English First Additional Language - Term 1 - Week 7

Imagine Sipho, a teenager from Khayelitsha, who must decide whether to help a friend in trouble or follow his parents’ strict rules. Stories often reflect choices like these, just like the ones you and your friends face daily. In literature, the main character is called the protagonist. The protagonist’s decisions drive the story forward. For example, in a story set during load-shedding, Thandi chooses to study by candlelight rather than give up. Her actions show determination. A common mistake is thinking the main character is always 'good'—sometimes, protagonists make mistakes or even bad choices. What matters is how their actions affect the story and reveal their personality. Think about your favourite TV show or telenovela: the main character is not always perfect, but we follow their journey because their choices shape the story. In South African stories, characters often face real-life challenges like poverty, family pressure, or community issues, making their decisions feel even more authentic.

When you watch a Banyana Banyana match, you might notice themes like teamwork or resilience. In stories, the theme is the main idea or message the writer wants to share. For example, a story about Ahmed starting a small business in Polokwane might have the theme of perseverance. The theme is not the plot (what happens), but the deeper meaning behind the events. Many learners confuse theme with topic. The topic could be 'friendship', but the theme might be 'True friends support each other during hard times.' Always look for what the story says about life, not just what happens. In South Africa, stories often explore themes like overcoming adversity, the importance of community, or fighting for justice. These themes connect to our everyday experiences, whether it’s helping a neighbour during load-shedding or supporting a friend through a tough time at school. Remember, the theme is the lesson or message the writer wants you to think about after you finish reading.

Think about Lerato, who chooses to return a lost wallet she found in a minibus taxi. Her honesty shows the theme of integrity. The way characters act—especially when faced with challenges—reveals the story’s theme. Ask yourself: What does the character do? Why do they do it? What does this show about the message of the story? For example, if a character stands up to bullies at school, the theme might be courage. Don’t just list what happens—explain how the actions connect to the bigger message. In South African stories, characters might face challenges like unemployment, family illness, or discrimination. Their responses to these challenges often highlight important themes. For instance, if Ahmed helps his family during tough times, his actions might show the theme of responsibility. Always look for the link between what the character does and what the story teaches us about life.

Step 1: Read the story carefully. Look for repeated ideas, words, or actions that seem important. Step 2: Ask, 'What lesson does the writer want me to learn?' For example, if the story shows Sipho forgiving a friend who betrayed him, think about what message this sends. Step 3: Find evidence—actions, dialogue, or outcomes that support your answer. For example, Sipho says, 'Everyone deserves a second chance.' Step 4: Write your answer: 'The theme of the story is forgiveness, shown when Sipho chooses to forgive his friend.' Step 5: Check if your answer focuses on a message, not just the events. If you only write about what happened, you might miss the theme. Final answer: 'The theme is forgiveness, as shown by Sipho’s decision to forgive.' Sanity check: Does your answer focus on a message, not just the events? Yes, it does.

Step 1: Identify the character and what you want to say about them. For example, Ahmed is hardworking. Step 2: Write a topic sentence, e.g., 'Ahmed is hardworking.' Step 3: Give evidence: 'He wakes up at 5am to sell vetkoek before school.' Step 4: Explain: 'This shows he is determined to succeed, even when it’s difficult.' Step 5: Check your structure—topic sentence, evidence, explanation. Step 6: Make sure your evidence is specific and clearly linked to your point. Step 7: Read your paragraph aloud to check if it makes sense. Final answer: 'Ahmed is hardworking. He wakes up at 5am to sell vetkoek before school. This shows he is determined to succeed, even when it’s difficult.' Sanity check: All parts are present and the explanation is clear.

Question: Why does Lerato return the wallet she finds in the taxi? Let's think: What do her actions show? She could have kept the money, but she didn't. Her choice tells us something about her values. Model answer: 'Lerato returns the wallet because she values honesty and wants to do the right thing, even when no one is watching.' Now you try: Why does Sipho forgive his friend at the end of the story? Think about what this says about Sipho’s beliefs or values. Answer: 'Sipho forgives his friend because he believes in second chances and values friendship over holding grudges.'

Question: In a story, Thandi helps her neighbour during a water shortage. What theme does this show? Let's reason: Her action is about helping others in need, even when resources are scarce. This reflects something bigger than just the event. Model answer: 'The theme is community support, shown by Thandi helping her neighbour during a difficult time.' Your turn: Ahmed works extra hours to help his family during tough times. What theme does this show? Think about what message the story gives through Ahmed’s actions. Answer: 'The theme is responsibility and family support, as Ahmed puts his family’s needs first.'

1. Name the main character in the story and describe one thing they do that is important to the plot. 2. List one action the character takes that shows their personality, such as helping a friend or standing up for themselves. 3. Define 'theme' in your own words and give an example from a story you know, making sure to explain what lesson or message the story teaches. Try to write at least two sentences for each task.

1. Explain how the main character’s action reveals the theme of the story, using a specific example and at least two sentences. 2. Write a paragraph about the character’s personality using evidence from the text and explain your evidence, following the TEE structure. 3. Identify a theme from another South African story you know and describe how it is shown through the characters’ actions, making sure to give details and a short explanation for each point.

1. Analyse how two different characters respond to a challenge in the story and what this shows about the theme. Write at least three sentences, comparing their responses. 2. Write an exam-style paragraph linking a character’s action to the theme, using evidence and a clear explanation. Make sure your paragraph has a topic sentence, evidence, and explanation. 3. Justify your answer: Why is it important to use evidence when writing about theme or character in an exam? Give a detailed reason, explaining how evidence supports your ideas and helps you earn marks.

• The main character whose actions drive the plot
• The character who is always good
• The narrator
• Any minor character

Answer: The main character whose actions drive the plot

The protagonist is the main character, not always 'good' or the narrator. Many confuse protagonist with 'hero'.

• Load-shedding
• Determination
• Electricity
• School

Answer: Determination

Theme is the message (determination), not the topic (load-shedding). Many learners confuse theme with subject.

• By describing the setting
• By showing what the character does in tough situations
• By listing all the characters
• By summarising the plot

Answer: By showing what the character does in tough situations

Actions in difficult moments reveal values and the story's message. Listing characters or setting does not.

• Using evidence from the text
• Explaining the character’s feelings
• Confusing theme with topic
• Writing in paragraphs

Answer: Confusing theme with topic

Many learners mix up theme (message) and topic (subject). Evidence and paragraphs are correct approaches.

• Ahmed is hardworking.
• Ahmed lives in Polokwane.
• Ahmed sells vetkoek.
• Ahmed wakes up early.

Answer: Ahmed is hardworking.

A topic sentence should state a quality, not just a fact. The other options are details, not main ideas.

Answer: Evidence supports your point and shows you understand the story.