English First Additional Language comprises three written papers: Paper 1: Language in Context (80 Marks · 2 Hours) covering Comprehension (30 marks), Summary Writing (10 marks), Visual Literacy: Cartoons & Advertising (20 marks), and Editing/Grammar (20 marks). Paper 2: Literature (70 Marks · 2.5 Hours) covering Novel, Drama, Short Stories, or Poetry. Paper 3: Writing (100 Marks · 2.5 Hours) covering Essays (50 marks) and Transactional Texts: Letters, CVs, Dialogues (2 × 25 marks).
The Foolproof 7-Point Summary Writing Method (Paper 1 · Question 2 · 10 Marks)
Question 2 is always worth 10 marks (7 marks for points, 3 marks for language). It asks learners to summarize 7 facts from a text of approximately 250 words into a point-form list of no more than 70 words.
The "Quote vs Own Words" Rule
If you copy sentences verbatim (word-for-word) from the passage without rephrasing into your own words, the maximum language mark you can be awarded is 1 out of 3. To earn 3 marks for language, at least 4 of your 7 points must be expressed in your own sentence structure.
Step-by-Step 7-Point Summary Protocol:
- Read the instructions carefully: Identify the exact question prompt (e.g., "In point form, summarize seven ways teenagers can protect their digital privacy"). If you list points not related to the prompt, they receive zero marks even if true.
- Highlight 8 to 9 potential facts: Skim the text and underline distinct facts that answer the prompt.
- Draft in rough: Number your points 1 to 7 clearly. Write one clear fact per bullet point.
- Paraphrase: Replace adjectives with synonyms and convert passive voice to active voice to save words. For example, change "Teenagers are strongly advised to refrain from sharing passwords with acquaintances" to "Keep your account passwords private from friends." (saves 5 words!).
- Count your words: Count every single word (hyphenated words count as one word). State your word count accurately at the bottom (e.g., "Word count: 64 words"). Examiners verify your count. If you exceed 70 words, markers draw a line at word 70 and ignore anything written afterwards.
Worked Example: Real Summary Passage & Exemplar 10/10 Answer
2. Take regular ten-minute breaks between study sessions.
3. Maintain a consistent eight-hour sleep schedule each night.
4. Drink sufficient water and eat nutritious meals.
5. Practice slow breathing exercises when anxiety strikes.
6. Discuss academic worries with trusted teachers or family.
7. Complete past exam papers under strict timed conditions.
Total Words: 57 words.
• 7 distinct, relevant facts directly answering prompt (7 Marks)
• Points written in point form (1 to 7) on separate lines (Criterion met)
• Original phrasing throughout without verbatim copying (3 Marks for Language)
• Word count strictly under 70 words (57 words declared correctly)
Total: 10 / 10 Marks
Visual Literacy: Analysing Cartoons & Advertisements (Paper 1 · 20 Marks)
Visual literacy evaluates how writers use images, body language, facial expressions, and persuasive text to communicate message and tone.
Analysing Cartoons (Madame & Eve / Calvin & Hobbes):
- Facial Expressions: State specific facial features. Never just write "he looks angry". Write: "His mouth is wide open in a scream, his eyebrows are angled downwards in a V-shape, and his eyes are wide and bulging, indicating extreme anger or frustration."
- Body Language: Describe posture (e.g. "hands clenched in fists", "slumped shoulders indicating defeat", "finger pointing accusingly").
- Font / Text Bubbles: Words written in bold, uppercase lettering, or jagged speech bubbles indicate shouting or intense emotion. Radiating lines around a character's head represent sweat droplets (stress) or movement lines (running/shock).
- Irony & Satire: Explain what is expected versus the humorous, unexpected reality depicted in the final frame.
Analysing Advertisements (AIDA Principle):
- A – Attention: Headline font size, bold imagery, rhetorical questions.
- I – Interest: Statistics, guarantees, bulleted benefits.
- D – Desire: Emotional triggers (status, beauty, security, health, savings).
- A – Action: Clear call to action (website URL, toll-free number, limited-time discount).
Paper 3 Transactional Writing: Formal Letters & CVs (25 Marks)
In Section B of Paper 3, candidates choose two transactional texts (25 marks each). The Official Letter of Application & Curriculum Vitae is one of the most reliable scoring formats when following CAPS layout rules:
Letter of Application Formatting Rules:
- Sender's Address: Top right corner, without punctuation (e.g. 14 Protea Street / Katlehong / 1431 / 20 October 2026).
- Recipient's Address: Left margin, below sender's date (e.g. The Human Resources Manager / Pick n Pay Stores / P.O. Box 230 / Germiston / 1400).
- Salutation: Dear Sir / Madam or Dear Mr Smith.
- Subject Line: Centred or left-aligned, in uppercase or underlined: APPLICATION FOR POSITION OF CASHIER (REF: CK-2026).
- Sign-off: Yours faithfully (when addressed to Dear Sir/Madam) or Yours sincerely (when name is known), followed by signature and printed name.