# English FAL Grade 11 P2 November Mock Exam 2 2026 QP (Eng)

> Grade 11 English FAL Paper 2 question paper from the November Mock Exam 2 2026 (English), 19 pages. Read online or get the free PDF download, memo linked when available.

- Page: https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-11-english-fal-2026-november-mock-exam-2-question-paper-paper-2-english/2e095297-7359-46d9-a538-4187c0cad31e
- Updated: 2026-10-22
- Subject: English FAL
- Grade: Grade 11
- Language: English
- Document type: Question paper
- Year: 2026
- Exam period: November Mock Exam 2
- Paper: 2
- Publisher: Hlayiso
- Curriculum: CAPS
- Pages: 19

Breadcrumbs: [Home](https://www.hlayiso.com/) › [Library](https://www.hlayiso.com/library) › [Grade 11](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-11) › [English FAL](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-11/english-fal) › [English FAL Grade 11 P2 November Mock Exam 2 2026 QP (Eng)](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-11-english-fal-2026-november-mock-exam-2-question-paper-paper-2-english/2e095297-7359-46d9-a538-4187c0cad31e)

## About this document

English FAL · Grade 11 · November Mock Exam 2 · 2026. Question paper, 19 pages. Read online or download the PDF.

Read it free online on the page above; download the PDF from there.

## Matching paper and memo

- [Grade 11 English FAL P2 November 2026 Mock 2 Memo](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-11-english-fal-2026-november-mock-exam-2-memorandum-paper-2-english/8a28b85e-d4f3-4c0e-932b-d32c397c378f) — Memo · 2026 · Eng

## Document text

Text extracted from the PDF. Layout, diagrams and tables may not survive extraction.

### Page 1

Copyright reserved
Please turn over
Mock
hlayiso mock exams
Practice Series:
Grade 11 Exam Preparation
WWW.HLAYISO.COM
NATIONAL
SENIOR CERTIFICATE
GRADE 11
ENGLISH FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE P2
NOVEMBER EXAMINATION 2026 (MOCK)
MARKS: 70
TIME: 2½ hours
This question paper consists of 19 pages.

### Page 2

English First Additional Language/P2
2
NSC Mock
Hlayiso/Mock 2026
INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION
Read these instructions carefully before you begin to answer the questions.
1.
Do NOT attempt to read the entire question paper. Consult the TABLE OF CONTENTS
on the next page and mark the numbers of the questions set on the texts you have
studied this year. Read these questions carefully and answer as per the instructions.
2.
This question paper consists of FOUR sections:
SECTION A:
Novel
(35)
SECTION B:
Drama
(35)
SECTION C:
Short stories
(35)
SECTION D:
Poetry
(35)
3.
Answer TWO QUESTIONS in total, ONE question each from ANY TWO sections.
SECTION A: NOVEL
Answer the questions set on BOTH extracts.
SECTION B: DRAMA
Answer the questions set on BOTH extracts.
SECTION C: SHORT STORIES
Answer the questions set on BOTH short stories.
SECTION D: POETRY
Answer the questions set on BOTH poems.
4.
Use the checklist to assist you.
5.
Follow the instructions at the beginning of each section carefully.
6.
Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this question
paper.
7.
Start EACH section on a NEW page.
8.
Spend approximately 75 minutes on each section.
9.
Write neatly and legibly.
Copyright reserved
Please turn over

### Page 3

English First Additional Language/P2
3
NSC Mock
Hlayiso/Mock 2026
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION A: NOVEL
QUESTION NO.
MARKS
PAGE NO.
1.
Far from the Madding Crowd
35
4
SECTION B: DRAMA
2.
Romeo and Juliet
35
8
SECTION C: SHORT STORIES
Answer the questions set on BOTH short stories.
3.1
‘The gift of the magi’
18
12
AND
3.2
‘The last leaf’
17
13
SECTION D: POETRY
Answer the questions set on BOTH poems.
4.1
‘Hope is the thing with feathers’
18
16
AND
4.2
‘We wear the mask’
17
18
CHECKLIST
• Answer questions from ANY TWO sections.
• Tick (✓) the sections you have answered.
SECTIONS
QUESTION
NUMBERS
NO. OF
QUESTIONS TO
ANSWER
TICK (✓)
A: Novel
1
1
B: Drama
2
1
C: Short stories
3
1
D: Poetry
4
1
NOTE: Ensure that you have answered questions on TWO sections only.
TEXTS USED IN THIS MOCK PAPER
All extracts in this paper are taken from texts that are in the public domain. Far from
the Madding Crowd is one of the novels prescribed for Grade 11 English First Additional
Language. The extracts in this paper are different from those in Mock 1. The other texts
were chosen by the examiner to practise the skills tested on drama, short stories and poetry.
Questions that refer to the text as a whole require knowledge of the full text; if your class
studied different texts, answer only the extract-based questions as practice.
Copyright reserved
Please turn over

### Page 4

English First Additional Language/P2
4
NSC Mock
Hlayiso/Mock 2026
SECTION A: NOVEL
In this section, questions are set on the following novel:
• FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD by Thomas Hardy
Answer ALL the questions on the novel.
QUESTION 1: FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD
Read the extracts below and answer the questions set on each. The number of marks
allocated to each question serves as a guide to the expected length of your answer.
NOTE: Answer the questions set on BOTH extracts, i.e. QUESTION 1.1 AND QUESTION
1.2.
1.1
EXTRACT A
[Liddy suggests that Bathsheba send a valentine to Boldwood as a joke.]
Bathsheba paused to regard the idea at full length. Boldwood’s had begun to
be a troublesome image—a species of Daniel in her kingdom who persisted in
kneeling eastward when reason and common sense said that he might just as
well follow suit with the rest, and afford her the official glance of admiration which
cost nothing at all. She was far from being seriously concerned about his
5
nonconformity. Still, it was faintly depressing that the most dignified and valuable
man in the parish should withhold his eyes, and that a girl like Liddy should talk
about it. So Liddy’s idea was at first rather harassing than piquant.
“No, I won’t do that. He wouldn’t see any humour in it.”
“He’d worry to death,” said the persistent Liddy.
10
“Really, I don’t care particularly to send it to Teddy,” remarked her mistress.
“He’s rather a naughty child sometimes.”
“Yes—that he is.”
“Let’s toss as men do,” said Bathsheba, idly. “Now then, head, Boldwood; tail,
Teddy. No, we won’t toss money on a Sunday, that would be tempting the devil
15
indeed.”
“Toss this hymn-book; there can’t be no sinfulness in that, miss.”
“Very well. Open, Boldwood—shut, Teddy. No; it’s more likely to fall open.
Open, Teddy—shut, Boldwood.”
The book went fluttering in the air and came down shut.
20
Bathsheba, a small yawn upon her mouth, took the pen, and with off-hand
serenity directed the missive to Boldwood.
A large red seal was duly affixed. Bathsheba looked closely at the hot wax to
discover the words.
“Capital!” she exclaimed, throwing down the letter frolicsomely. “’Twould upset
25
the solemnity of a parson and clerke too.”
Liddy looked at the words of the seal, and read—
“MARRY ME.”
The same evening the letter was sent, and was duly sorted in Casterbridge
post-office that night, to be returned to Weatherbury again in the morning.
30
So very idly and unreflectingly was this deed done. Of love as a spectacle
Bathsheba had a fair knowledge; but of love subjectively she knew nothing.
[Chapter 13]
Copyright reserved
Please turn over

### Page 5

English First Additional Language/P2
5
NSC Mock
Hlayiso/Mock 2026
1.1.1
Complete the following sentences by using the words in the list
below. Write only the word next to the question numbers (1.1.1(a)
to 1.1.1(d)) in the ANSWER BOOK.
uncle’s; father’s; Oak; Pennyways; Fanny; Liddy; Troy;
Boldwood
Bathsheba inherits her (a) … farm. She employs (b) … as her
shepherd after he saves her ricks from fire. Her servant (c) … runs
away to follow her soldier lover and later dies in the workhouse. Much
later in the novel, Boldwood shoots (d) … at a Christmas party.
(4)
1.1.2
Refer to lines 1–3 (‘Boldwood’s had begun … kneeling eastward’).
(a)
Identify the figure of speech in ‘a species of Daniel in her
kingdom’.
(1)
(b)
Explain why this figure of speech is appropriate in this extract.
(2)
1.1.3
Refer to lines 5–8 (‘She was far … talk about it’).
Why is Bathsheba bothered by Boldwood’s behaviour? State TWO
points.
(2)
1.1.4
Quote FOUR consecutive words from lines 21–22 which show that
Bathsheba addresses the valentine carelessly.
(1)
1.1.5
Choose the correct answer to complete the following sentence. Write
only the letter (A–D) next to the question number (1.1.5) in the
ANSWER BOOK.
The word ‘frolicsomely’ (line 25) means …
A
angrily.
B
playfully.
C
carefully.
D
sadly.
(1)
1.1.6
Refer to lines 31–32 (‘Of love as … she knew nothing’).
Explain what the narrator means by these words.
(2)
1.1.7
Explain why the following statement is FALSE:
Bathsheba sends the valentine to Boldwood because she is in love
with him.
(1)
1.1.8
Refer to the novel as a whole.
Bathsheba is to blame for what happens to Boldwood later in the
novel.
Discuss your view.
(3)
AND
Copyright reserved
Please turn over

### Page 6

English First Additional Language/P2
6
NSC Mock
Hlayiso/Mock 2026
1.2
EXTRACT B
[Troy and Bathsheba meet in the hollow amid the ferns on a midsummer evening.]
“But how could you chop off a curl of my hair with a sword that has no edge?”
“No edge! This sword will shave like a razor. Look here.”
He touched the palm of his hand with the blade, and then, lifting it, showed her
a thin shaving of scarf-skin dangling therefrom.
“But you said before beginning that it was blunt and couldn’t cut me!”
5
“That was to get you to stand still, and so make sure of your safety. The risk of
injuring you through your moving was too great not to force me to tell you a fib to
escape it.”
She shuddered. “I have been within an inch of my life, and didn’t know it!”
“More precisely speaking, you have been within half an inch of being pared
10
alive two hundred and ninety-five times.”
“Cruel, cruel, ’tis of you!”
“You have been perfectly safe, nevertheless. My sword never errs.” And Troy
returned the weapon to the scabbard.
Bathsheba, overcome by a hundred tumultuous feelings resulting from the
15
scene, abstractedly sat down on a tuft of heather.
“I must leave you now,” said Troy, softly. “And I’ll venture to take and keep this
in remembrance of you.”
She saw him stoop to the grass, pick up the winding lock which he had
severed from her manifold tresses, twist it round his fingers, unfasten a button in
20
the breast of his coat, and carefully put it inside. She felt powerless to withstand
or deny him. He was altogether too much for her, and Bathsheba seemed as one
who, facing a reviving wind, finds it blow so strongly that it stops the breath. He
drew near and said, “I must be leaving you.”
He drew nearer still. A minute later and she saw his scarlet form disappear
25
amid the ferny thicket, almost in a flash, like a brand swiftly waved.
That minute’s interval had brought the blood beating into her face, set her
stinging as if aflame to the very hollows of her feet, and enlarged emotion to a
compass which quite swamped thought. It had brought upon her a stroke
resulting, as did that of Moses in Horeb, in a liquid stream—here a stream of
30
tears. She felt like one who has sinned a great sin.
The circumstance had been the gentle dip of Troy’s mouth downwards upon
her own. He had kissed her.
[Chapter 28]
1.2.1
Explain what Troy has done to Bathsheba just before this extract
begins.
(2)
1.2.2
Refer to lines 6–8 (‘That was to … to escape it’).
What do these lines reveal about Troy’s character?
Substantiate your answer.
(2)
1.2.3
Refer to line 12 (‘Cruel, cruel, ’tis of you!’).
(a)
What tone would Bathsheba use in this line?
(1)
(b)
Why would Bathsheba use this tone?
(1)
Copyright reserved
Please turn over

### Page 7

English First Additional Language/P2
7
NSC Mock
Hlayiso/Mock 2026
1.2.4
Choose the correct answer to complete the following sentence. Write
only the letter (A–D) next to the question number (1.2.4) in the
ANSWER BOOK.
The word ‘abstractedly’ (line 16) suggests that Bathsheba …
A
is angry with Troy.
B
is lost in her thoughts.
C
is in a great hurry.
D
is pretending to be calm.
(1)
1.2.5
Quote FIVE consecutive words from lines 21–22 which show that
Bathsheba cannot resist Troy.
(1)
1.2.6
Refer to lines 22–23 (‘Bathsheba seemed as … stops the breath’).
(a)
Identify the figure of speech used in these lines.
(1)
(b)
Explain why this figure of speech is appropriate in this extract.
(2)
1.2.7
Troy keeps a lock of Bathsheba’s hair (lines 19–21). Later in the novel
Bathsheba finds a lock of a woman’s hair in Troy’s watch.
Whose hair is it, and why does the discovery upset Bathsheba?
(2)
1.2.8
Refer to line 13 (‘You have been perfectly safe, nevertheless’).
Explain the irony of these words in the light of what happens to
Bathsheba after she marries Troy.
(2)
1.2.9
One of the themes in Far from the Madding Crowd is that
appearances can be deceptive.
Discuss this theme with reference to Troy.
(3)
[35]
TOTAL SECTION A:
35
Copyright reserved
Please turn over

### Page 8

English First Additional Language/P2
8
NSC Mock
Hlayiso/Mock 2026
SECTION B: DRAMA
In this section, questions are set on the following drama:
• ROMEO AND JULIET by William Shakespeare
Answer ALL the questions on the drama.
QUESTION 2: ROMEO AND JULIET
Read the extracts below and answer the questions set on each. The number of marks
allocated to each question serves as a guide to the expected length of your answer.
NOTE: Answer the questions set on BOTH extracts, i.e. QUESTION 2.1 AND QUESTION
2.2.
2.1
EXTRACT C
[At the Capulets’ feast, Tybalt recognises Romeo.]
TYBALT
This by his voice, should be a Montague.
Fetch me my rapier, boy. What, dares the slave
Come hither, cover’d with an antic face,
To fleer and scorn at our solemnity?
Now by the stock and honour of my kin,
5
To strike him dead I hold it not a sin.
CAPULET
Why how now, kinsman!
Wherefore storm you so?
TYBALT
Uncle, this is a Montague, our foe;
A villain that is hither come in spite,
10
To scorn at our solemnity this night.
CAPULET
Young Romeo, is it?
TYBALT
’Tis he, that villain Romeo.
CAPULET
Content thee, gentle coz, let him alone,
’A bears him like a portly gentleman;
15
And, to say truth, Verona brags of him
To be a virtuous and well-govern’d youth.
I would not for the wealth of all the town
Here in my house do him disparagement.
Therefore be patient, take no note of him,
20
It is my will; the which if thou respect,
Show a fair presence and put off these frowns,
An ill-beseeming semblance for a feast.
TYBALT
It fits when such a villain is a guest:
I’ll not endure him.
25
CAPULET
He shall be endur’d.
What, goodman boy! I say he shall, go to;
Am I the master here, or you? Go to.
You’ll not endure him! God shall mend my soul,
You’ll make a mutiny among my guests!
30
You will set cock-a-hoop, you’ll be the man!
TYBALT
Why, uncle, ’tis a shame.
CAPULET
Go to, go to!
You are a saucy boy. Is’t so, indeed?
This trick may chance to scathe you, I know what.
35
You must contrary me! Marry, ’tis time.
Copyright reserved
Please turn over

### Page 9

English First Additional Language/P2
9
NSC Mock
Hlayiso/Mock 2026
Well said, my hearts!—You are a princox; go:
Be quiet, or—More light, more light!—For shame!
I’ll make you quiet. What, cheerly, my hearts.
TYBALT
Patience perforce with wilful choler meeting
40
Makes my flesh tremble in their different greeting.
I will withdraw: but this intrusion shall,
Now seeming sweet, convert to bitter gall.
[Exit.]
[Act 1, Scene 5]
2.1.1
Choose a description from COLUMN B that matches the name in
COLUMN A. Write only the letter (A–E) next to the question numbers
(2.1.1(a) to 2.1.1(d)) in the ANSWER BOOK.
COLUMN A
COLUMN B
(a) Lady Capulet
(b) Benvolio
(c) Paris
(d) Balthasar
A
is Romeo’s servant who brings him
news of Juliet’s ‘death’
B
is the ruler of Verona who wants the
street fights to end
C
is Juliet’s mother, who wants her to
marry young
D
is Romeo’s cousin who tries to keep
the peace
E
is a young nobleman who wants to
marry Juliet
(4 x 1)
(4)
2.1.2
Why has Romeo come to the Capulets’ feast?
(1)
2.1.3
Refer to line 6 (‘To strike him dead I hold it not a sin’).
What does this line reveal about Tybalt’s character?
Substantiate your answer.
(2)
2.1.4
Refer to lines 14–23 (‘Content thee, gentle … for a feast’).
Why does Capulet refuse to let Tybalt attack Romeo? State TWO
points.
(2)
2.1.5
Refer to line 28 (‘Am I the master here, or you? Go to’).
(a)
What tone would Capulet use in this line?
(1)
(b)
Why would Capulet use this tone?
(1)
2.1.6
Refer to lines 37–39 (‘Well said, my … cheerly, my hearts’).
If you were the director of this play, what would you tell the actor
playing Capulet to do while saying these lines? Explain why you
would give this instruction.
(2)
Copyright reserved
Please turn over

### Page 10

English First Additional Language/P2
10
NSC Mock
Hlayiso/Mock 2026
2.1.7
Refer to lines 42–43 (‘I will withdraw: … to bitter gall’).
Explain how Tybalt’s threat in these lines comes true later in the play.
(2)
2.1.8
Refer to the play as a whole.
Lord Capulet is a good host but a poor father.
Discuss your view.
(3)
AND
2.2
EXTRACT D
[Juliet has told her parents that she will not marry Paris.]
JULIET
Good father, I beseech you on my knees,
Hear me with patience but to speak a word.
CAPULET
Hang thee young baggage, disobedient wretch!
I tell thee what,—get thee to church a Thursday,
Or never after look me in the face.
5
Speak not, reply not, do not answer me.
My fingers itch. Wife, we scarce thought us blest
That God had lent us but this only child;
But now I see this one is one too much,
And that we have a curse in having her.
10
Out on her, hilding.
NURSE
God in heaven bless her.
You are to blame, my lord, to rate her so.
CAPULET
And why, my lady wisdom? Hold your tongue,
Good prudence; smatter with your gossips, go.
15
NURSE
I speak no treason.
CAPULET
O, God ye god-den!
NURSE
May not one speak?
CAPULET
Peace, you mumbling fool!
Utter your gravity o’er a gossip’s bowl,
20
For here we need it not.
LADY CAPULET
You are too hot.
CAPULET
God’s bread, it makes me mad!
Day, night, hour, tide, time, work, play,
Alone, in company, still my care hath been
25
To have her match’d, and having now provided
A gentleman of noble parentage,
Of fair demesnes, youthful, and nobly allied,
Stuff’d, as they say, with honourable parts,
Proportion’d as one’s thought would wish a man,
30
And then to have a wretched puling fool,
A whining mammet, in her fortune’s tender,
To answer, ‘I’ll not wed, I cannot love,
I am too young, I pray you pardon me.’
But, and you will not wed, I’ll pardon you.
35
Graze where you will, you shall not house with me.
Look to’t, think on’t, I do not use to jest.
Thursday is near; lay hand on heart, advise.
And you be mine, I’ll give you to my friend;
Copyright reserved
Please turn over

### Page 11

English First Additional Language/P2
11
NSC Mock
Hlayiso/Mock 2026
And you be not, hang, beg, starve, die in the streets,
40
For by my soul, I’ll ne’er acknowledge thee,
Nor what is mine shall never do thee good.
Trust to’t, bethink you, I’ll not be forsworn.
[Exit.]
[Act 3, Scene 5]
2.2.1
To whom does Capulet want Juliet to be married on Thursday?
(1)
2.2.2
Explain why Juliet cannot marry the man her father has chosen. State
TWO points.
(2)
2.2.3
Refer to line 1 (‘Good father, I … on my knees’). What does Juliet’s
action in this line reveal about her state of mind?
(2)
2.2.4
Choose the correct answer to complete the following sentence. Write
only the letter (A–D) next to the question number (2.2.4) in the
ANSWER BOOK.
In line 3, Capulet calls Juliet a ‘baggage’. In this context the word
means a …
A
suitcase.
B
worthless, good-for-nothing girl.
C
beautiful young woman.
D
loyal and obedient daughter.
(1)
2.2.5
Refer to lines 7–10 (‘Wife, we scarce … in having her’). Explain the
dramatic irony in these lines.
(2)
2.2.6
Refer to lines 12–18. What does the Nurse’s behaviour in these lines
reveal about her character?
Substantiate your answer.
(2)
2.2.7
Explain why the following statement is FALSE: Capulet threatens to
send Juliet to a convent if she refuses to obey him.
(1)
2.2.8
Refer to lines 31–32 (‘a wretched puling … whining mammet’).
(a)
Identify the figure of speech used in these lines.
(1)
(b)
Explain why this figure of speech is appropriate in this extract.
(2)
2.2.9
One of the themes in Romeo and Juliet is conflict between parents
and their children.
Discuss this theme.
(3)
[35]
TOTAL SECTION B:
35
Copyright reserved
Please turn over

### Page 12

English First Additional Language/P2
12
NSC Mock
Hlayiso/Mock 2026
SECTION C: SHORT STORIES
In this section, questions are set on the following short stories:
• ‘THE GIFT OF THE MAGI’ by O. Henry
• ‘THE LAST LEAF’ by O. Henry
QUESTION 3
Read the extracts below and answer the questions set on each. The number of marks
allocated to each question serves as a guide to the expected length of your answer.
NOTE: Answer the questions set on BOTH short stories, i.e. QUESTION 3.1 AND QUESTION
3.2.
3.1
‘THE GIFT OF THE MAGI’
EXTRACT E
[Della has counted her money and has only one dollar and eighty-seven cents.]
Now, there were two possessions of the James Dillingham Youngs in which
they both took a mighty pride. One was Jim’s gold watch that had been his
father’s and his grandfather’s. The other was Della’s hair. Had the queen of
Sheba lived in the flat across the airshaft, Della would have let her hair hang out
the window some day to dry just to depreciate Her Majesty’s jewels and gifts.
5
Had King Solomon been the janitor, with all his treasures piled up in the
basement, Jim would have pulled out his watch every time he passed, just to see
him pluck at his beard from envy.
So now Della’s beautiful hair fell about her rippling and shining like a cascade
of brown waters. It reached below her knee and made itself almost a garment for
10
her. And then she did it up again nervously and quickly. Once she faltered for a
minute and stood still while a tear or two splashed on the worn red carpet.
On went her old brown jacket; on went her old brown hat. With a whirl of skirts
and with the brilliant sparkle still in her eyes, she fluttered out the door and down
the stairs to the street.
15
Where she stopped the sign read: “Mme. Sofronie. Hair Goods of All Kinds.”
One flight up Della ran, and collected herself, panting. Madame, large, too white,
chilly, hardly looked the “Sofronie.”
“Will you buy my hair?” asked Della.
“I buy hair,” said Madame. “Take yer hat off and let’s have a sight at the looks
20
of it.”
Down rippled the brown cascade.
“Twenty dollars,” said Madame, lifting the mass with a practised hand.
“Give it to me quick,” said Della.
Oh, and the next two hours tripped by on rosy wings. Forget the hashed
25
metaphor. She was ransacking the stores for Jim’s present.
She found it at last. It surely had been made for Jim and no one else. There
was no other like it in any of the stores, and she had turned all of them inside
out. It was a platinum fob chain simple and chaste in design, properly
proclaiming
its
value
by
substance
alone
and
not
by
meretricious
30
ornamentation—as all good things should do. It was even worthy of The Watch.
As soon as she saw it she knew that it must be Jim’s. It was like him. Quietness
and value—the description applied to both. Twenty-one dollars they took from
her for it, and she hurried home with the 87 cents.
Copyright reserved
Please turn over

### Page 13

English First Additional Language/P2
13
NSC Mock
Hlayiso/Mock 2026
3.1.1
Describe Della and Jim’s financial situation at the time of this extract.
State TWO points.
(2)
3.1.2
Refer to lines 3–8 (‘Had the queen … from envy’).
(a)
Identify the figure of speech used in these lines.
(1)
(b)
Explain why this figure of speech is appropriate in this extract.
(2)
3.1.3
Refer to lines 11–12 (‘And then she … red carpet’).
What do Della’s actions in these lines reveal about her feelings?
(2)
3.1.4
Refer to lines 17–23 (‘Madame, large, too … a practised hand’).
What impression do you get of Madame Sofronie?
Substantiate your answer.
(2)
3.1.5
Refer to line 24 (‘Give it to me quick,’ said Della).
(a)
What tone would Della use in this line?
(1)
(b)
Why would Della use this tone?
(1)
3.1.6
Choose the correct answer to complete the following sentence. Write
only the letter (A–D) next to the question number (3.1.6) in the
ANSWER BOOK.
In lines 25–26 (‘Oh, and the … the hashed metaphor’) the narrator
…
A
criticises Della for wasting time.
B
speaks directly to the reader in a light, humorous way.
C
describes the weather on Christmas Eve.
D
tells the story from Jim’s point of view.
(1)
3.1.7
Refer to lines 32–33 (‘It was like … applied to both’).
What does this description reveal about Jim’s character?
(2)
3.1.8
Explain why the following statement is FALSE:
Della pays twenty dollars for the chain.
(1)
3.1.9
One of the themes in ‘The gift of the magi’ is sacrifice.
Discuss this theme with reference to Della.
(3)
AND
3.2
‘THE LAST LEAF’
EXTRACT F
[Sue goes downstairs to ask Behrman to be her model.]
Old Behrman was a painter who lived on the ground floor beneath them. He
was past sixty and had a Michael Angelo’s Moses beard curling down from the
head of a satyr along the body of an imp. Behrman was a failure in art. Forty
years he had wielded the brush without getting near enough to touch the hem of
Copyright reserved
Please turn over

### Page 14

English First Additional Language/P2
14
NSC Mock
Hlayiso/Mock 2026
his Mistress’s robe. He had been always about to paint a masterpiece, but had
5
never yet begun it. For several years he had painted nothing except now and
then a daub in the line of commerce or advertising. He earned a little by serving
as a model to those young artists in the colony who could not pay the price of a
professional. He drank gin to excess, and still talked of his coming masterpiece.
For the rest he was a fierce little old man, who scoffed terribly at softness in any
10
one, and who regarded himself as especial mastiff-in-waiting to protect the two
young artists in the studio above.
Sue found Behrman smelling strongly of juniper berries in his dimly lighted den
below. In one corner was a blank canvas on an easel that had been waiting there
for twenty-five years to receive the first line of the masterpiece. She told him of
15
Johnsy’s fancy, and how she feared she would, indeed, light and fragile as a leaf
herself, float away when her slight hold upon the world grew weaker.
Old Behrman, with his red eyes plainly streaming, shouted his contempt and
derision for such idiotic imaginings.
“Vass!” he cried. “Is dere people in de world mit der foolishness to die because
20
leafs dey drop off from a confounded vine? I haf not heard of such a thing. No, I
will not bose as a model for your fool hermit-dunderhead. Vy do you allow dot
silly pusiness to come in der prain of her? Ach, dot poor lettle Miss Johnsy.”
“She is very ill and weak,” said Sue, “and the fever has left her mind morbid
and full of strange fancies. Very well, Mr. Behrman, if you do not care to pose for
25
me, you needn’t. But I think you are a horrid old—old flibbertigibbet.”
“You are just like a woman!” yelled Behrman. “Who said I will not bose? Go on.
I come mit you. For half an hour I haf peen trying to say dot I am ready to bose.
Gott! dis is not any blace in which one so goot as Miss Yohnsy shall lie sick.
Some day I vill baint a masterpiece, and ve shall all go away. Gott! yes.”
30
3.2.1
Why does Sue need a model?
(1)
3.2.2
Refer to lines 3–7 (‘Behrman was a … commerce or advertising’).
Explain why Behrman is described as ‘a failure in art’.
(2)
3.2.3
Refer to lines 11–12 (‘who regarded himself … studio above’).
(a)
Identify the figure of speech in ‘mastiff-in-waiting’.
(1)
(b)
Explain why this figure of speech is appropriate in this extract.
(2)
3.2.4
Refer to lines 14–15 (‘a blank canvas … the masterpiece’).
What does the blank canvas symbolise?
(2)
3.2.5
Refer to lines 18–19 (‘Old Behrman, with … such idiotic imaginings’).
Behrman shouts with contempt, but his eyes are ‘plainly streaming’.
What does this contrast reveal about him?
(2)
Copyright reserved
Please turn over

### Page 15

English First Additional Language/P2
15
NSC Mock
Hlayiso/Mock 2026
3.2.6
Choose the correct answer to complete the following sentence. Write
only the letter (A–D) next to the question number (3.2.6) in the
ANSWER BOOK.
Behrman’s way of speaking (for example ‘Gott’, ‘Ach’ and ‘mit’)
shows that he is …
A
a young man who has just arrived from the country.
B
an immigrant whose home language is German.
C
a well-educated professor of art.
D
trying to make Sue laugh.
(1)
3.2.7
Explain why the following statement is FALSE:
In the end, Behrman refuses to pose as a model for Sue.
(1)
3.2.8
Refer to the story as a whole.
How does Johnsy’s attitude to life change at the end of the story?
(2)
3.2.9
Refer to the story as a whole.
Sue is a better friend to Johnsy than Behrman is.
Discuss your view.
(3)
[35]
TOTAL SECTION C:
35
Copyright reserved
Please turn over

### Page 16

English First Additional Language/P2
16
NSC Mock
Hlayiso/Mock 2026
SECTION D: POETRY
In this section, there are questions set on the following poems:
• ‘Hope is the thing with feathers’ by Emily Dickinson
• ‘We wear the mask’ by Paul Laurence Dunbar
NOTE: Answer the questions set on BOTH poems, i.e. QUESTION 4.1 AND QUESTION 4.2.
QUESTION 4
4.1
Read the poem carefully and then answer the questions which follow. The
number of marks allocated to each question serves as a guide to the expected
length of your answer.
Hope is the thing with feathers – Emily Dickinson
1
“Hope” is the thing with feathers –
2
That perches in the soul –
3
And sings the tune without the words –
4
And never stops – at all –
5
And sweetest – in the Gale – is heard –
6
And sore must be the storm –
7
That could abash the little Bird
8
That kept so many warm –
9
I’ve heard it in the chillest land –
10
And on the strangest Sea –
11
Yet – never – in Extremity,
12
It asked a crumb – of Me.
perches (line 2):
sits, as a bird sits on a branch
Gale (line 5):
a very strong wind
Extremity (line 11):
the worst, most dangerous situation
4.1.1
Complete the following sentences by using the words in the list
below. Write only the word next to the question numbers (4.1.1(a)
to 4.1.1(d)) in the ANSWER BOOK.
bird; fish; soul; mind; storm; summer; crumb; fortune
The speaker compares hope to a (a) … that lives in the (b) …. Hope
keeps singing even in a terrible (c) …, and it has never asked the
speaker for even a (d) … in return.
(4)
4.1.2
Refer to line 1 (‘“Hope” is the thing with feathers’).
(a)
Identify the figure of speech used in this line.
(1)
(b)
Explain why this figure of speech is appropriate in this poem.
(2)
4.1.3
Refer to line 3 (‘And sings the tune without the words’).
What does this line suggest about hope?
(2)
Copyright reserved
Please turn over

### Page 17

English First Additional Language/P2
17
NSC Mock
Hlayiso/Mock 2026
4.1.4
Refer to stanza 2.
Explain what the speaker says about hope in difficult times.
(2)
4.1.5
Quote TWO consecutive words from stanza 3 which show that hope
is found even in the harshest places.
(1)
4.1.6
Choose the correct answer to complete the following sentence. Write
only the letter (A–D) next to the question number (4.1.6) in the
ANSWER BOOK.
In line 7, the word ‘abash’ means to …
A
encourage and feed.
B
shame and silence.
C
set free.
D
keep warm.
(1)
4.1.7
The poet uses many dashes (–) in this poem.
Comment on the effect of the dashes in line 11 (‘Yet – never – in
Extremity’).
(2)
4.1.8
Hope gives a great deal but asks for nothing in return.
Discuss your view with reference to the poem as a whole.
(3)
Copyright reserved
Please turn over

### Page 18

English First Additional Language/P2
18
NSC Mock
Hlayiso/Mock 2026
AND
4.2
Read the poem carefully and then answer the questions which follow. The
number of marks allocated to each question serves as a guide to the expected
length of your answer.
We wear the mask – Paul Laurence Dunbar
1
We wear the mask that grins and lies,
2
It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes,—
3
This debt we pay to human guile;
4
With torn and bleeding hearts we smile,
5
And mouth with myriad subtleties.
6
Why should the world be over-wise,
7
In counting all our tears and sighs?
8
Nay, let them only see us, while
9
We wear the mask.
10
We smile, but, O great Christ, our cries
11
To thee from tortured souls arise.
12
We sing, but oh the clay is vile
13
Beneath our feet, and long the mile;
14
But let the world dream otherwise,
15
We wear the mask!
guile (line 3):
cunning, deceit
myriad subtleties (line 5):
countless clever, hidden ways
vile (line 12):
very unpleasant, disgusting
4.2.1
Refer to the poem as a whole.
Who could the ‘we’ in this poem refer to?
(1)
4.2.2
Refer to line 1 (‘We wear the mask that grins and lies’).
What does ‘the mask’ represent in this poem?
(2)
4.2.3
Refer to line 4 (‘With torn and bleeding hearts we smile’).
(a)
Identify the figure of speech in ‘torn and bleeding hearts’.
(1)
(b)
Explain why this figure of speech is appropriate in this poem.
(2)
4.2.4
Refer to lines 6–7 (‘Why should the … and sighs?’).
(a)
What type of question is this?
(1)
(b)
Why does the speaker not want the world to see ‘our tears and
sighs’?
(1)
4.2.5
The words ‘We wear the mask’ appear in line 1 and are repeated as
the last line of stanzas 2 and 3.
Explain why the poet uses this repetition, and why the last line ends
with an exclamation mark.
(2)
4.2.6
Refer to lines 12–13 (‘We sing, but … the mile’).
What do these lines suggest about the life of the people in the poem?
(2)
Copyright reserved
Please turn over

### Page 19

English First Additional Language/P2
19
NSC Mock
Hlayiso/Mock 2026
4.2.7
Refer to line 10 (‘We smile, but, O great Christ, our cries’).
(a)
What tone would the speaker use in this line?
(1)
(b)
Why would the speaker use this tone?
(1)
4.2.8
The message of ‘We wear the mask’ is still relevant to people in South
Africa today.
Discuss your view.
(3)
[35]
TOTAL SECTION D:
35
GRAND TOTAL:
70
Copyright reserved

## Related documents

- [Grade 11 English FAL P1 November 2026 Mock 2 Memo](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-11-english-fal-2026-november-mock-exam-2-memorandum-paper-1-english/f9cb2a3c-d6f4-4cbd-970a-088f83d006e3) — English FAL · Memo · 2026 · Eng
- [Grade 11 English FAL P3 November 2026 Mock 2 Memo](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-11-english-fal-2026-november-mock-exam-2-memorandum-paper-3-english/6aeb8138-10c7-489d-942d-3fd788928f47) — English FAL · Memo · 2026 · Eng
- [Grade 11 English FAL P2 November 2026 Mock Memo](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-11-english-fal-2026-november-mock-exam-memorandum-paper-2-english/a10101d5-9bdc-47dd-a84a-578684320d90) — English FAL · Memo · 2026 · Eng
- [ENGLISH FAL P2 QP GR11 NOV2022](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/english-fal-p2-qp-gr11-nov2022/b1b63e3a-6fbe-45c2-a31b-b46994774676) — English FAL · QP · 2022 · Eng
- [ENG FAL P2 GR11 QP NOV2020 D](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-11-english-fal-2020-national-exemplar-november-exam-question-paper-paper-2-english/93b65c25-5db2-4773-82f0-96f7ea69af9d) — English FAL · QP · 2020 · Eng
- [English FAL P2 QP](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/english-fal-p2-qp/d933285c-8742-43d2-aba1-7be718352144) — English FAL · QP · 2018 · Eng

## More from Grade 11 English FAL

- [CREATIVE WRITING ENGLISH FINAL1](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/creative-writing-english-final1/2ca896d6-bc7a-4585-a0e4-171f365ecda5) — Guide · Eng
- [Gr 11 Eng(FAL) 11 Preparing for Paper 1](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/gr-11-eng-fal-11-preparing-for-paper-1/1e3a4224-c3e3-4186-9bbb-65bfb5e088f6) — Guide · Eng
- [Gr11-Eng-FAL-Study-guide LR](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/gr11-eng-fal-study-guide-lr/459c139d-32ab-406f-b178-05a219ed0e75) — Guide · Eng
- [Grade 11 English FAL P1 November 2026 Mock Memo](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-11-english-fal-2026-november-mock-exam-memorandum-paper-1-english/1606856a-ebae-4cd9-8264-80c6925ff426) — Memo · 2026 · Eng
- [Grade 11 English FAL P3 November 2026 Mock Memo](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-11-english-fal-2026-november-mock-exam-memorandum-paper-3-english/7f64bdb7-fab6-41bb-93d1-b6251802acbb) — Memo · 2026 · Eng
- [Gr 11 English FAL ATP 2023-24](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/gr-11-english-fal-atp-2023-24/e13a05bd-3725-415d-9aca-1a24d5755512) — ATP · Eng

## Collection

- [Grade 11 past papers](https://www.hlayiso.com/grade-11/past-papers)

---

Hlayiso: free CAPS and IEB past papers, memos, notes and study guides for South African learners. When citing, link the page URL above, not a PDF or /api/ URL.