English First Additional Language - Term 1 - Week 3

Imagine you’re on a minibus taxi from Khayelitsha to Cape Town CBD. You overhear two passengers, Thandi and Sipho, discussing their dreams. Thandi wants to be a doctor, Sipho wants to start a business. In stories, characters are like these real people: they have goals, fears, and make choices. When reading a short story, look for what each character wants and what stands in their way. For example, in a story set during load-shedding, a character might struggle to study for exams. This concrete detail helps you understand their motivation. If Thandi studies by candlelight, it shows her determination. A common misconception is thinking characters are just ‘good’ or ‘bad’. In reality, most characters are complex, with strengths and weaknesses. Always look for evidence in their actions and words to support your ideas. Think about how you would describe someone you know—would you only use one word? Probably not. Characters, like people, are shaped by their experiences and choices.

If you’ve ever waited for water during a drought in Polokwane, you know how setting affects daily life. In literature, setting is the place and time where the story happens. It shapes what characters can and cannot do, and often adds tension or opportunity. For example, a story set in Mthatha during a taxi strike will have characters facing different challenges than one set in Durban during a Springboks victory parade. Always ask: how does the setting influence the characters’ actions and the story’s mood? Does it create obstacles, or does it inspire the characters to act differently? Don’t just describe the setting—explain its impact. A common error is ignoring setting, but in NSC exams, you must show how it matters. Use details from the story to back up your points. For instance, if a character cannot get to school because of a taxi strike, that’s a direct effect of setting.

Think about the last time you watched Banyana Banyana play. The match wasn’t just about football—it was about teamwork, hope, and pride. In stories, a theme is the big idea or message the author wants you to think about. For example, a story about a learner cheating in exams might explore themes of honesty and pressure. To identify a theme, look for repeated ideas or conflicts. Then, support your answer with evidence—a quote or a moment from the story. Many learners make the mistake of confusing theme with topic. ‘Exams’ is a topic; ‘the pressure to succeed can lead to dishonesty’ is a theme. Always write the theme as a full idea, not just a word. Remember, a theme is what the story says about life or people, not just what happens. If you can link the theme to your own experiences, your answer will be even stronger.

Step 1: Read the question: 'Why does Sipho decide to help Thandi study during load-shedding?' Step 2: Identify Sipho’s actions. He brings candles and helps Thandi revise, even when he could be resting himself. Step 3: Look for clues about his motivation. The story says Sipho remembers struggling in Grade 10 and does not want Thandi to fail as he almost did. Step 4: Write your answer: Sipho helps Thandi because he understands how hard it is to study without electricity and wants her to succeed, possibly to prevent her from repeating his mistakes. Step 5: Support with evidence: 'Sipho remembered his own struggles and did not want Thandi to fail.' Final answer: Sipho is motivated by empathy and his past experiences. (Check: Is there evidence? Yes. Is the answer clear? Yes. Does it explain his motivation? Yes.)

Step 1: Read the question: 'Explain how the setting of Soweto during load-shedding influences the theme of perseverance.' Step 2: Identify the setting—Soweto, frequent power cuts, and the challenges learners face in such an environment. Step 3: Identify the theme—perseverance, or not giving up despite difficulties. Step 4: Connect them: The lack of electricity makes studying difficult, but Thandi keeps trying, showing her determination to succeed in her exams. Step 5: Use evidence: 'Thandi studies by candlelight every night, refusing to let darkness defeat her.' Final answer: The setting of load-shedding in Soweto forces Thandi to persevere, showing that determination helps overcome obstacles. (Check: Does the evidence link setting and theme? Yes. Does it show how the setting creates the need for perseverance? Yes.)

Question: What character trait does Thandi show when she studies by candlelight? Let’s think: She could have given up, but she keeps going. That shows determination and resilience, because she adapts to her circumstances instead of quitting. Model answer: Thandi is determined because she continues studying even when there is no electricity. Evidence: 'She did not let the darkness stop her.' Now you try: What trait does Sipho show when he helps Thandi? Answer: Sipho is supportive because he helps Thandi study during load-shedding, even though he could have used the time for himself.

Question: Compare how Thandi and Sipho respond to the challenge of load-shedding. Let’s think: Thandi keeps studying; Sipho helps her. Both act positively, but in different ways. Thandi’s response is personal effort, while Sipho’s is helping others. Model answer: Thandi responds by working harder, while Sipho responds by supporting her. Both show resilience, but in unique ways. Your turn: Compare how you and a friend might respond to a cancelled soccer match due to rain. Sample answer: I might feel disappointed but practise at home; my friend might organise a study group instead. Both responses show different ways of dealing with setbacks.

1. Name two main characters in the story and write one sentence about each, describing their main traits or motivations. 2. List one challenge faced by Thandi and explain how she responds to it, using a specific example from the story. 3. Find a sentence in the story that shows Sipho is helpful, and write it down. Then, explain in one sentence how this action supports the theme of support or friendship.

1. Explain how the setting affects Thandi’s ability to study, using an example from the story. Be sure to mention how the environment creates obstacles or opportunities. 2. Identify a theme in the story and give a supporting example from the text. Then, write one sentence about how this theme might relate to your own life or community. 3. Describe how Sipho’s past influences his actions, using evidence from the story to support your answer. Include at least two details from the text.

1. Analyse how the author uses setting to develop the theme of perseverance. Give at least two examples from the story, and explain how each one supports the theme. 2. Compare Thandi’s and Sipho’s responses to adversity, using evidence from the text to support your comparison. Discuss how their actions reflect different approaches to overcoming challenges. 3. Justify whether you think Thandi will succeed, based on her actions and the story’s ending, and explain your reasoning in a short paragraph. Use at least one direct quotation from the story in your answer.

• Sipho
• Ahmed
• Lerato
• Her teacher

Answer: Sipho

Sipho helps Thandi, not Ahmed, Lerato, or her teacher. Many confuse supporting characters, but the story focuses on Sipho’s actions.

• Load-shedding
• Perseverance
• Exams
• Taxi rides

Answer: Perseverance

Perseverance is a theme because it’s a big idea shown through the characters’ actions. Load-shedding and exams are topics, not themes.

• It makes her give up on studying.
• It motivates her to work harder.
• It has no effect on her.
• It makes her angry at Sipho.

Answer: It motivates her to work harder.

Thandi is motivated to persevere, not to give up or blame others. Many think setting only causes problems, but it can inspire determination.

• 'Thandi studied by candlelight every night.'
• 'Sipho forgot his textbook.'
• 'The taxi was late.'
• 'It rained in Soweto.'

Answer: 'Thandi studied by candlelight every night.'

This sentence directly shows Thandi’s determination to keep studying despite difficult circumstances. The other sentences mention unrelated events or minor setbacks, but only the first one links to the theme of perseverance by showing action in the face of adversity.

• They have only good traits.
• They have complex motivations.
• They are influenced by setting.
• They can change during the story.

Answer: They have only good traits.

Characters are not just good or bad; they are complex. Many learners oversimplify characters, missing deeper analysis.

Answer: He remembers his own struggles and wants to help her succeed.