Language Past Exam Papers and Memos: Grade 9
Section A: Comprehension
Question 1
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
The History of South Africa
South Africa is a country with a rich and complex history. The first people to inhabit the region were the Khoisan, who arrived around 100,000 years ago. They were followed by the Bantu-speaking peoples, who migrated from Central Africa around 2,000 years ago.
In the 17th century, the Dutch East India Company established a settlement at the Cape of Good Hope. This settlement grew into the colony of Cape Colony, which became a British colony in 1814.
In the 19th century, the discovery of gold and diamonds in South Africa led to a massive influx of immigrants from Europe and other parts of the world. This period also saw the rise of the Afrikaner nationalist movement, which sought to establish an independent Boer republic.
In 1910, the Union of South Africa was formed, uniting the four British colonies of Cape Colony, Natal, Transvaal, and Orange Free State. However, the union was marred by racial segregation and discrimination, which culminated in the establishment of the apartheid system in 1948.
Apartheid was a system of racial segregation that divided South Africa into two main groups: whites and non-whites. Non-whites were subjected to a wide range of discriminatory laws and practices, including restrictions on their movement, education, and employment.
The apartheid system was met with widespread resistance from both within South Africa and the international community. In 1994, the first democratic elections were held in South Africa, and Nelson Mandela became the country’s first black president.
Since the end of apartheid, South Africa has made significant progress in building a more just and equitable society. However, the country still faces many challenges, including poverty, inequality, and crime.
Questions:
- Who were the first people to inhabit South Africa?
- When did the Bantu-speaking peoples migrate to South Africa?
- Which European country established a settlement at the Cape of Good Hope in the 17th century?
- What was the name of the union formed in 1910 that united the four British colonies?
- What was the main feature of the apartheid system?
Question 2
Read the following poem and answer the questions that follow:
Invictus
By William Ernest Henley
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance,
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance,
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
Questions:
- What is the speaker’s attitude towards adversity?
- What does the speaker mean by "my unconquerable soul"?
- What is the "Horror of the shade" that the speaker refers to?
- What does the speaker believe about his own fate?
- What is the main theme of the poem?
Section B: Language in Context
Question 3
Write a paragraph describing a time when you faced a challenge and overcame it. Use the following vocabulary words:
- Adversity
- Resilience
- Determination
- Triumph
Question 4
Write a letter to a friend describing a recent event that you attended. Use the following vocabulary words:
- Enthralling
- Captivating
- Memorable
- Unforgettable
Section C: Language Skills
Question 5
Identify the parts of speech of the following words:
- Beautiful
- Slowly
- Because
- However
- Into
Question 6
Correct the following sentences:
- I seen the movie last night.
- The dog barked at the mailman.
- Me and my friends went to the park.
- The book is more interesting than I thought.
- The weather is too cold for me to go outside.
Question 7
Write a short story about a time when you learned a valuable lesson. Use the following vocabulary words:
- Wisdom
- Experience
- Growth
- Maturity
Section D: Literature
Question 8
Write a character analysis of one of the main characters from a novel or short story that you have read. Use the following vocabulary words:
- Protagonist
- Antagonist
- Motivation
- Conflict
- Resolution
Question 9
Compare and contrast two different literary works that you have read. Use the following vocabulary words:
- Theme
- Setting
- Characters
- Plot
- Style
Answer Key
Section A: Comprehension
Question 1
- The Khoisan
- Around 2,000 years ago
- The Dutch East India Company
- The Union of South Africa
- Racial segregation
Question 2
- The speaker is defiant and determined in the face of adversity.
- The speaker’s "unconquerable soul" is his inner strength and resilience.
- The "Horror of the shade" is the unknown and uncertain future.
- The speaker believes that he is in control of his own fate.
- The main theme of the poem is the importance of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Section B: Language in Context
Question 3
Paragraph:
In the face of adversity, I have always found resilience within myself. When I was diagnosed with a chronic illness, I was determined to overcome the challenges it presented. Through sheer determination, I sought out treatments and support, and I refused to let the illness define me. Today, I am stronger and more resilient than ever before, and I am grateful for the triumph I have achieved over adversity.
Question 4
Letter:
Dear [Friend’s name],
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to you today to share my experience of the [Event name] that I attended last week.
The event was absolutely enthralling. The speakers were captivating, and their insights were both thought-provoking and inspiring. I was particularly impressed by [Speaker’s name], who shared their personal journey of [Topic].
The event was truly memorable and unforgettable. I left feeling inspired and motivated, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have attended.
I hope to see you soon.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Section C: Language Skills
Question 5
- Beautiful – adjective
- Slowly – adverb
- Because – conjunction
- However – conjunction
- Into – preposition
Question 6
- I saw the movie last night.
- The dog barked at the mailman.
- My friends and I went to the park.
- The book is more interesting than I thought it was.
- The weather is too cold for me to go outside.
Question 7
Short story:
I learned a valuable lesson about the importance of wisdom and experience when I was a young child. I was playing in the woods behind my house when I came across a beautiful, ripe apple hanging from a tree. I reached up to pick it, but as I did so, I heard a loud buzzing sound.
I looked up and saw a swarm of bees flying towards me. I panicked and ran, but it was too late. The bees stung me several times, and I fell to the ground in pain.
As I lay there, crying, I realized that I had been foolish to reach for the apple without first checking for bees. I had learned a valuable lesson about the importance of wisdom and experience. From that day forward, I always took the time to think before I acted, and I never made the same mistake again.
Section D: Literature
Question 8
Character analysis:
Protagonist: Harry Potter
Motivation: To defeat Lord Voldemort and save the wizarding world
Conflict: The battle between good and evil
Resolution: Harry’s defeat of Voldemort
Question 9
Comparison and contrast:
Theme: The importance of courage and determination
Setting: A magical world
Characters: Harry Potter (protagonist), Lord Voldemort (antagonist)
Plot: Harry’s journey to defeat Voldemort
Style: Fantasy