It is a language subject that focuses on the development of language skills, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing, in English.
The FAL subject is an important component of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) curriculum, and it is a requirement for students who wish to obtain their NSC. The subject is designed to help students develop their language skills and to prepare them for further studies and careers that require proficiency in the English language.
The FAL subject is based on the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) and the 2020 Revised Curriculum. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the English language and to develop their language skills in a variety of contexts.
The FAL subject covers a range of topics, including language structures and conventions, comprehension, summary, literature, and poetry. Students are also required to demonstrate their ability to write and present effectively in English.
To pass the FAL subject, students must demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing. They must also demonstrate their understanding of the language structures and conventions and their ability to comprehend and summarize written and spoken texts.
In conclusion, the FAL subject is an essential component of the NSC curriculum in South Africa. It is designed to help students develop their language skills and prepare them for further studies and careers that require proficiency in the English language. Students who wish to pass the FAL subject must demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively in English and their understanding of the language structures and conventions.
Exam Structure and Paper Breakdown
English First Additional Language is a subject that is offered in the matric examination. The exam consists of three papers: Paper 1, Paper 2, and Paper 3. Each paper is designed to test the learners’ understanding of different aspects of the English language. Here is a breakdown of the papers:
Paper 1: Language in Context
This paper is divided into two sections. The first section tests learners’ comprehension skills, and the second section tests their language structures and conventions. The paper is worth 70 marks, and learners are given two and a half hours to complete it.
Paper 2: Literature
This paper tests learners’ understanding of the prescribed literature titles. The study of novels, drama, short stories, and poetry is included in this paper. Learners are required to answer four questions on the prescribed texts. The paper is worth 80 marks, and learners are given two and a half hours to complete it.
Paper 3: Writing
This paper tests learners’ ability to write effectively. Learners are required to complete two tasks: a transactional writing task and a creative writing task. The paper is worth 50 marks, and learners are given two hours to complete it.
It is essential for learners to familiarize themselves with the exam structure and paper breakdown to prepare adequately for the exam. Past papers and study guides are available to assist learners in their preparation. It is recommended that learners practice with past papers to get a feel for the exam format and to identify areas where they need to improve.
Studying and Preparation Techniques
Studying and preparation are key to passing English First Additional Language in Matric. Here are some techniques that can help:
- Create a study schedule: Allocate time for each topic and stick to it. This will help you cover all the material before the exams.
- Use study guides: Study guides are a great resource for learning the material and preparing for exams. They provide summaries, explanations, and practice questions.
- Practice with past papers: Past papers are an excellent way to prepare for exams. They give you an idea of the types of questions that will be asked and help you practice answering them.
- Attend extra classes: If you are struggling with a particular topic, attending extra classes can help. Teachers can provide additional explanations and answer any questions you may have.
- Form a study group: Studying with others can be helpful. You can discuss the material, ask each other questions, and help each other prepare for exams.
- Take breaks: It is important to take breaks while studying. This will help you stay focused and avoid burnout.
- Use exam resources: There are many resources available online that can help you prepare for exams. These include study guides, past papers, and exam tips.
By using these techniques, students can improve their chances of passing English First Additional Language in Matric.
Understanding the Literature
To pass the English First Additional Language in Matric, it is essential to understand the literature that is covered in the exam. The literature section of the exam includes the study of novels, drama, short stories, poetry, and writing literature. Here are some tips for understanding each type of literature:
Novels
The novels that are covered in the exam are “Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde” and “Cry, The Beloved Country.” It is important to read these novels carefully and take notes on the characters, plot, and themes. It is also helpful to read reviews and analysis of the novels to gain a deeper understanding.
Drama
The drama section includes the study of “Macbeth,” “Hamlet,” “My Children! My Africa!,” and “HL Drama.” It is important to read the plays carefully and take notes on the characters, plot, and themes. It is also helpful to watch performances of the plays and read reviews and analysis to gain a deeper understanding.
Short Stories
The short stories that are covered in the exam are “Changes” and “To Kill a Mockingbird.” It is important to read these short stories carefully and take notes on the characters, plot, and themes. It is also helpful to read reviews and analysis of the stories to gain a deeper understanding.
Poetry
The poetry section includes the study of “Voice of the Land.” It is important to read the poems carefully and take notes on the themes, literary devices, and meanings. It is also helpful to read reviews and analysis of the poems to gain a deeper understanding.
Writing Literature
The writing literature section includes the study of “Romeo and Juliet,” “Nothing But The Truth,” “Grain of Wheat,” “Lord of the Flies,” and “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” It is important to read these works carefully and take notes on the characters, plot, and themes. It is also helpful to read reviews and analysis of the works to gain a deeper understanding.
By understanding the literature that is covered in the exam, students can better prepare themselves and increase their chances of passing with top marks.
Effective Writing Techniques
Writing is an essential skill that students must master to excel in English First Additional Language (EFAL) in Matric. The ability to write well is not only essential for Paper 3: Writing Literature but also for Paper 1: Language and Context. In this section, effective writing techniques are discussed to help students improve their writing skills.
Understanding the Context
Before embarking on writing, it is essential to understand the context of the task. Students should read the instructions carefully and identify the purpose, audience, and tone of the task. This will help them choose the appropriate language and tone to use in their writing.
Planning and Organising Ideas
Good writing requires proper planning and organisation of ideas. Students should brainstorm and create an outline of their ideas before starting to write. This will help them to organise their thoughts and ensure that their writing is well-structured and coherent.
Using Appropriate Language
Using appropriate language is crucial in writing. Students should use formal language and avoid using slang or informal language. They should also use appropriate vocabulary and avoid repeating words. Using a thesaurus can help them find alternative words to use in their writing.
Writing Techniques
There are several writing techniques that students can use to improve their writing skills. These include:
- Using descriptive language to create vivid images in the reader’s mind
- Using figurative language such as similes and metaphors to make their writing more interesting
- Using rhetorical questions to engage the reader and make them think
- Using transitional words and phrases to connect ideas and ensure that their writing flows smoothly
In conclusion, mastering effective writing techniques is essential for success in English First Additional Language in Matric. Students should understand the context of the task, plan and organise their ideas, use appropriate language, and apply various writing techniques to improve their writing skills.
Reviewing Past Papers and Memos
One of the most effective ways to prepare for the English First Additional Language (FAL) matric exam is by reviewing past papers and memos. This allows students to familiarise themselves with the format and types of questions that may be asked in the exam. Additionally, reviewing past papers and memos can help identify areas where students may need to improve their knowledge or skills.
Grade 12 exemplars and past papers from 2019 and 2020 are readily available online and can be downloaded for free. It is recommended that students attempt to complete these past papers under exam conditions to simulate the experience of the actual exam.
After completing a past paper, students should review their answers and compare them to the provided memos. This will allow them to identify any mistakes they made and understand the correct way to approach similar questions in the future.
It is important to note that while reviewing past papers and memos can be helpful, it should not be the only method of preparation. Students should also focus on improving their language skills by reading and writing regularly, practicing grammar and vocabulary exercises, and seeking help from teachers or tutors when needed.
In conclusion, reviewing past papers and memos can be a valuable tool in preparing for the English FAL matric exam. However, it should be used in conjunction with other methods of preparation to ensure that students are fully prepared for the exam.
Understanding the Grading System
The grading system for English First Additional Language in Matric is based on the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS) set by the Department of Basic Education. The CAPS outlines the minimum requirements for promotion and programme completion in each subject.
To pass English First Additional Language in Matric, students need to obtain a National Senior Certificate (NSC) Pass. This requires a minimum of 40% for their home language and 40% for two other subjects. Students can fail one subject, including their first additional language, but they must then get 30% or more for the other six subjects, making a total of six passes.
The NSC Pass is calculated using the following formula:
- Home language (HL) + two other subjects (OS) = 3 subjects
- Total mark for the three subjects (HL + 2OS) / 3 = average percentage
- Average percentage must be at least 40%
The table below shows the different levels of achievement and their corresponding percentages:
| Level of Achievement | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Outstanding | 80-100 |
| Meritorious | 70-79 |
| Substantial | 60-69 |
| Adequate | 50-59 |
| Moderate | 40-49 |
| Elementary | 30-39 |
| Not achieved | 0-29 |
It’s important to note that the NSC Pass is not the only requirement for programme and promotion completion. Students also need to meet the programme and promotion requirements set by their school. These requirements may include passing specific subjects or obtaining a certain average percentage.
In summary, to pass English First Additional Language in Matric, students need to obtain an NSC Pass with a minimum of 40% for their home language and two other subjects, and a minimum of 30% for the other six subjects. They also need to meet the programme and promotion requirements set by their school.
Additional Resources
There are many resources available online to help students prepare for their English First Additional Language Matric exams. Here are some additional resources that can be helpful:
Parent24 Newsletter
Parent24 is a popular parenting website that offers a weekly newsletter with helpful tips and advice for parents. The newsletter often includes articles on education, including tips for preparing for matric exams. Students can sign up for the newsletter and receive regular updates on helpful resources.
Social Media
Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter can be a great source of information for students preparing for their matric exams. Many educational organizations and schools have pages or accounts that post helpful tips and resources. Students can also join groups or follow hashtags related to matric exams to stay up-to-date on the latest news and information.
Journalism
Reading news articles and opinion pieces can help students improve their reading comprehension and critical thinking skills. Students can read articles from reputable news sources like The Guardian, BBC, and The New York Times to stay informed about current events and practice their English language skills.
Investigative Journalism
Investigative journalism pieces can be especially helpful for students preparing for their English First Additional Language exams. These articles often require a high level of reading comprehension and critical thinking skills, and can help students practice these skills in a real-world context.
Features
Reading feature articles can also be a great way for students to practice their reading comprehension and critical thinking skills. Feature articles often explore complex topics in depth, and can help students develop a deeper understanding of a subject.
South African Schools
Many South African schools offer resources and support for students preparing for their matric exams. Students can speak to their teachers or guidance counselors to learn more about the resources available to them. Schools may offer study groups, tutoring, or access to online resources to help students prepare.