English First Additional Language - Term 1 - Week 8

Have you ever seen someone on a minibus taxi and wondered about their story? In literature, characters are people with hopes, fears, and dreams—just like us. For example, in a story set in Khayelitsha, Lerato might struggle to balance schoolwork with helping her family during load-shedding. When we describe a character, we look at their actions, words, and what others say about them. A common mistake is to only describe what a character looks like. Instead, focus on what they do and say. For instance, if Lerato studies by candlelight, it shows determination. Always support your answer with a quote or example from the story. This skill is vital for Paper 2, where you must use evidence, not just opinion.

Imagine reading a story set in Polokwane during a Springboks match. The setting—the place and time—affects how characters behave. For example, Ahmed might miss an important call because of load-shedding, changing the story’s direction. In South African stories, setting often highlights real issues like unemployment or community spirit. When analysing, ask: How does the place influence the character’s choices? Don’t just say, 'It is set in Durban.' Instead, explain how Durban’s busy taxi ranks create challenges or opportunities for the character. Many learners forget to link setting to theme—remember, where and when a story happens can reveal its deeper message.

Think about a time you faced a tough choice—like whether to speak up when something felt unfair. Stories often explore themes such as justice, family, or hope. For example, in a story about Sipho standing up to bullies at school, the theme might be courage. To find the theme, look for repeated ideas or conflicts. A common misconception is to confuse theme with topic. 'Bullying' is a topic; 'standing up for what is right' is a theme. When answering exam questions, state the theme clearly and back it up with an example from the story. This shows you understand not just what happened, but why it matters.

Question: Describe one character trait of Thandi and support your answer with evidence from the story. (3 marks) Step 1: Identify a trait. Thandi is hardworking. Step 2: Find evidence. She wakes up at 4am to help her mother sell vetkoek in Soweto. Step 3: Write the answer. 'Thandi is hardworking. She wakes up at 4am to help her mother sell vetkoek.' Step 4: Check if you used a quote or example. Yes, it’s specific. Final answer: Thandi is hardworking because she wakes up early to help her mother sell vetkoek in Soweto. Sanity check: The answer is clear, uses evidence, and matches the mark allocation.

Question: Explain the main theme of the story and give an example. (3 marks) Step 1: Identify the theme. The main theme is perseverance. Step 2: Find an example. Ahmed keeps applying for jobs despite many rejections. Step 3: Write the answer. 'The main theme is perseverance. Ahmed keeps applying for jobs even after being rejected several times.' Step 4: Check if the answer links the theme and example. Final answer: The story’s main theme is perseverance, shown by Ahmed’s determination to keep applying for jobs despite setbacks. Sanity check: The answer is focused, uses a specific example, and clearly links to the theme.

Question: What does Sipho’s reaction to losing his wallet on a taxi tell us about his character? Let’s think: Sipho could panic, but instead he calmly asks the driver for help. This shows he is resourceful and calm under pressure. Model answer: Sipho is resourceful because he calmly asks the driver for help when he loses his wallet. Your turn: What does Lerato’s decision to share her lunch with a hungry classmate show about her? Answer: Lerato is generous because she shares her lunch with someone in need.

Question: How does the setting of a rural village during a drought affect the story’s theme? Let’s discuss: The drought makes life hard, so the theme could be survival or community support. The setting creates challenges that reveal these themes. Model answer: The drought in the rural village highlights the theme of community support, as neighbours help each other to survive. Your turn: How does a setting in busy Johannesburg during exam season affect the story’s theme? Answer: The busy city and exam pressure highlight the theme of determination as characters work hard to succeed.

1. Name one character from the story and describe what they do in one clear sentence. For example, mention a specific action or behaviour. 2. List two details about the setting, such as the place and time, or something unique about the environment that affects the story. 3. State the main theme in one sentence, making sure to use a big idea (like hope, courage, or family) instead of just a topic.

1. Quote a line that shows a character’s main trait and explain how it reveals their personality. For example, use a sentence the character says or something they do. 2. Explain how the setting influences one event in the story. Think about how the place or time changes what happens or how characters act. 3. Give an example from the story that supports the main theme. Use a specific event or action and link it to the theme you identified.

1. Write a short paragraph (4–5 sentences) analysing how the main character changes from the beginning to the end of the story. Focus on their actions, feelings, or beliefs and use evidence from the text. 2. Compare the theme of this story to another story you have read, explaining how the themes are similar or different. Use examples from both stories. 3. Answer a Paper 2-style question: Justify whether the ending is realistic for a South African context, using at least two pieces of evidence from the story to support your answer. Be specific and detailed.

• Describe their appearance only
• Quote what they say or do
• Write your opinion without evidence
• Summarise the whole story

Answer: Quote what they say or do

Quoting actions or words gives evidence, which is required for marks. Just describing appearance or giving opinion is not enough. Many learners lose marks by not supporting their answers with proof from the text.

• Soccer
• Load-shedding
• Hope in difficult times
• Taxi ranks

Answer: Hope in difficult times

A theme is a big idea or message, like hope. The others are topics or settings, not themes. Examiners want you to identify the deeper message, not just what the story is about.

• It tells us the characters’ names
• It creates challenges and shapes the story’s message
• It makes the story longer
• It is only about describing the weather

Answer: It creates challenges and shapes the story’s message

Setting influences characters and themes, not just surface details like names or weather. For example, a story set during load-shedding might show how characters adapt, revealing resilience or frustration. Ignoring setting can lead to missing key ideas in the story.

• The character gives up easily
• The character keeps trying despite setbacks
• The character is always happy
• The character ignores advice

Answer: The character keeps trying despite setbacks

Perseverance means not giving up, even when things are tough. The other options do not show this trait. Examiners look for evidence of effort and determination.

• Using evidence from the text
• Describing only physical appearance
• Explaining actions with quotes
• Linking character to theme