English FAL Grade 11 Paper 2 November Mock 2026 Memo (English)

Copyright reserved Please turn over 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) MARKING GUIDELINES MARKS: 70 These marking guidelines consist of 11 pages.

English First Additional Language/P2 2 NSC – Marking Guidelines Hlayiso/Mock 2026 INSTRUCTIONS TO MARKERS 1. Candidates answer TWO questions, ONE question each from ANY TWO sections. If a candidate answers more than two sections, mark only the first two sections answered. 2. These marking guidelines are a guide. Many questions are open-ended; credit any relevant, well-substantiated response, even if it is not listed here. 3. Because the focus is on understanding, spelling and language errors should not be penalised unless they change the meaning of the answer. 4. For open-ended questions, no marks are awarded for YES/NO or AGREE/DISAGREE alone. The substantiation is what is credited. 5. When TWO/THREE facts/points are required and more are given, mark only the first TWO/THREE. 6. For multiple-choice and matching questions, accept the letter AND/OR the answer written out in full. 7. For ‘Change ONE word’ questions, accept only the corrected word (or the corrected statement with that word changed). 8. For figure-of-speech questions, the figure of speech must be correctly identified; the explanation must refer to BOTH the comparison/device AND its relevance in the extract/poem. Copyright reserved Please turn over

English First Additional Language/P2 3 NSC – Marking Guidelines Hlayiso/Mock 2026 SECTION A: NOVEL QUESTION 1: FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD 1.1 1.1.1 (a) D✓ (b) E✓ (c) B✓ (d) A✓ (4) (4 x 1) 1.1.2 At Norcombe✓, outdoors in a field near the cottage of Bathsheba’s aunt, Mrs Hurst; Gabriel and Bathsheba stand on either side of a holly bush✓(in winter). (2) 1.1.3 She is vain/proud/self-centred/independent.✓ She likes the idea of being admired as a bride at a wedding, but she does not want a husband who would always be with her/limit her freedom.✓ NOTE: Award 1 mark for an answer that is not well-substantiated. (2) 1.1.4 (a) Simile✓ (1) (b) Gabriel’s sigh is compared to the sound of wind passing through a whole plantation of pine trees✓. It shows how deep/heavy and sincere his disappointment is; his love for Bathsheba is honest and strong.✓ (2) 1.1.5 She is not interested in the proposal/she is bored by it/she does not take Gabriel’s feelings seriously.✓ However, she tries to hide her yawn so that she does not seem rude/hurt him.✓ (2) 1.1.6 B/his young dog drives them over a cliff into a chalk pit.✓ (1) 1.1.7 Norcombe✓ (1) Copyright reserved Please turn over

English First Additional Language/P2 4 NSC – Marking Guidelines Hlayiso/Mock 2026 1.1.8 Open-ended. Accept a suitable answer, e.g. Yes. Gabriel loves Bathsheba patiently and unselfishly throughout the novel. He is honest with her even when she does not want to hear the truth (e.g. about the valentine to Boldwood), saves her ricks from fire and from the storm, cures her sheep and stays loyal when Troy and Boldwood bring her misery. Their marriage at the end is based on friendship and respect. OR No. Gabriel is very different from Bathsheba: he is quiet and cautious while she is lively and independent. She marries him only after her other relationships have ended in tragedy, so the marriage may be more about security than passion. NOTE: Do not award a mark for YES/NO or AGREE/DISAGREE alone. Award 3 marks for a well-substantiated discussion that refers to the text as a whole; award 1–2 marks for a partially substantiated answer. Accept a mixed response. (3) 1.2 1.2.1 Troy has made the farm workers drunk at the harvest supper/celebration in the barn, so they are all asleep.✓ Troy ignored Gabriel’s warning that a storm was coming, and the ricks of corn have been left uncovered/unprotected.✓ (2) 1.2.2 The storm is sudden/fast and dangerous, like a serpent that strikes.✓ The thunder is loud and terrifying; the storm seems evil/destructive, like a fiend/devil.✓ (2) 1.2.3 Simile✓ (1) 1.2.4 Bathsheba is his employer/mistress and a married woman; he shows her respect.✓ (1) 1.2.5 Troy is irresponsible/careless/selfish/a heavy drinker.✓ He promised that the stacks would be seen to, but he got drunk and neglected the farm and his wife.✓ NOTE: Award 1 mark for an answer that is not well-substantiated. (2) 1.2.6 She is brave/determined/hard-working/responsible.✓ She is willing to climb a ladder in a dangerous storm at night to help save her corn.✓ NOTE: Award 1 mark for an answer that is not well-substantiated. (2) 1.2.7 B/Bath.✓ (1) 1.2.8 Troy, Bathsheba’s husband and the master of the farm, should be protecting her property, but he is asleep in a drunken sleep.✓ Gabriel, the man whom Bathsheba rejected and who is only her employee, risks his life to save her corn.✓ (2) Copyright reserved Please turn over

English First Additional Language/P2 5 NSC – Marking Guidelines Hlayiso/Mock 2026 1.2.9 Boldwood✓ (1) 1.2.10 Gabriel remains loyal to Bathsheba throughout the novel, even after she rejects him and marries Troy. He saves her ricks from the fire and the storm, cures her sheep and helps to run her farm. In contrast, Troy is disloyal to both Fanny and Bathsheba. Loyalty is finally rewarded when Bathsheba marries Gabriel. NOTE: Award 3 marks for a discussion that clearly links the theme to events/characters in the text; award 1–2 marks for a partial discussion. Accept other relevant, well-substantiated responses. (3) [35] Copyright reserved Please turn over

English First Additional Language/P2 6 NSC – Marking Guidelines Hlayiso/Mock 2026 SECTION B: DRAMA QUESTION 2: ROMEO AND JULIET 2.1 2.1.1 (a) C✓ (b) E✓ (c) B✓ (d) D✓ (4) (4 x 1) 2.1.2 At night✓, in the Capulets’ orchard/garden, below Juliet’s window/balcony (after the Capulet feast).✓ (2) 2.1.3 ‘Wherefore’ means ‘why’. Juliet is asking why Romeo has to be Romeo✓, i.e. a Montague/the son of her family’s enemy, which makes their love dangerous/impossible.✓ NOTE: Do not accept ‘Where are you, Romeo?’ (2) 2.1.4 B/speaks so that only the audience hears him.✓ (1) 2.1.5 A name is not important✓; a rose would still smell sweet if it had a different name, in the same way that Romeo would still be the perfect man she loves even if he were not called Montague.✓ (2) 2.1.6 He is a Montague/a member of the family that the Capulets hate.✓ (1) 2.1.7 (a) Metaphor✓/Personification (1) (b) Love is described as having wings that carried Romeo over the high walls✓. Romeo’s love for Juliet is so strong that nothing, not even danger or high walls, can keep him away from her.✓ (2) 2.1.8 Open-ended. Accept a suitable answer, e.g. Yes. They act hastily: they marry in secret after knowing each other for only a day. Romeo kills Tybalt in anger and is banished. Juliet takes the Friar’s dangerous potion, and Romeo buys poison without waiting to find out the truth. Their impulsive decisions lead to their deaths. OR No. They are victims of the feud between their families, of fate (‘star-cross’d lovers’) and of bad luck, e.g. the Friar’s letter does not reach Romeo. Adults such as Lord Capulet, the Nurse and the Friar also make poor decisions. NOTE: Do not award a mark for YES/NO or AGREE/DISAGREE alone. Award 3 marks for a well-substantiated discussion that refers to the text as a whole; award 1–2 marks for a partially substantiated answer. Accept a mixed response. (3) Copyright reserved Please turn over

English First Additional Language/P2 7 NSC – Marking Guidelines Hlayiso/Mock 2026 2.2 2.2.1 Tybalt challenges Romeo to a fight (because Romeo went to the Capulet feast), but Romeo refuses because he has secretly married Juliet and Tybalt is now his kinsman.✓ Mercutio is angered/ashamed by Romeo’s ‘submission’ and fights Tybalt himself to defend Romeo’s honour.✓ (2) 2.2.2 (a) The Montagues and the Capulets.✓ (1) (b) He is dying because of their feud/quarrel, in which he had no part✓; he blames both families for his death.✓ (2) 2.2.3 (a) Pun✓/play on words (1) (b) ‘Grave’ means ‘serious’, but it also refers to a grave in which a dead person is buried✓. Even as he is dying, Mercutio jokes; the pun shows his wit and also tells the audience that he will be dead by tomorrow.✓ (2) 2.2.4 Romeo believes that his love for Juliet has made him weak/soft✓; it has stopped him from fighting Tybalt like a brave man, and as a result Mercutio has been killed.✓ (2) 2.2.5 (a) Apologetic/regretful/sad/guilty.✓ (1) (b) He was trying to stop the fight but caused Mercutio to be wounded.✓ (1) 2.2.6 B/banishing him from Verona.✓ (1) 2.2.7 Friar✓(Laurence) (1) 2.2.8 The long feud between the Montagues and the Capulets causes street fights and the deaths of Mercutio, Tybalt, Paris and finally Romeo and Juliet. Because of the hatred, the lovers must marry in secret and act in desperate ways. Only after their children die do the two families end their feud, which shows how destructive and pointless their hatred was. NOTE: Award 3 marks for a discussion that clearly links the theme to events/characters in the text; award 1–2 marks for a partial discussion. Accept other relevant, well-substantiated responses. (3) [35] Copyright reserved Please turn over

English First Additional Language/P2 8 NSC – Marking Guidelines Hlayiso/Mock 2026 SECTION C: SHORT STORIES QUESTION 3 ‘THE GIFT OF THE MAGI’ 3.1 3.1.1 (a) C✓ (b) E✓ (c) B✓ (d) A✓ (4) (4 x 1) 3.1.2 On Christmas Eve✓, in Jim and Della’s small/shabby (furnished) flat in New York.✓ (2) 3.1.3 The combs are perfect, but she can no longer wear them because she has sold her long hair.✓ (1) 3.1.4 (a) Simile✓ (1) (b) Della jumps up suddenly and excitedly, like a cat that has been burnt✓. She suddenly remembers the present she bought for Jim and is eager/excited to give it to him.✓ (2) 3.1.5 Jim sold his watch to buy combs for Della’s hair, while Della sold her hair to buy a chain for Jim’s watch.✓ Each sacrificed his/her greatest treasure for the other, so neither gift can now be used.✓ (2) 3.1.6 B/platinum fob chain.✓ (1) 3.1.7 He is calm/loving/good-humoured/unselfish.✓ Instead of being upset that his gift is now useless, he relaxes, smiles and suggests that they keep the presents and have supper.✓ NOTE: Award 1 mark for an answer that is not well-substantiated. (2) 3.1.8 Open-ended. Accept a suitable answer, e.g. Yes. Della and Jim each gave up the thing they valued most out of love. The gifts themselves are useless now, but the love and unselfishness behind them are worth far more than any present. That is why the narrator calls them wise, like the magi. OR No. They acted foolishly/without planning: they are poor and sold their most valuable possessions for gifts that they cannot use. NOTE: Do not award a mark for YES/NO or AGREE/DISAGREE alone. Award 3 marks for a well-substantiated discussion that refers to the text as a whole; award 1–2 marks for a partially substantiated answer. Accept a mixed response. (3) Copyright reserved Please turn over

English First Additional Language/P2 9 NSC – Marking Guidelines Hlayiso/Mock 2026 ‘THE LAST LEAF’ 3.2 3.2.1 Pneumonia✓ (1) 3.2.2 She believes that she will die when the last leaf falls from the ivy vine.✓ She has given up hope/has lost the will to live/is depressed and morbid.✓ (2) 3.2.3 (a) Personification✓/Metaphor (1) (b) Autumn is described as a living thing whose cold breath kills the leaves✓. Just as the cold has stripped the vine of its leaves, Johnsy’s illness is taking her life; the dying vine reflects her weakening state.✓ (2) 3.2.4 (a) Scornful/dismissive/impatient/firm.✓ (1) (b) She wants Johnsy to stop believing such a foolish idea/she wants to encourage Johnsy to fight to live.✓ (1) 3.2.5 The doctor actually said that Johnsy had only one chance in ten of living.✓ Sue lies/turns the figure around to give Johnsy hope and to make her want to live.✓ (2) 3.2.6 She is caring/loving/loyal/devoted.✓ She tries to cheer Johnsy up, offers her broth and works hard at her drawings to earn money for Johnsy’s food and wine.✓ NOTE: Award 1 mark for an answer that is not well-substantiated. (2) 3.2.7 B/during a night of cold rain and wind.✓ (1) 3.2.8 pneumonia✓ (1) 3.2.9 Open-ended. Accept a suitable answer, e.g. Yes. Behrman always talked about painting a masterpiece but never did. The painted leaf looks so real that Johnsy believes it is real. It gives her the will to live and saves her life. He paid for it with his own life, so it is his greatest work. OR No. A masterpiece is a great work of art admired by many. The leaf is a small painting on a brick wall that only a few people see. NOTE: Do not award a mark for YES/NO or AGREE/DISAGREE alone. Award 3 marks for a well-substantiated discussion that refers to the text as a whole; award 1–2 marks for a partially substantiated answer. Accept a mixed response. (3) [35] Copyright reserved Please turn over

English First Additional Language/P2 10 NSC – Marking Guidelines Hlayiso/Mock 2026 SECTION D: POETRY QUESTION 4 ‘INVICTUS’ – WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY 4.1 4.1.1 (a) gods✓ (b) soul✓ (c) circumstance✓ (d) master✓ (4) (4 x 1) 4.1.2 (a) Simile✓ (1) (b) The speaker’s suffering/difficulties are compared to a deep, completely dark pit✓; the darkness covers everything (‘from pole to pole’), which shows how severe and hopeless his situation seems.✓ (2) 4.1.3 He is courageous/strong/proud/defiant.✓ Although life has hurt him badly (‘bloody’), he refuses to give up or be defeated (‘unbowed’).✓ NOTE: Award 1 mark for an answer that is not well-substantiated. (2) 4.1.4 It refers to death✓; the speaker is not afraid of it/faces it bravely (‘unafraid’).✓ (2) 4.1.5 (a) Confident/determined/defiant/triumphant.✓ (1) (b) He believes that he alone controls his life and spirit, no matter what punishments he faces.✓ (1) 4.1.6 A/unable to be defeated.✓ (1) 4.1.7 abab✓ (1) 4.1.8 The speaker faces great suffering (darkness, cruel circumstances, the blows of chance) but he does not complain or give up. He is not afraid of death or of the hardships still to come. He believes that his spirit cannot be conquered and that he is in control of his own life. The poem encourages readers to stay strong in difficult times. NOTE: Award 3 marks for a discussion that clearly links the theme to events/characters in the text; award 1–2 marks for a partial discussion. Accept other relevant, well-substantiated responses. (3) Copyright reserved Please turn over

English First Additional Language/P2 11 NSC – Marking Guidelines Hlayiso/Mock 2026 ‘THE ROAD NOT TAKEN’ – ROBERT FROST 4.2 4.2.1 (a) In a (yellow) wood/forest.✓ (1) (b) He must choose which of two roads/paths to take.✓ (1) 4.2.2 It is autumn (the leaves are turning yellow).✓ It may suggest that the speaker is at a turning point/a mature stage of life, where choices have lasting effects.✓ (2) 4.2.3 He is uncertain/hesitant/regretful.✓ He is sorry that he cannot take both roads and stands for a long time, trying to see where one of them leads before he decides.✓ NOTE: Award 1 mark for an answer that is not well-substantiated. (2) 4.2.4 He tells himself that he will come back one day to take the first road✓, but he realises that one choice leads to another, so he will probably never return/never get the chance to take the other road.✓ (2) 4.2.5 (a) Reflective/thoughtful/nostalgic/regretful/wistful.✓ (1) (b) In the future he will look back on his choice and think about how it changed his life/wonder what might have been.✓ (1) 4.2.6 The roads represent the choices/decisions that a person makes in life✓; each choice leads to a different future/path in life.✓ (2) 4.2.7 B/creates a pause before the speaker reveals his choice.✓ (1) 4.2.8 less✓ (1) 4.2.9 Open-ended. Accept a suitable answer, e.g. Yes. He says that taking the less-travelled road ‘has made all the difference’, which suggests that his choice gave him a unique and satisfying life. OR No. He will tell the story ‘with a sigh’, which suggests regret. He also admits that the two roads were really about the same, so the difference he claims may be what he tells himself later. NOTE: Do not award a mark for YES/NO or AGREE/DISAGREE alone. Award 3 marks for a well-substantiated discussion that refers to the text as a whole; award 1–2 marks for a partially substantiated answer. Accept a mixed response. (3) [35] GRAND TOTAL: 70 Copyright reserved