PREPARATORY EXAMINATION

GRAAD 12

ENGLISH FIRST ADDITIONAL

LANGUAGE P2

SEPTEMBER 2023

MARKS: 70

MARKING GUIDELINES

This marking guideline consists of 22 pages.

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Grade 12 Prep. Exam. Marking Guideline

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

1. Candidates are required to answer questions from TWO sections.

2. Candidates' responses should be assessed as objectively as possible.

3. MARKING GUIDELINES

3.1 A candidate may not answer more than ONE question on the same genre.

3.2 If a candidate gives two answers where the first one is incorrect and the
next one is correct, mark the first answer and ignore the next.

3.3 If answers are incorrectly numbered, mark them according to the marking
guidelines.

3.4 If a spelling error affects the meaning, mark incorrect. If it does not affect
the meaning, mark it correct.

3.5 If the candidate does not use inverted commas when asked to quote, do
not penalise.

3.6 For open-ended questions, no marks should be awarded for YES/NO or I

AGREE/I DISAGREE. The reason/substantiation/ motivation is what should
be considered.

3.7 No mark should be awarded for TRUE/FALSE or FACT/OPINION. The

reason/substantiation/ motivation is what should be considered.

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Grade 12 Prep. Exam. Marking Guideline

SECTION A: NOVEL

NOTE: Candidates are required to answer ONE question on the novel they
have studied.

QUESTION 1

CRY, THE BELOVED COUNTRY

Candidates are required to answer BOTH questions, i.e., QUESTIONS 1.1

and 1.2.

1.1.1 (a) E/parent to a murder accomplice 

(b) D/sells liquor illegally in Johannesburg 
(c) B/hanged for Arthur Jarvis' murder 
(d) C/plans the murder of Arthur Jarvis  (4)

1.1.2 The hills are lush and fertile  while the valley is over-grazed and
eroded/dry and empty.  (2)

1.1.3 (a) Literally/Figuratively  (1)

(b) The titihoya bird can no longer survive  in this land because
there is no vegetation as the land is infertile.  (2)

1.1.4 B/barren  (1)

1.1.5 Absalom went to Johannesburg to look for his aunt/Gertrude.  (1)

1.1.6 The discussion of the theme of upliftment should include the

following points, among others:

• Arthur Jarvis is involved in running the Boys' Club (in Claremont)

for the Black youth.
• Gertrude's child will have a better future in Ndontsheni.
• James Jarvis offers to build a dam for the people of Ndontsheni so
they could have sufficient water.

NOTE: For full marks, the response must be well-substantiated. A

candidate can score 1 or 2 marks for a response which is
not well-substantiated. The candidate's interpretation must
be grounded in the novel. (3)

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1.1.7 Open-ended.

Accept a relevant response which shows an understanding of the

following viewpoints, among others:

Yes.
• Gertrude's husband abandons her when he goes to look for a job
in Johannesburg.
• She is left to fend for herself and her son.
• Being from Ndontsheni, she is not familiar with city life and has to
make a plan to survive.

OR

No.
• Gertrude receives support from her brother, Stephen Kumalo but
chooses not to go back to Ndontsheni.
• When she does not find her husband, she does not go home but
chooses to lead an immoral life.
• She apportions her responsibility of raising her son to Absalom's
girlfriend.

NOTE: Do NOT award a mark for YES or NO. Credit responses

where a combination is given. For full marks, the
response must be well-substantiated. A candidate can
score 1 or 2 marks for a response which is not well-
substantiated. The candidate's interpretation must be
grounded in the novel. (3)

1.2.1 At (Parkwold) Church/at the funeral  after Arthur Jarvis' funeral

service/after three o'clock/when the Bishop addresses the bereaved.
 (2)

1.2.2 The Bishop is confused/sad  because Arthur Jarvis, who has done
so many good deeds, was killed. 

OR

The Bishop is in awe  of the good deeds that Arthur Jarvis has
done. 

NOTE: Accept any ONE of the above combinations. (2)

1.2.3 Arthur Jarvis empathises with the Blacks. 

He is involved in running the Boys' Club. 
He is a reformer and an advocate for justice for all. 
He demands equality for all races. 
He devotes his life to keeping the children from a life of crime. 
He has written a manuscript which promotes social justice. 

NOTE: Accept any TWO of the above. (2)

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1.2.4 Arthur Jarvis is insightful/informed  as he writes a manuscript about

the 'Truth of Native Crime.' 

OR

He is a courageous  man who fights for justice across all racial

backgrounds. 

OR

He is dedicated  to empowering and enriching the lives of the

Natives despite resistance. 

NOTE: Accept any ONE of the above combinations. (2)

(b) Metaphor  (1)

(c) In the same way that water will rise up and fill a well,  James
Jarvis cannot contain the pride he has when hearing about his son. (2)


1.2.5 (a) Respect/admiration/sympathetic  (1)

(b) They have respect for Arthur Jarvis because he contributes to the
upliftment of the Black people.  (1)

(c) Although James Jarvis has lived in close proximity with the Black
people it has taken the death of his son for him to acknowledge
their equality/to understand their plight. 

NOTE: BOTH parts must be included to earn marks. (2)

1.2.6 Open-ended.

Accept a relevant response which shows an understanding of the

following viewpoints, among others:

Yes.
• Stephen Kumalo looks for Sibeko's daughter, even though he is
distressed by his son facing persecution.
• He tries to remain strong and support Absalom despite knowing
that his son might be hanged for murder.
• He takes care of Gertrude's son, Absalom's girlfriend, and unborn
child.

OR

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No.
• Stephen Kumalo burdens his wife with the responsibility of taking
care of others, despite her own pain.
• He tortures himself with the decisions made by some of his family
members and the consequences they face.
• He deserts his wife in her grief when her son is hanged, and he
goes alone into the mountain.

NOTE: Do NOT award a mark for YES or NO. Credit responses

where a combination is given. For full marks, the response
must be well-substantiated. A candidate can score 1 or 2
marks for a response which is not well-substantiated. The
candidate's interpretation must be grounded in the novel. (3)
[35]

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QUESTION 2

STRANGE CASE OF DR JEKYLL AND MR HYDE

Candidates are required to answer BOTH questions, i.e., QUESTIONS 2.1 and 2.2.

2.1.1 (a) C/disapproves of the experiment 

(b) A/is reluctant to judge 
(c) E/recounts the disturbing incident 
(d) B/conducts an unethical experiment  (4)

2.1.2 (a) Simile  (1)

(b) Hyde's monstrous behaviour is unnatural,  similar to a

destructive creature rather than a man.  (2)

2.1.3 Enfield does not understand why he immediately takes a dislike to

Hyde when he sees him for the first time. 
He also does not understand the doctor's emotionless reaction to the
incident. (2)

2.1.4 (a) 'sir' refers to Mr Utterson. (1)

(b) The apothecary is extremely upset/angry  because of Mr

Hyde trampling the little girl.  (2)

2.1.5 Mr Enfield is judgemental/critical/disapproving  as he immediately

assumes of what Mr Hyde is like, without knowing him. 

OR

He is observant/attentive/discerning  as he notices the details and

reactions of the doctor (apothecary).  (2)

2.1.6 Open-ended.

Accept a relevant response which shows an understanding of the

following viewpoints, among others:

No.
• Dr Lanyon regards Dr Jekyll's experiments as unscientific
nonsense.
• Dr Lanyon's approach to science is rational while he regards Dr
Jekyll's approach as unethical.
• Dr Lanyon is so shocked by witnessing the transformation that he
avoids seeing/speaking of Dr Jekyll at all.

OR

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Yes.
• Dr Lanyon is sympathetic towards Dr Jekyll as they have been
friends for such a long time.
• Dr Lanyon remains 'friends' with Dr Jekyll for the sake of their
shared friendship with Mr Utterson.
• Dr Lanyon agrees to fetch the drawer with the potion for the sake
of Dr Jekyll.

NOTE: Do NOT award a mark for YES or NO. Credit responses

where a combination is given. For full marks, the response
must be well-substantiated. A candidate can score 1 or 2
marks for a response which is not well-substantiated. The
candidate's interpretation must be grounded in the novel. (3)

2.2.1 Dr Lanyon's house,  when Mr Utterson visits Dr Lanyon (he is

concerned about Dr Jekyll).  (2)

2.2.2 (a) Figuratively  (1)

(b) Dr Lanyon regards Dr Jekyll as dead  after he (Dr Lanyon)

witnesses Mr Hyde's transformation (into Dr Jekyll).  (2)

2.2.3 The three of them have been friends for many years, but Dr Lanyon
no longer considers Dr Jekyll to be a friend at all. 

NOTE: BOTH parts must be included to earn marks. (2)

2.2.4 (a) Resolute/despair/hopelessness/anguish.  (1)

(b) Dr Lanyon cannot reconcile himself with what Dr Jekyll has

done./Dr Jekyll has betrayed scientific ethics and principles.  (1)

2.2.5 Dr Jekyll no longer has control over his transformation  and he is

afraid Mr Utterson might discover his secret.  (2)

2.2.6 C/Dr Lanyon.  (1)

2.2.7 The discussion of the theme of secrecy should include the following
points, among others:

• Mr Utterson refrains from telling Mr Enfield that he has come

across the name of Mr Hyde in the will.
• Dr Jekyll refuses to disclose his relationship with Mr Hyde to Mr
Utterson.
• Dr Jekyll carries out his experiment behind closed
doors/laboratory.

NOTE: For full marks, the response must be well-substantiated. A

candidate can score 1 or 2 marks for a response which is
not well-substantiated. The candidate's interpretation must
be grounded in the novel. (3)
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2.2.8 Open-ended.

Accept a relevant response which shows an understanding of the

following viewpoints, among others:

Yes.
• As a scientist it is his right to experiment to expand his
knowledge.
• He is socially restricted in living the life that he wants to, without
staining his reputation.
• It is his personal choice, and he is willing to take responsibility for
carrying out the experiment

OR

No.
• He is doing the experiment for selfish reasons and personal gain.
• His experiment causes the death of Sir Carew and Dr Lanyon.
• The experiment changes his ethical behaviour as he, amongst
others, lies to his friends.

NOTE: Do NOT award a mark for YES or NO. Credit responses

where a combination is given. For full marks, the response
must be well-substantiated. A candidate can score 1 or 2
marks for a response which is not well-substantiated. The (3)
candidate's interpretation must be grounded in the novel.
[35]

TOTAL SECTION A: 35

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SECTION B: DRAMA
NOTE: Candidates are required to answer ONE question on the drama they
have studied.

QUESTION 3

MACBETH

Candidates are required to answer BOTH questions, i.e., QUESTIONS 3.1

and 3.2.

3.1.1 (a) C/where Duncan is killed 

(b) D/where Macbeth is killed 
(c) A/where Lady Macduff is killed 
(d) E/where Donalbain avoids death and old age  (4)

3.1.2 At Macbeth's castle/Inverness  when Macbeth and Lady Macbeth

are planning Duncan's murder/Duncan visits Macbeth/the battle is (2)
over. 

3.1.3 B/humble.  (1)

3.1.4 He has no reason  to murder Duncan.  (2)

3.1.5 Thane of Cawdor  (1)

3.1.6 Lady Macbeth is determined/manipulative  as she forces Macbeth

to go ahead with the murder despite his reluctance.  (2)

3.1.7 Lady Macbeth says that Macbeth does not love her  and calls him
a coward (because he is too afraid to commit the murder).  (2)

3.1.8 Open-ended.

Accept a relevant response which shows an understanding of the

following viewpoints, among others:

Yes.
• Macbeth is gullible and is easily deceived by the witches.
• He is manipulated by Lady Macbeth to murder Duncan.
• He is overambitious and greedy to become King.

OR

No.
• Macbeth is honoured for bravery in battle by Duncan.
• He is highly regarded by all the Thanes and the people of
Scotland at the beginning of the play.
• He faces the enemy head-on at the battle near Dunsinane castle
despite knowing that all odds are against him.
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Grade 12 Prep. Exam. Marking Guideline

NOTE: Do NOT award a mark for YES or NO. Credit responses

where a combination is given. For full marks, the response
must be well-substantiated. A candidate can score 1 or 2
marks for a response which is not well-substantiated. The
candidate's interpretation must be grounded in the drama. (3)

3.2.1 The Messenger is anxious/concerned/disturbed  as he comes to

warn her that she and her family's lives are in danger.  (2)

3.2.2 (a) Contemptuous/insulting/scornful  (1)

(b) She is showing that she regards the Murderer as evil and
disgusting.  (1)

3.2.3 The Son should point at the Murderer. 

He should step forward towards him. 
He should contort his face to show anger. 
He should make his voice loud and high-pitched. 

NOTE: Accept any TWO of the above or any other relevant

actions. (2)

3.2.4 (a) Metaphor  (1)

(b) The murderer considers the Son to be small/insignificant/

fragile  just like an egg that can be easily broken.  (2)

3.2.5 As a servant of Macbeth, it is the Murderer who is the one involved

in treachery, not Macduff; the very fact that he is engaged in killing
an innocent family proves this. 

NOTE: Both parts must be included to earn marks. (2)

3.2.6 Macduff flees to England./Donalbain flees to Ireland  (1)

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3.2.7 The discussion of the theme of treachery should include the

following points, among others:

• The witches deceive Macbeth with half-truth prophecies.

• Macbeth and Lady Macbeth deceive Duncan with their fake
hospitality when he goes to Inverness.
• Malcolm deceives Macbeth by concealing the number of soldiers
at Birnam Wood.

NOTE: For full marks, the response must be well-substantiated. A

candidate can score 1 or 2 marks for a response which is
not well-substantiated. The candidate's interpretation must
be grounded in the drama. (3)

3.2.8 Open-ended.

Accept a relevant response which shows an understanding of the

following viewpoints, among others:

Yes.
• Macduff flees from Scotland leaving his wife and children
unprotected.
• He should have realised the consequences of not attending the
banquet.
• He is suspicious of Macbeth and should have known what
Macbeth is capable of.

OR

No.
• Macduff wants to serve his King and country above all else.
• He flees to England to raise an army to overthrow Macbeth.
• He supports Malcolm, the rightful heir to the throne and wants
order restored in Scotland.

NOTE: Do NOT award a mark for YES or NO. Credit responses

where a combination is given. For full marks, the response
must be well-substantiated. A candidate can score 1 or 2
marks for a response which is not well-substantiated. The
candidate's interpretation must be grounded in the drama. (3)
[35]

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QUESTION 4

MY CHILDREN! MY AFRICA!

Candidates are required to answer BOTH questions, i.e., QUESTIONS 4.1 and 4.2.

4.1.1 (a) C/delivers medicine for the pharmacy ✓

(b) E/wants to be a journalist ✓
(c) A/a great supporter of Confucius ✓
(d) B/is originally from Cape Town ✓ (4)

4.1.2 The setting is Camdeboo Girls High ✓ when Mr M invites Isabel to

participate in the literature quiz. ✓ (2)

4.1.3 (a) Curious/concerned/excited ✓ (1)

(b) Isabel is concerned that Thami may not have been

consulted/she is keen to team up with Thami. ✓ (1)

4.1.4 He means that Africans are taught from a very young age ✓ to have
respect for people in positions of power/authority. ✓/Respect for
elders/authorities ✓ is built into/is an essential part of the African
culture. ✓ (2)

4.1.5 Mr M believes that Thami will do and believe what he says, yet Thami is
not of the same opinion. ✓✓

NOTE: Both parts must be included to earn marks. (2)

4.1.6 The discussion of the theme of the generation clash should include
the following points, among others:

• The younger generation, Thami and his peers is drawn to violent

actions, as opposed to the older generation's approach of non-
violence towards obtaining freedom.
• They are impatient and want immediate change, unlike Mr M who
believes in negotiation.
• Isabel is rebellious and is more liberal as opposed to her parents'
conservative views.

NOTE: For full marks, the response must be well-substantiated. A

candidate can score 1 or 2 marks for a response which is
not well-substantiated. The candidate's interpretation must
be grounded in the drama. (3)

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4.1.7 Open-ended.

Accept a relevant response which shows an understanding of the

following aspects, among others:

Yes.
• Mr M exercises patience when Isabel wants to know anything
from him, yet he becomes impatient with Thami.
• He readily accepts Isabel's opinion; however, he does not allow
Thami to have an opinion of his own.
• Mr M accepts that Isabel makes her own choices, however, he
decides on behalf of Thami.

OR

No.
• Mr M wants what is best for all learners, which includes Thami
and Isabel.
• He compliments both Thami and Isabel for their achievements,
for example after the debate.
• He believes they are both born leaders, for example, he enters
them for the literary quiz.

NOTE: Do NOT award a mark for YES or NO. Credit responses

where a combination is given. For full marks, the response
must be well-substantiated. A candidate can score 1 or 2
marks for a response which is not well-substantiated. The
candidate's interpretation must be grounded in the drama. (3)

4.2.1 Mr M is anxious/confused/guilt-ridden  as he is unsure whether

informing the police of the instigators was the right thing to do.  (2)

4.2.2 (a) Mr M should look directly at Thami (with regret/sadness). 

He should point at himself. 
He should stretch out his arm to point at Thami. 

NOTE: Accept any TWO of the above or any other relevant

actions. (2)

(b) Comrades/people from the North  (1)

(c) Thami feels Mr M decides for him/does not allow him any
freedom. 
Mr M betrays Thami by admitting to being an informer.  (2)

4.2.3 He is caring/loving/passionate, ✓ as he will do anything to save the

learners and have them back in the classroom. ✓ (2)

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4.2.4 (a) Metaphor  (1)

(b) Mr M feels safe/comfortable/at ease ✓ in his classroom, just

as a person would feel safe in his own home. ✓ (2)

4.2.5 Thami's ambition is to become a doctor. ✓ (1)

4.2.6 C/live a meaningful life.  (1)

4.2.7 Open-ended.

Accept a relevant response which shows an understanding of the

following aspects, among others:

Yes.
• Thami is of the opinion that Bantu Education is inferior and does
not offer him quality education.
• He believes that he is not afforded the same opportunities
(bursaries) as other cultural groups.
• He feels that the process of reformation through negotiations is
taking too long and joining the school boycott will speed it up.

OR

No.
• Thami is intelligent and hardworking with a bright future ahead of
him.
• He sacrifices his future as he will have no education to fall back
on to.
• It costs Thami his friendship with Isabel and his relationship with
Mr M.

NOTE: Do NOT award a mark for YES or NO. Credit responses

where a combination is given. For full marks, the response
must be well-substantiated. A candidate can score 1 or 2
marks for a response which is not well-substantiated. The
candidate's interpretation must be grounded in the drama. (3)
[35]

TOTAL SECTION B: 35

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'FORDIDDEN LOVE'

5.1.1 (a) D/loving and protective ✓

(b) C/hypocritical and irresponsible ✓
(c) E/insecure and prejudiced ✓
(d) A/a spiteful teacher ✓ (4)

5.1.2 The Randolph house ✓ when the family is at lunch/Salome

exposes Davie/the Randolphs find out they have a grandchild. ✓ (2)

5.1.3 Salome hands the letters Davie wrote to her, to his father,  and the
realisation that his son has a relationship with a black woman/he has
a black grandson causes his swift reaction.  (2)

5.1.4 Davie is opposed to Mike and Dora's relationship because Mike is

black, yet he himself has a child with Mike's sister, Salome (who is also
black). 

NOTE: Both parts must be included to earn marks. (2)

5.1.5 (a) Sarcastic/mocking/threatening/confident ✓ (1)

(b) Salome has evidence which is more powerful and convincing

than the letters Mr Randolph has roughly seized. ✓

OR

Salome has outwitted Mr Randolph's tactics of removing all

evidence. ✓ (1)

5.1.6 Mrs Randolph (Dora's mother) is unprejudiced/tolerant/ caring ✓ she

is happy to learn that she has a grandchild. ✓

OR

She is reconciling, ✓she is not worried about the race of Salome and
the child. ✓

NOTE: Accept ANY ONE of the above or any other relevant

combination. (2)

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5.1.7 Open-ended.

Accept a relevant response which shows an understanding of the

following viewpoints among others:

Yes.
• She can be trusted as she keeps her relationship with Davie a
secret for a long time.
• She exposes her relationship with Davie to his family despite their
race issues.
• She nurses Michael to health.

OR

No.
• Salome could have prevented the attack on Mike if she revealed
her secret earlier.
• She is aware of the risks involved in having a relationship with
Davie.
• She places the lives of Mike, Dora and her own in danger by
going to visit the Randolph family about such a sensitive issue.

NOTE: Do NOT award a mark for YES or NO. Credit responses

where a combination is given. For full marks, the response
must be well-substantiated. A candidate can score 1 or 2
marks for a response which is not well-substantiated. The
candidate's interpretation must be grounded in the short
story. (3)

'TRIUMPH IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY'

5.2.1 After Thulisile buys her house.  (1)

5.2.2 Thulisile is overwhelmed with anger at her father's abuse of his

family  and disappointed at her mother for not leaving her father/not
standing up for her children.  (2)

5.2.3 B/abused by her husband.  (1)

5.2.4 Thulisile is irritated/upset/frustrated  as her mother nearly cost the

children their future/happiness.  (2)

5.2.5 Nthabiseng ✓ (her friend)

Mme Sadike ✓ (an old lady)
Her grandmother ✓ (maternal grandmother)
Mr Rathebe ✓ (fish and chips shop owner)
Mr Nkwane ✓ (her teacher)

NOTE: Accept ANY TWO of the above answers. (2)

5.2.6 (a) Metaphor ✓ (1)
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(b) The black cloud, which signifies the children's suffering, has
been lifted  to make way for a better future.  (2)

5.2.7 They moved to Phambili Squatter Camp.  (1)

5.2.8 The discussion of the theme of fear should include the following
points, among others:

• Thembekile stays in constant fear when she is introduced to the

family as a young bride.
• When her husband abuses her later, she develops fear towards
her husband and fails to protect her children.
• Their children live in fear because of their father's abuse.

NOTE: For full marks, the response must be well-substantiated. A

candidate can score 1 or 2 marks for a response which is
not well-substantiated. The candidate's interpretation must
be grounded in the short story. (3)

5.2.9 Open-ended.

Accept a relevant response which shows an understanding of the

following viewpoints, among others:

Yes.
• Thulisile grows up in an abusive home.
• Her father prevents her from achieving her ideals by stealing her
money.
• She takes over the responsibilities of her parents by trying to
provide for her brother and sister.

OR

No.
• Thulisile has a support system during these difficult times.
• She is resilient and overcomes her situation by being resourceful.
• She makes use of opportunities and succeeds in life.

NOTE: Do NOT award a mark for YES or NO. Credit responses

where a combination is given. For full marks, the response
must be well-substantiated. A candidate can score 1 or 2
marks for a response which is not well-substantiated. The
candidate's interpretation must be grounded in the short
story. (3)
[35]

TOTAL SECTION C: 35

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SECTION D: POETRY
QUESTION 6
NOTE: Candidates are required to answer BOTH questions, i.e.,
QUESTIONS 6.1 and 6.2.
6.1 'INVERSNAID' by Gerard Manley Hopkins
6.1.1 (a) C/water ripples 
(b) D/cut off 
(c) E/woolly covering 
(d) B/enclosed hollow  (4)

6.1.2 (a) Metaphor/Alliteration  (1)

(b) Similar to the powerful, dark horse,  the water is dark in

colour and fast flowing (powerful). 

OR

The 'b'-sound associated with the beat of the horses'

hooves  illustrates the flow of the rushing water over the
rocks.  (2)

6.1.3 (a) The setting is early in the morning  next to the stream/on the
hill slope.  (2)

(b) The beautiful ash tree overlooks the flowing water/stream.  (2)

6.1.4 The speaker is anguished/concerned  as he wonders what will be

left if the world is stripped of its natural beauty.  (2)

6.1.5 (a) pleading/begging/sentimental  (1)

(b) The speaker appeals to mankind to leave natural places as

they are/mankind should preserve natural resources for the
future generation.  (1)

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English FAL P2 20 FS/September 2023
Grade 12 Prep. Exam. Marking Guideline

6.1.6 Open-ended.

Accept a relevant response which shows an understanding of the

following viewpoints, among others:

Yes.
• The vivid images convey the power and beauty of the natural
world.
• The speaker emphasises that all of nature should be preserved
as he even glorifies the weeds ('long live the weeds').
• He forces the reader to think of how terrible the world would be if
it is cut off ('bereft') from nature.

OR

No.
• The speaker does not clearly indicate how the world would be
affected if nature is destroyed.
• The evidence of different aspects of nature is lacking as he only
focuses on a few elements of nature (the stream, ash tree).
• The speaker's plea to preserve weeds in the final stanza is
illogical as weeds can negatively affect the ecosystem/prevent
other plants from growing.

NOTE: Do NOT award a mark for YES or NO. Credit responses

where a combination is given. For full marks, the response
must be well-substantiated. A candidate can score 1 or 2
marks for a response which is not well-substantiated. The (3)
candidate's interpretation must be grounded in the poem.

AND

6.2 'SONNET 73' by William Shakespeare

6.2.1 (a) Quatrains  (1)

(b) Couplet  (1)

6.2.2 (a) Metaphor  (1)

(b) In autumn the leaves changes colour and finally falls off the
trees  just like the speaker is aging and losing his youth.  (2)

6.2.3 'twilight' refers to his old age/approaching death.  (1)

6.2.4 A/shadow.  (1)

6.2.5 It refers to the fuel/wood that lets the fire burn. 

The ash of the burnt-out wood. 
The speaker's youth is slowly deteriorating/destroyed. 

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English FAL P2 21 FS/September 2023
Grade 12 Prep. Exam. Marking Guideline

NOTE: Accept any TWO of the above. (2)

6.2.6 The love between the speaker and his beloved grows stronger, yet
the speaker's hold on life is getting weaker as he is about to die. 

NOTE: Both parts must be included to earn marks. (2)

6.2.7 Accept a relevant response which shows an understanding of the

theme of aging, among others:

• The speaker feels his youth and life are fading away like leaves
falling off a tree.
• The speaker's reflection on aging highlights the awareness of
mortality that comes with the passage of time.
• The speaker is nearing the end of his life and considers the
inevitable shadows of death.

NOTE: For full marks, the response must be well-substantiated. A

candidate can score 1 or 2 marks for a response which is
not well-substantiated. The candidate's interpretation must
be grounded in the poem. (3)

6.2.8 Open-ended.

Accept a relevant response which shows an understanding of the

text; among others

Yes.
• The speaker is portrayed as someone who is experiencing loss
due to aging.
• He is astutely aware of his own mortality and contemplates his
approaching death.
• The inevitable separation of loved ones (lines 13 and 14) evokes
a sense of loneliness and isolation for the speaker.

OR

No.
• The speaker embraces/acknowledges the inevitable passing of
time.
• The love between the speaker and his beloved grows stronger
despite his (the speaker's) imminent death.
• He invokes empathy and not pity as he portrays the universal
experience of aging and death.

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English FAL P2 22 FS/September 2023
Grade 12 Prep. Exam. Marking Guideline

NOTE: Do NOT award a mark for YES or NO. Credit responses

where a combination is given. For full marks, the response
must be well-substantiated. A candidate can score 1 or 2
marks for a response which is not well-substantiated. The
candidate's interpretation must be grounded in the poem. (3)
[35]

TOTAL SECTION D: 35
TOTAL: 70

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