TERM 2 EXAMINATIONS_APRIL 2025
REVISION GUIDELINE – GRADE 9
SYLLABUS: English Language (0500)
PAPER 1 - Reading comprehension and summary writing, short answer questions, language
task (explicit and implicit meaning, how writers’ achieve effect and influence readers),
letter, speech, interview and article
PAPER 2 - Discursive/argumentative/persuasive speech, letter or article and composition:
descriptive and narrative
WEIGHTAGE OF EXAM COMPONENTS:
PAPER 1 50%
PAPER 2 50%
TOTAL 100%
SYLLABUS FOR THE EXAMS: ( units & subunits as per the guide)
➢ PAPER 1 - Reading comprehension and summary writing, short answer questions, language
task (explicit and implicit meaning, how writers’ achieve effect and influence readers),
letter, speech, interview and article
➢ PAPER 2 - Discursive/argumentative/persuasive speech, letter or article and composition:
descriptive and narrative
QUESTION PAPER DETAILS: All papers are STRUCTURED in nature.
PAPER 1:
DURATION: 2 Hours
QUESTION PAPER FORMAT:
• Read three texts in the examination and answer three questions.
• Students will answer three compulsory questions on three texts (A, B, C).
• The texts will be printed on the question paper insert and may be on a similar topic.
• Students should spend about 15 minutes reading the texts, leaving approximately
30–35 minutes to respond to each question.
▪ Question 1 is based on Text A and Text B (700-750 words). This question is divided into
separate parts:
▪ Comprehension task (based on Text A)- Students respond to a series of sub-
questions. 15 marks are available for reading
▪ Summary task (based on Text B)- Students answer a selective summary task using
your own words (120 words). 10 marks are available for reading, 5 marks for writing
▪ Question 2 is based on Text C (500–650 words). This question is divided into two
separate parts:
▪ Short-answer questions- Students respond to a series of sub-questions which require
answers of different lengths, testing their understanding of the meaning of words and
phrases used in Text C, as well as the effect they have on the reader. 10 marks are
available for reading.
▪ Language task - Students write 200–300 words in response to a question focused on
certain paragraphs in Text C. They must select three relevant examples of interesting
use of language from each of the paragraphs specified and analyse these examples to
show how the writer uses language to convey meaning and to create effect. 15 marks
are available for reading
▪ Question 3 is based on Text C (500–650 words). Extended response to reading-
Students write 250–350 words in response to the task in which they modify, use and
develop ideas and details from Text C. They will respond using your own words in one
of the following text types: letter, speech, interview and article. 15 marks are available
for reading, 10 marks for writing.
TOTAL MARKS: 80 (Reading- 65 marks, Writing- 15 marks)
PAPER 2:
DURATION: 2 Hours
QUESTION PAPER FORMAT:
➢ Read one or two texts in the examination and answer two questions.
➢ Students will answer two questions: Question 1 and Question 2, 3, 4, or 5.
➢ Question 1 is compulsory and text-based. The text(s) will be printed on the question
paper insert.
▪ Section A Directed Writing- It is based on one or two texts.
▪ Students will write 250–350 words in response to the task in Question 1, using,
evaluating and developing the information in the text(s).
▪ They will be asked to create a discursive/argumentative/persuasive response using
their own words in one of the following text types: a speech, letter or article. 25 marks
are available for writing and 15 marks for reading.
▪ Section B Composition- It offers a choice of four questions: two descriptive
(Questions 2 and 3) and two narratives (Questions 4 and 5).
▪ Students choose one question title (Question 2, 3, 4 or 5) and use the title to develop
and write a composition (350–450 words). 40 marks are available for writing.
TOTAL MARKS: 80 (Writing- 65 marks, Reading- 15 marks)
0500 curriculum guide & Learner’s guide:
[Link]
GENERAL NOTE:
▪ Please refer to the ASSESSMENT CRITERIA for ALL marking details.
▪ Know the genre conventions of the various text types and other stylistic devices used by
writers. Understand the writer’s craft thoroughly.
▪ Practise writing answers in a time bound fashion. There is no word/page limit.
▪ Know your content thoroughly.
▪ Work on your answer plans now to prepare for your exams.
▪ Avoid selective study.
DURING THE EXAMS:
▪ Plan your answers.
▪ Avoid writing in the margins.
▪ Read the text and question carefully more than once.
▪ As you read the question, identify the perspective (the point of view or role) you are being
asked to take in your answer.
▪ Underline the text type the question is asking you to use for your response, e.g. letter,
interview, speech and keep this in mind for the whole response.
▪ Thinking from the perspective you have been asked to take, consider why you are writing
(or speaking) and who you are imagining will be reading (or listening to) what you write or
say.
▪ Use the bullet points in the question to plan the ideas you will include in your response.
Make sure you include ideas for all three bullet points.
▪ Use your own words– try not to copy phrases or longer sections from the text.
▪ Remember to include all the important details your reader would need to know.
▪ Use and develop ideas from the text – if you find you are simply repeating ideas, re-read the
question to check what you have missed.
▪ Control and correct your writing, e.g. keep tenses in agreement and use connecting
words/phrases to link your ideas.
▪ Make sure that the voice and register you develop in your response fits your persona/role,
audience and purpose.
▪ Re-read your answer to spot and correct errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation.
▪ Avoid spelling errors, sentence construction/structure errors and all other grammatical
mistakes.
▪ Do not use any highlighter on your question paper. However, you can mark, annotate and
plan on the question paper with either a pen or a pencil. Do not use any other colour except
black.
▪ Do not use any correction fluid, tape or pen.
All the very best for your examinations!
