English SAL P2

November 2025 — Grade 12 / Matric — English

Past Paper 2025 Grade 12 English - SAL English Hub →

↓ Download PDF 📄 668 KB View Memorandum

Preparing document

📋 Document Analysis

📄 27 pages 📝 134 items found 📚 4 topics 📖 3 language components

See full analysis

Questions — A Preview of What to Expect in the Document

134

This section provides a quick preview of questions from the document. It may not display every question or the complete wording of each one. For the full content, including diagrams, tables and other information, view the original PDF above.

3.1A Bekkersdal arathon

3.2Manhood

4.1Michiel Oberholster

4.2In the withaak s shade

5.1The isters

5.2The soft voice of the serpent SECTION D: POETRY

6.1Song of the unemployed

6.2Pastoral 2025

Q1— Section header —

1.1.2Why does Tshidiso fail to understand that she cannot visit the neighbours houses (lines 1 2\? (2\

1.1.3Refer to lines 6 For their parts a bad omen (a\ Explain what Tshidiso means by, the aunts returned the neighbours scorn

1.1Refer to line the feuds that to the next (a\ Identify the figure of speech used in these lines. (1\ (b\ Explain the meaning of this figure of speech.

1.1

1.1One of the themes in this novel is separation. Discuss this theme.

1.1Mrs Allison is justified in send ing Veronica home after the netball incident. Discuss your view.

1.1The Masemola sisters can be admired. Discuss your view. AND 2025

1.2.1Complete the sentence below using the words given the

1.2.1

1.2.2State the place and time where this extract is set. (2\

1.2.3Explain why Tshidiso says he school wants peace. Everyone ine (2\

1.2Refer to lines s also a season for mending fences \. (a\ Is mending fences meant

1.2.5Why is the following statement FALSE? Mmamane Malebone encourages Tshidiso to continue speaking. (1\

1.2

1.2.7What does this extract tell the reader about Mmamane Malebone character? State TWO points. (2\

1.2.8Tshidiso has a wonderful childhood. Discuss your view. (2\

1.2The novel ends on a positive note. Discuss your view. TOTAL SECTION A: 2025

Q2— Section header —

2.1.1Choose a description from COLUMN B that matches name in COLUMN A. Write only the letter (A \ next to the question number .1.1(a\ to .1.1( \\ in the ANSWER BOOK.

2.1.2

2.1.5Quote FOUR consecutive words from the extract which suggest that Nontobeko could not wait to be born. (1\ .1. What does this extract

2.1WOMAN can be admired. Discuss your view. (2\ AND 10

2.2Read the extract below and then answer the questions. TEXT D [WOMAN speaks about OLD MAN.] WOMAN: MAN: WOMAN:

2.2Complete the sentence below by using the words given in the list. Write only the word next to the question number .1(a\ to

2.2.2State the place and time where this extract is set. (2\

2.2

2.2Choose the correct answer to complete the following sentence. Write only the letter (A D\ next to the question number ( .2. \ in the ANSWER BOOK. When WOMAN talks about those who are sniggering

2.2

2.2Explain what WOMAN means when she says that the old man died (line 1

2.2MAN is a brave person. Discuss your view. (2\

2.2WOMAN is self centred Discuss your view. (2\ TOTAL SECTION B 12

Q3— Section header —

3.1

3.1.1Choose a description from COLUMN B that matches name in COLUMN A. Write only the letter (A \ next to the question number (3.1.1(a\ to

3.1.1(d\\ in the ANSWER BOOK. COLUMN A COLUMN B (a\ (b\ (c\ (d\ Deacon Cronj Elder Landsman Dominee Welthagen

3.1.2Explain how At Naud is able to tell others the newest thing in Europe (line 1\. (2\

3.1.3

3.1.4Why is the event that had taken place in the little dorp of Bekkersdal (lines referred to as marathon?

3.1.5Why is the following statement FALSE? The men go to Jurie Steyn s place to collect their letters (1\

3.1.6Explain why the narrator say they were breaking the record without knowing (line 9\ (2\

3.1.7Quote TWO consecutive words from the extract to prove that the congregants talk about the marathon from different viewpoints.

3.1.8Choose the correct answer to complete the following sentence. Write only the letter (A D\ next to the question number (3.1.8\ in the ANSWER BOOK. The Bekker marathon took place at the city hall. sports field.

3.1Billy Roberts is a great man. Discuss your view.

3.1The story has a positive ending. Discuss your view. (2\ AND 14 2025

3.2MANHOOD John Wain Read the extract below and then answer the questions. TEXT F [Rob fakes ill health.] ve supervised your training for fifteen weeks and I know you re as fit as a fiddle. You can

3.2.1Complete the sentence below by using the words given in the list. Write only the word (s\ next to the question number

3.2.2State the place and time where this extract is set. (2\

3.2.3Refer to lines 1 you re as fit as a fiddle (a\ Identify the figure of speech used in this line. (1\ (b\

3.2.4Refer to line 5 ( Don t do this to me (a\ tone would Mr Willison use in this line? (1\ (b\

3.2What does this extract tell the reader about Mr Willison s character? State TWO points. 15

3.2One of the themes in this short story is manipulation. Discuss this theme. (3\

3.2Mrs Willison can be admired Discuss your view. (2\

3.2Mr Willison is a loving father. Discuss your view. (2\ [40] 16 202540

Q4— Section header —

4.1MICHIEL OBERHOLSTER Sannie Uys Read the extract below and then answer the questions. TEXT G [Karl Potgieter passes away.] She had spent her life in a prison. The man who had promised to love and cherish her had built this prison for her.

4.1.1Complete the sentence below by using the words given in the list . Write only the word next to the question numbers (4.1.1(a\ to 4.1.1(c\\ in the ANSWER BOOK. Bruwer; monkey; Broederstroom; Klaarstroom;

4.1

4.1.3Quote ONE word from the extract to prove that Karl is passionate about finances. 17

4.1

4.1One of the themes in this short story is sacrifice. Discuss this theme.

4.1Michiel Oberholster is ambitious. Discuss your view. (2\

4.1Tant Sienie deserves to be happy. Discuss your view. (2\ AND 18 2025

4.2IN THE WITHAAK'S SHADE Herman Charles Bosman Read the extract below and then answer the questions. TEXT H [Oom Schalk relates his experience.] But, if you want something to make you suddenly old and to turn your hair

4.2Choose a description from COLUMN B that matches name in COLUMN A. Write only the letter (A next to the question number (4.2.1(a\ to

4.2.1( \\ in the ANSWER BOOK. COLUMN A COLUMN B (a\ (b\ (c\ (d\ General Pienaar

4.2.2State the place and time where this extract is set. (2\

4.2.3Why is the following statement FALSE? Oom Schalk suffers an injury from the leopard s attack. (1\ 19 2025

4.2.4

4.2.4in the ANSWER BOOK. The word companions refers to Oom Schalk and the cattle. farmers. mamba. leopard.

4.2Refer to the extract as a whole. Explain why Oom Schalk closes his eyes. (2\

4.2Later in the story, Oom Schalk has a second encounter with the leopard. Describe the condition of the leopard during this encounter. (2\

4.2What does this extract tell the reader about Oom Schalk s character? State TWO points. (2\

4.2Oom Schalk is telling the truth about the leopard Discuss your view. (2\

4.2Do you feel sorry for the leopard? Discuss your view. (2\ [40] 2040

Q5— Section header —

5.1'THE SISTERS Pauline Smith Read the extract below and then answer the questions. TEXT I [Marta dies.] God knows what madness had driven old Jan Redlinghuis to the mountains when his wife lay dying, but there it was they found him, and at Bitterwater he

5.1.1Choose a description from COLUMN B that matches a name in COLUMN A. Write only the letter (A \ next to the question number (5.1.1(a\ to

5.1.1(d\\ in the ANSWER BOOK. COLUMN A COLUMN B (a\ (b\ (c\ (d\ Burgert de Jager Marta de Jager Jan Redlinghuis

5.1.2Why is the following statement FALSE? Marta dies as a result of food poisoning. (1\ 21 2025

5.1.3

5.1

5.1What does this extract tell the reader about Burgert de Jager character State TWO points. (2\

5.1One the themes in this short story is bitterness. Discuss this theme.

5.1Marta can be admired for pleasing her father. Discuss your view. (2\

5.1Sukey is brave. Discuss your view. (2\ AND 22

5.2'THE SOFT VOICE OF THE SERPENT' Nadine Gordimer Read the extract below and then answer the questions. TEXT J [The man and his wife discuss the locust.] Get another little chair made for him and you can wheel him out here with

5.2.1Complete the sentence below by using the words given in the list. Write only the word next to the question numbers (5. .1(a\ to

5.2.1

5.2.2State the place and time where this extract is set.

5.2.3Identify TWO objects that the man suggests the locust should use to move around. (2\

5.2

5.2Choose the correct answer to complete the following sentence. Write only the letter (A D\ next to the question number ( .2. \ in the ANSWER BOOK. The woman prodded

2.6Refer to lines Funny thing is the left one (a\ What tone would the woman use

5.2Explain why the locust is referred to as the serpent in the title of this short story. (2\

5.2The woman in this short story can be admired. Discuss your view. .2. The man in this short story can be pitied. Discuss your view. [40] TOTAL SECTION C40

Q6— Section header —

6.1.1Choose a description from COLUMN B that matches word in COLUMN A. Write only the letter (A \ next to the question number (6.1.1(a\

6.1.1(d\\ in the ANSWER BOOK. COLUMN A COLUMN B (a\ (b\ (c\ (d\ luminium uddles maciated

6.1.2Why is the following statement FALSE? The speake r is excited to see the aluminium pots. (1\

6.1.3Refer to line 3 The broom standing in the corner (a\ Identify the figure of speech in this line. (1\ (b\ Explain the meaning of this figure of speech. (2\

6.1.4Refer to line 5 What in the below the window? (a\ tone would the speaker use in this line? (1\ (b\

6.1.5

6.1.6One of the themes in this poem is poverty. Discuss this theme. (3\

6.1.7he speaker feels forced to do all the housework Discuss your view. (2\

6.1.8The speaker s wife can be admired. Discuss your view. (2\ AND 26

6.2Read the poem below and then answer the questions. PASTORAL William Carlos Williams The little sparrows hop ingenuously about the pavement quarreling with sharp voices over those things

6.2.1Complete the sentence below by using the words given in the list. Write only the word (s\ next to the question numbers .1(a\ to .2.1 (c\n the ANSWER BOOK. onnet overthinking;

6.2.2State the place and time where stanza is set. (2\

6.2.3Refer to line 5 ( with sharp voices (a\ Identify the figure of speech in this line. (1\ (b\ Explain the meaning of this figure of speech. (2\

6.2.4Explain what the speaker means by shut ourselves in (line 9\. (2\

6.2.5Why is it important for the humans to make a distinction between good evil (lines 1 13\ deeds? (2\

6.2Choose the correct answer to complete the following sentence. Write only the letter (A D\ next to the question number (

6.2.6\ in the ANSWER BOOK. The word, lime (line 16\ refer s to fruit. bone.

6.2Quote THREE consecutive words to prove that the minister has not yet started preaching. (1\

6.2.8What does stanza tell the reader about the old man character? State TWO points. (2\

6.2.9The sparrows can be admired Discuss your view. (2\

6.2.10ending of this poem is suitable. Discuss your view. (2\ TOTAL SECTION D GRAND TOTAL:

Language Components

Essay/ArgumentLiterature AnalysisOral/Debate

Topics Identified

ComprehensionLanguage in ContextLiteratureOral Communication

Mark Allocation

Sections40 + 40 + 40 = 120 marks

Paper information

SubjectEnglish

Year2025

SessionNovember

TypePast Paper

PaperPaper 2

LanguageEnglish (SAL — verified from PDF)

Pages27

Downloads43

Examination context

Decade2020s

Years ago1y

SeasonSpring (SH)

Start dayWednesday

Exam periodNovember 2025

Days since exam353

About English examination preparation

Grade 12 English involves reading, language use, interpretation, and clear written communication. Paper 1 tests comprehension, summary writing, and language in context, while Paper 2 covers literature and essay writing.

Every available Grade 12 English past paper and memorandum is collected in the English hub at english.freemode.co.za — browse all years, sessions and languages in one place.

How to use this resource for revision

A past examination paper is most useful when it is treated as an active revision exercise. Try the questions yourself before checking the corresponding memorandum. Where you make an error, identify the reason — was it a knowledge gap, a calculation mistake, an interpretation issue, or an examination technique problem?

For stronger examination practice, complete the paper without unnecessary interruptions and keep track of the questions that take the most time. Afterwards, review the memorandum and separate knowledge gaps from mistakes caused by interpretation, calculation, structure, or examination technique.

reading and comprehension

language accuracy

interpretation

structured written responses

clear communication

A practical revision approach

English rewards structured argument over length. Plan your response for 5 minutes before writing — a well-structured 2-page essay consistently outperforms a disorganised 4-page response.

Grade 12 subject hubs

Each matric subject has its own dedicated hub on Freemode with every past paper and marking memorandum we have archived for that subject.

➗ Mathematics View papers → 📊 Mathematical Literacy View papers → ⚗️ Physical Sciences View papers → 🧬 Life Sciences View papers → 📒 Accounting View papers → 💼 Business Studies View papers → 📈 Economics View papers → 🌍 Geography View papers → 🏛️ History View papers → 📖 English 📍 You are here 🇿🇦 Afrikaans View papers → 🗣️ IsiNdebele View papers → 🗣️ IsiXhosa View papers → 🗣️ IsiZulu View papers → 🗣️ Sepedi View papers → 🗣️ Sesotho View papers → 🗣️ Setswana View papers → 🌾 Agricultural Sciences View papers →

Corresponding marking memorandum

Marking memorandum available

Use the corresponding memorandum after completing the paper to review your answers and identify areas that require further revision. The memorandum shows the marking approach used by DBE examiners, including method-mark allocations.

English SAL P3 memo →

File details

File size668 KB

Pages27

Archived on11 October 2026

File age13d

ContributorFreeMode

Fingerprint8BC8616D2950

Questions and learner discussion

No questions or discussions have been posted yet.