English First Additional Language - Term 3 - Week 1

Think about someone you know in your community—maybe Sipho, who always helps out at the spaza shop, or Lerato, who dreams of playing for Banyana Banyana. In stories, characters are people with hopes, fears, and habits, just like those around us. For example, in a story set in Soweto, Thandi might be determined to study by candlelight during load-shedding. The character’s actions—like studying despite the darkness—show her resilience. The main character is usually the one who faces the biggest challenge or changes the most. Many learners think the main character is always the narrator, but that’s not true; sometimes the narrator tells someone else’s story. Always look for who drives the action and faces the main problem.

Imagine reading a story set in Khayelitsha during a rainy winter. The muddy streets, the sound of minibus taxis, and the smell of vetkoek frying on the corner all create the setting. Setting is the time and place where the story happens. It’s not just background—it shapes what’s possible for the characters. For example, if there’s load-shedding, Ahmed might miss an important soccer match on TV, which could make him angry or disappointed. A common mistake is to describe the setting too generally, like just saying 'South Africa.' Instead, look for details: is it a township, a city, a rural village? Is it during apartheid, or today? These details affect how characters behave and what challenges they face.

Picture Lerato trying to get to school in Polokwane during a taxi strike. The setting—a city with transport problems—forces her to walk long distances, which could lead to her being late or missing an important test. This shows how setting can create obstacles for characters and push the plot forward. Writers use setting to create conflict, mood, and even symbolism. For instance, a stormy night might reflect a character’s inner turmoil. Some learners think setting is only important at the start of a story, but it can change and influence events throughout. Always ask: how does the place and time affect what happens next?

Have you ever noticed how a Springboks match on TV feels different from one you watch at the stadium? Writers use language—words, images, and dialogue—to create mood, just like the noise and excitement of a live crowd. For example, describing a street as 'buzzing with the shouts of hawkers and the honking of taxis' creates a lively, energetic mood. If the writer uses words like 'silent,' 'empty,' or 'shadowy,' the mood might be tense or sad. Pay attention to adjectives and verbs—they help you feel what the character feels. A common misconception is that mood is just about happy or sad, but it can be hopeful, tense, joyful, or fearful. Always look for clues in the writer’s word choices.

Step 1: Read the story carefully, noting who faces the main problem. Reason: The main character is usually at the centre of the conflict. Step 2: Look for whose thoughts and feelings are described most. Reason: This helps confirm who the story focuses on. Step 3: Check who changes or learns something by the end. Reason: Main characters often grow or change. Final answer: In the story, Thandi is the main character because she faces the challenge of studying during load-shedding and learns to be resourceful. Sanity check: Thandi appears in most scenes, and her actions drive the plot.

Step 1: Identify the main setting (e.g., Khayelitsha during a taxi strike). Reason: The setting provides context for the story’s events. Step 2: Note how the setting creates obstacles (e.g., no taxis, so Lerato must walk). Reason: Obstacles often push the plot forward. Step 3: Explain how the character responds (e.g., Lerato arrives late for her test). Reason: The character’s response shows how setting shapes the plot. Final answer: The taxi strike in Khayelitsha forces Lerato to walk, causing her to be late and miss her test, which is a key plot event. Sanity check: The story would be different if the setting changed.

Question: What details in the story show that it is set in Durban during summer? Let’s think: Are there clues about the weather, sounds, or activities? Model: The writer mentions 'humid air,' 'the distant sound of waves,' and 'people buying ice lollies from street vendors.' Worked response: These details show it’s Durban in summer—hot, near the ocean, with people cooling off. Notice how each detail appeals to a different sense, making the setting vivid and believable. Now you try: What details show that the story is set during load-shedding? Answer: The characters use candles, the fridge is off, and there’s silence except for neighbours talking outside. These clues help us picture the setting and understand the characters’ challenges.

Question: How does Ahmed’s reaction to missing the soccer match show his character? Let’s think: What does he do or say? Model: Ahmed shouts in frustration, then decides to play soccer outside instead. Worked response: His reaction shows he is passionate but adaptable—he doesn’t give up on his love for soccer. The setting (load-shedding) creates a problem, and Ahmed’s response reveals his personality. Now you try: How does Thandi’s studying by candlelight show her character? Answer: It shows she is determined and resourceful, not letting load-shedding stop her. Her actions are shaped by her environment, revealing her strength.

1. Name the main character in the story and write one sentence about what makes them important. 2. List two details that describe the setting, such as the time of day or the place, and explain why these are important for the story. 3. Identify one mood word used by the writer and explain how it makes you feel as a reader. 4. Write one sentence about what the main character wants to achieve in the story. 5. Find one example of dialogue in the text and explain what it shows about the character.

1. Explain how the setting affects the main character’s actions by giving a specific example from the story. 2. Describe how the writer creates mood using language, mentioning at least two words or phrases from the text. 3. Give an example of how the setting could change the plot if it were different, and explain your reasoning. 4. Identify a challenge the character faces because of the setting, and discuss how they respond to it. 5. Find a sentence that shows the mood and explain your choice by referring to the words used.

1. Analyse how the writer uses setting to create conflict in the story, using evidence from the text to support your answer. 2. Predict how the story would change if it were set in a different place or time, and justify your answer with examples. 3. Compare the main character’s response to a challenge with another character’s response, showing similarities or differences. 4. Suggest a new setting for the story and explain in detail how it would affect the plot, mood, or characters. 5. Write a short paragraph explaining how the setting and character together shape the story’s outcome.

• The person who narrates
• The character who faces the main problem
• The oldest character
• The first character mentioned

Answer: The character who faces the main problem

Many think the narrator is always the main character, but it’s the one who drives the action and faces the main conflict. The main character is central to the story’s events and is usually the one who changes or learns something important.

• The character’s feelings
• The time and place of the story
• The story’s theme
• The main conflict

Answer: The time and place of the story

Setting is about where and when the story happens, not feelings or themes. Many learners confuse setting with mood or theme, but setting is specifically the location and period in which the story unfolds.

• Giving too many details
• Describing only the country
• Using sensory language
• Connecting setting to plot

Answer: Describing only the country

Learners often give vague settings like 'South Africa' instead of specific places and times. A detailed setting includes the town, neighbourhood, or even the room, and sometimes the time period, not just the country.

• Silent
• Bright
• Joyful
• Lively

Answer: Silent

‘Silent’ can create tension or suspense, while the others suggest positive or energetic moods. Silence often makes readers expect something to happen, which builds tension in the story.

• By changing the story’s title
• By creating obstacles for characters
• By making characters older
• By adding more characters

Answer: By creating obstacles for characters

Setting often creates challenges that drive the plot forward. For example, load-shedding or a taxi strike can force characters to act differently, changing the direction of the story.