English FAL Grade 12 Paper 2 NSC November 2025 Memo

NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE GRADE 12 ENGLISH FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE P2 NOVEMBER 2025 MARKING GUIDELINES MARKS: 70 These marking guidelines consist of 21 pages. Copyright reserved Please turn over

English First Additional Language/P2 2 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION 1. Candidates are required to answer questions from TWO sections. 2. These marking guidelines have been finalised at a marking guideline discussion session at DBE at which all provinces were represented. Any omissions or queries should be referred to Chief Markers/Analytical Moderators/Internal Moderators at marking centres. All protocol must be followed. 3. Candidates' responses should be assessed as objectively as possible. 4. MARKING GUIDELINES 4.1 A candidate may not answer more than ONE question on the same genre. 4.2 If a candidate gives two answers where the first one is wrong and the next one is correct, mark the first answer and ignore the rest. 4.3 If answers are incorrectly numbered, mark according to the marking guidelines. 4.4 If a spelling error affects the meaning, mark incorrect. If it does not affect the meaning, mark correct. 4.5 If the candidate does not use inverted commas when asked to quote, do not penalise. 4.6 For open-ended questions, no marks should be awarded for YES/NO or I AGREE/I DISAGREE. The reason/substantiation/ motivation is what should be considered. 4.7 No marks should be awarded for TRUE/FALSE or FACT/OPINION. The reason/substantiation/motivation is what should be considered. Copyright reserved Please turn over

English First Additional Language/P2 3 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines SECTION A: NOVEL NOTE: Candidates are required to answer ONE question on the novel they have studied. QUESTION 1: CRY, THE BELOVED COUNTRY Candidates are required to answer BOTH questions, i.e. QUESTIONS 1.1 and 1.2. 1.1 1.1.1 (a) D/is jailed for brewing liquor at home (b) E/arranges for the building of a dam (c) A/is well-known for charity work among blacks (d) C/provides a room for Stephen in Johannesburg (4) 1.1.2 (a) Metaphor/Personification (1) (b) Just as someone who is affected by the generosity of another person,Msimangu is emotionally affected by Stephen's modest reference to his kindness. OR Just as something that is animate has a physical presence/is able to touch, similarly Kumalo's humble voice is given the animate/physical ability to touch Msimangu. (2) 1.1.3 Msimangu is modest/honest/frank/self-aware/humblewhen he admits that he is human with imperfections. (2) 1.1.4 (a) Surprise/shock/astonishment (1) (b) Kumalo is in total disbelief to discover that John/his brother is politically active/into politics. (1) 1.1.5 Despite Msimangu's claim that John is a powerful politician, he (John) is afraid of going to prison and is therefore not fully committed to fight for change. OR John Kumalo is a powerful speaker/can stir the crowds with his commanding voice but he lacks the conviction to take real action. OR John Kumalo is described as a great man but his selfish actions do not help the people in the community. NOTE: Both parts must be included to earn the marks. (2) Copyright reserved Please turn over

English First Additional Language/P2 4 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines 1.1.6 John/His brother has abandoned the church. John lives with a mistress. Gertrude/His sister has turned to prostitution. Gertrude sells illegal liquor. NOTE: Accept any TWO of the above. (2) 1.1.7 Open-ended. Accept a relevant response which shows an understanding of the following aspects, among others: Yes. • Mrs Kumalo supports her husband in a quiet, patient manner. • She offers comfort and encouragement when Stephen is anxious about his journey to Johannesburg. • She supports Absalom's wife (the young girl) by taking care of her during her pregnancy. OR No. • Mrs Kumalo does not accompany her husband when he embarks on the journey to Johannesburg in search of his 'sick' sister. • She chooses to remain in Ndotsheni when Absalom is arrested, tried and found guilty of Arthur Jarvis's murder. • She does not visit Absalom despite him being on death row. NOTE: Do NOT award a mark for YES or NO. Credit responses where a combination is given. For full marks, the response must be well-substantiated. A candidate can score 1 or 2 marks for a response which is not well-substantiated. The candidate's interpretation must be grounded in the novel. (3) AND 1.2 1.2.1 This takes place after a child delivers (four) letters at the Kumalo home. (2) 1.2.2 The murder/killing (of Arthur Jarvis). (1) 1.2.3 Absalom is accepting when he tries to reassure his parents that he is coping/made peace with his fate. (2) 1.2.4 A priest will pray for/minister to Absalomto prepare him spiritually and emotionally for his eventual hanging. (2) Copyright reserved Please turn over

English First Additional Language/P2 5 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines 1.2.5 The judge instructs for further investigationsinto Matthew and Johannes' previous criminal activities. (2) 1.2.6 A/an iron bar. (1) 1.2.7 Bishop (1) 1.2.8 The discussion of the theme of hardship may include the following viewpoints, among others: • James Jarvis and his wife experience hardship through the loss of their son, Arthur. • The Ndotsheni villagers suffer hardship as they have to endure droughts and poor farming conditions. • Stephen Kumalo's hardship is highlighted as he searches for his missing family members. NOTE: For full marks, the response must be well- substantiated. A candidate can score 1 or 2 marks for a response which is not well-substantiated. The candidate’s interpretation must be grounded in the novel. (3) 1.2.9 Open-ended. Accept a relevant response which shows an understanding of the following aspects, among others: Yes. • Stephen turns to scripture and prayer when he faces Gertrude's struggles and Absalom's disappearance. • He is open to Father Vincent's counsel to 'pray and rest' and this strengthens his faith in God. • His encounters with Msimangu restore his faith in mankind. OR No. • Stephen experiences doubt when Absalom's crime is discovered. • He is overwhelmed by the big city's corruption and moral decay. • He even directs his anger at God when it seems that his faith no longer provides comfort. NOTE: Do NOT award a mark for YES or NO. Credit responses where a combination is given. For full marks, the response must be well-substantiated. A candidate can score 1 or 2 marks for a response which is not well-substantiated. The candidate's interpretation must be grounded in the novel. (3) [35] Copyright reserved Please turn over

English First Additional Language/P2 6 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines QUESTION 2: STRANGE CASE OF DR JEKYLL AND MR HYDE Candidates are required to answer BOTH questions, i.e. QUESTIONS 2.1 and 2.2. 2.1 2.1.1 (a) E/is a concerned servant (b) D/breaks up a friendship (c) B/witnesses a violent act (d) A/commits a vicious murder (4) 2.1.2 This takes place during Mr Utterson and Enfield's Sunday walkin a London street/opposite the mysterious door. (2) 2.1.3 Mr Hyde has to pay (compensation)for the trauma/injury he has caused by trampling on the girl. OR Mr Hyde has to pay as he wants to avoid any confrontation with the bystanders/getting the police involved. (2) 2.1.4 (a) Metaphor (1) (b) In the same way that pressure is applied to tighten a screw,so too the pressure the bystanders put on Mr Hyde to compensate the parents/the trampled girl, is emphasised.  (2) 2.1.5 Jekyll (1) 2.1.6 (a) Reassurance/confidence/sarcasm (1) (b) Mr Hyde is certain that the cheque is valid. (1) 2.1.7 Open-ended. Accept a relevant response which shows an understanding of the following aspects, among others: Yes. • Mr Utterson is discreet about the content of Dr Jekyll's will. • He avoids gossiping when Enfield tells him that Hyde offered a cheque signed by Dr Jekyll to pay for his evil deed. • He actively investigates the mystery surrounding Mr Hyde only after Sir Carew's murder. OR Copyright reserved Please turn over

English First Additional Language/P2 7 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines No. • Mr Utterson secretly follows Mr Hyde to establish the link between Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. • He breaks down Dr Jekyll's laboratory door. • Despite Dr Jekyll’s instruction not to pursue the matter, he persists in questioning him (Dr Jekyll) about his will. NOTE: Do NOT award a mark for YES or NO. Credit responses where a combination is given. For full marks, the response must be well-substantiated. A candidate can score 1 or 2 marks for a response which is not well-substantiated. The candidate's interpretation must be grounded in the novel. (3) AND 2.2 2.2.1 Mr Utterson is concerned that Mr Hyde wants to kill Dr Jekyll, but unbeknown to him, Dr Jekyll is actually Mr Hyde. NOTE: Both parts must be included to earn the marks. (2) 2.2.2 Dr Jekyll is remorsefulas he feels terrible about Mr Hyde murdering Sir Danvers Carew. (2) 2.2.3 (a) The letter has no return address. It has no envelope. The handwriting of the letter addressed to Dr Jekyll is his (Dr Jekyll's) own handwriting. NOTE: Accept any TWO of the above. (2) (b) Dr Jekyll writes the letter to deceive the policebecause Mr Hyde is a suspect in the Carew murder case./He (Jekyll) wants to protect his reputation by distancing himself from Mr Hyde. (2) 2.2.4 Mr Utterson is rational/logical/analyticalas he does not make unfounded assumptions. (2) 2.2.5 (a) Sir Danvers Carew (1) (b) B/Mr Utterson (1) Copyright reserved Please turn over

English First Additional Language/P2 8 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines 2.2.6 The discussion of the theme of trust may include the following viewpoints, among others: • Dr Jekyll is comfortable to share confidential information regarding his will with Mr Utterson. • Dr Jekyll entrusts Poole to get the powders from Messrs Maw when he needs to transform from Hyde to Jekyll. • Poole has confidence in Mr Utterson when he seeks his help regarding the 'stranger' in his master's laboratory. NOTE: For full marks, the response must be well- substantiated. A candidate can score 1 or 2 marks for a response which is not well-substantiated. The candidate's interpretation must be grounded in the novel. (3) 2.2.7 Open-ended. Accept a relevant response which shows an understanding of the following aspects, among others: Yes. • Mr Hyde murders Sir Danvers Carew with excessive violence, beating him to death with a cane. • He strikes a woman in her face without any reason. • Dr Jekyll admits that he is tormented by the fear of being trapped as Hyde, rather than the fear of punishment. OR No. • Mr Hyde is a mere creation of Dr Jekyll to explore the darker aspects of his own personality. • His actions are the result of Dr Jekyll's failure to control his dark side. • After Mr Hyde kills Sir Carew, Dr Jekyll's guilt compels him to stop drinking the potion. NOTE: Do NOT award a mark for YES or NO. Credit responses where a combination is given. For full marks, the response must be well-substantiated. A candidate can score 1 or 2 marks for a response which is not well-substantiated. The candidate's interpretation must be grounded in the novel. (3) [35] TOTAL SECTION A: 35 Copyright reserved Please turn over

English First Additional Language/P2 9 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines SECTION B: DRAMA NOTE: Candidates are required to answer ONE question on the drama they have studied. QUESTION 3: MACBETH Candidates are required to answer BOTH questions, i.e. QUESTIONS 3.1 and 3.2. 3.1 3.1.1 (a) D/seeks the help of King Edward the Confessor (b) C/is predicted to become the king of Scotland (c) A/tries to save the lives of Macduff's family (d) B/is Thane of Glamis when the play opens (4) 3.1.2 Macbeth is anxious/nervousas he agonises about his footsteps being heard. (2) 3.1.3 (a) Macbeth should go and kill Duncan./The guards have been intoxicated (with alcohol) and the scene is set. (1) (b) This takes place when Macbeth has a vision of a dagger/before he goes to kill Duncanin the courtyard of his castle. (2) 3.1.4 (a) Metaphor/Personification (1) (b) In the same way that the owl is a symbol of/forebodes death,Macbeth too becomes a symbol of death because he is going to execute the killing of Duncan. OR Just as a bellman is responsible for the final death knell of a condemned prisoner, so too does the owl’s shriek forebode Duncan’s murder.  (2) 3.1.5 C/guards. (1) 3.1.6 She fears that they may be caught out in their attempt to kill Duncanand not by the actual deed. (2) Copyright reserved Please turn over

English First Additional Language/P2 10 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines 3.1.7 Open-ended. Accept a relevant response which shows an understanding of the following aspects, among others: Yes. • Macduff acts against Macbeth who is the perpetrator. • He is the one not 'born of woman' so it is fitting that he seeks Macbeth out for a fight. • Macduff needs to kill the tyrannical Macbeth to ensure that Scotland is healed. OR No. • There would have been no conflict between Macbeth and Macduff if Macbeth had not believed the witches' prophecies. • If Macbeth did not murder Macduff's family, there would not be a need for the ensuing revenge which ultimately leads to Macbeth's death. • Conflict could have been averted and Macbeth would not have been suspicious if Macduff had attended Macbeth's banquet. NOTE: Do NOT award a mark for YES or NO. Credit responses where a combination is given. For full marks, the response must be well-substantiated. A candidate can score 1 or 2 marks for a response which is not well-substantiated. The candidate's interpretation must be grounded in the play. (3) AND 3.2 3.2.1 Cawdor (1) 3.2.2 Macbeth pleads with the Doctor to heal Scotland, yet he (Macbeth) is the cause of the suffering/illness.  OR Macbeth pleads with the Doctor to restore Lady Macbeth's health, yet there is no medicine to cure her current mental state. NOTE: Both parts must be included to earn the marks. (2) 3.2.3 The Doctor is principled/righteous/virtuous/ethicalwhen he claims that not even money will persuade him to return to the 'sick' castle of Macbeth/Scotland. (2) Copyright reserved Please turn over

English First Additional Language/P2 11 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines 3.2.4 (a) Confidence/assurance (1) (b) He is convinced that Scotland will be returned to its former glory. (1) 3.2.5 Malcolm instructs each soldier to cut a branchand hold it in front of himself. (2) 3.2.6 Siward should move his hands (outstretched) from left to right. He should simulate a circle. He should move his hands (with palms downward) up and down.  He should shift his eyes from the people to the castle. NOTE: Accept any TWO of the above or any other relevant actions. (2) 3.2.7 The discussion of the theme of honour may include the following viewpoints, among others: • Macbeth and Banquo are both praised for their valour in battle. • Macbeth fights heroically for King Duncan/Scotland. • Macbeth's honour becomes corrupted as his ambition grows. NOTE: For full marks, the response must be well- substantiated. A candidate can score 1 or 2 marks for a response which is not well-substantiated. The candidate's interpretation must be grounded in the play. (3) 3.2.8 Open-ended. Accept a relevant response which shows an understanding of the following aspects, among others: Yes. • Duncan is decisive when he becomes aware of Cawdor's treason. • He recognises Macbeth's bravery and rewards him accordingly. • He praises Banquo for the role he plays in the war against Norway. OR Copyright reserved Please turn over

English First Additional Language/P2 12 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines No. • Duncan trusts Macbeth too easily, but he (Macbeth) ultimately murders him. • His inability to judge character makes him vulnerable to exploitation as can be seen with Lady Macbeth. • His failure to be cautious about his safety renders him susceptible to harm. NOTE: Do NOT award a mark for YES or NO. Credit responses where a combination is given. For full marks, the response must be well-substantiated. A candidate can score 1 or 2 marks for a response which is not well-substantiated. The candidate's interpretation must be grounded in the play. (3) [35] Copyright reserved Please turn over

English First Additional Language/P2 13 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines QUESTION 4: MY CHILDREN! MY AFRICA! Candidates are required to answer BOTH questions, i.e. QUESTIONS 4.1 and 4.2. 4.1 4.1.1 (a) E/works at the railway (b) C/is a teacher's protégé (c) A/is a victorious debater (d) B/writes on the wall (4) 4.1.2 This takes place when Mr M goes to ask Isabel to form a team with Thami (for the literature quiz)at Camdeboo High School. (2) 4.1.3 (a) Mr M should raise his eyebrows. He should cover his mouth with one hand. He should place both hands on his head. NOTE: Accept any TWO of the above or any other relevant actions. (2) (b) Mr M is honest/truthfulas he acknowledges his favouritism towards Thami. (2) 4.1.4 (a) Metaphor/Synecdoche (1) (b) Just as a vessel is filled when liquid is added to/poured into it, similarly Mr M wants to highlight the fact that he can impart knowledge to his learners. OR Mr M uses ‘eager and gifted head’ to represent the whole learner (Thami),emphasising his (Thami’s) strong intellectual potential and the teacher’s hope of imparting knowledge (to a mind capable of exceptional growth). (2) 4.1.5 Thami is focused on education, yet later he drops out of school to join the Struggle. NOTE: Both parts must be included to earn the marks. (2) Copyright reserved Please turn over

English First Additional Language/P2 14 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines 4.1.6 Open-ended. Accept a relevant response which shows an understanding of the following aspects, among others: Yes. • The apartheid system implements an inferior Bantu Education system. • The Black students revolt against the oppressive education that is forced upon them. • The protesting students kill Mr M because he is seen as a police informer. OR No. • Mr M chooses not to join the comrades. • He is aware of the consequences of providing the names to the police. • He refuses to stop ringing the bell even though the situation is volatile. . NOTE: Do NOT award a mark for YES or NO. Credit responses where a combination is given. For full marks, the response must be well-substantiated. A candidate can score 1 or 2 marks for a response which is not well-substantiated. The candidate's interpretation must be grounded in the play. (3) AND 4.2.1 (a) A/assumed names.  (1) (b) Isabel is preparing for a literature quiz.  (1) 4.2.2 (a) Thami is conflicted/concernedas he does not know how to break the news to Isabel without hurting her. (2) (b) Thami tells Isabel that he is withdrawing from the literature quizand he cannot see her anymore as he is joining the Struggle/boycott. (2) 4.2.3 Isabel says her time with Thami was life-changingas she has gained a deeper understanding of the realities of apartheid. (2) 4.2.4 (a) Sarcasm/frustration/impatience (1) Copyright reserved Please turn over

English First Additional Language/P2 15 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines (b) Isabel wants Thami to admit that he is being pressured by the Comrades./Isabel is angry that Thami allows the Comrades to interfere with their friendship. (1) 4.2.5 journalist (1) 4.2.6 The discussion of the theme of communication may include the following viewpoints, among others: • Mr M's communication with Miss Brockway initiates the debating contest between the two schools. • Thami and Isabel engage in conversation to become acquainted with each other. • Isabel converses with Thami in an attempt to understand the political tension that has broken out. NOTE: For full marks, the response must be well- substantiated. A candidate can score 1 or 2 marks for a response which is not well-substantiated. The candidate's interpretation must be grounded in the play. (3) 4.2.7 Open-ended. Accept a relevant response which shows an understanding of the following aspects, among others: Yes. • Thami excels academically and is passionate about social issues (the debate), showing potential to take a lead in future change. • He joins the boycott showing his commitment to fighting for a better future. • Despite his intellectual ability, he gives up his own aspirations for the greater good of his people. OR No. • Thami abandons his education and rejects Mr M's guidance, limiting his ability to create lasting change. • He supports the boycott, causing destruction and Mr M's death. • He flees the country with no clear plan, leaving his future and the hope he represents uncertain. NOTE: Do NOT award a mark for YES or NO. Credit responses where a combination is given. For full marks, the response must be well-substantiated. A candidate can score 1 or 2 marks for a response which is not well-substantiated. The candidate's interpretation must be grounded in the play. (3) [35] TOTAL SECTION B: 35 Copyright reserved Please turn over

English First Additional Language/P2 16 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines SECTION C: SHORT STORIES QUESTION 5 NOTE: Candidates are required to answer BOTH questions, i.e. QUESTIONS 5.1 AND 5.2 'TRIUMPH IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY' – KEDIBONE SEKU 5.1 5.1.1 (a) B/is an abusive and drunken man (b) A/owns a fish and chips shop (c) E/is upset about not receiving bread (d) C/appears to be a concerned teacher (4) 5.1.2 This takes place when Thulisile goes begging for bread/looking for a jobat Mme Sadike's house. (2) 5.1.3 Thulisile is embarrassed that Mr Nkwane would share her personal life with everyone. She is concerned (fears) that people might pity her. (2) 5.1.4 Mme Sadike is sympathetic/caring/reassuringas she comforts Thulisile when she cries and confides in her. (2) 5.1.5 Thulisile doubts her ability to overcome her struggles, yet she later progresses to become successful (e.g. she becomes a television presenter/finds a job/buys a house). NOTE: BOTH parts must be included to earn the marks. (2) 5.1.6 A social worker will provide counselling/emotional supportand the police will protect Thulisile and her siblings against their father's violent behaviour. (2) 5.1.7 Open-ended. Accept a relevant response which shows an understanding of the following aspects, among others: Yes. • Thembekile honours her marital vows and stays with her husband despite his abusive nature. • She remains respectful towards her mother-in-law who is cruel towards her. • She stops visiting her parents because she does not want them to witness the evidence of the abuse that she endures. Copyright reserved Please turn over

English First Additional Language/P2 17 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines OR No. • Thembekile gives up on her dream of becoming an actress to please her domineering husband. • She tolerates the abuse from her husband thereby allowing her children to grow up in an abusive home. • She declines the opportunity to move in with Thulisile and escape the life of ill-treatment and suffering. NOTE: Do NOT award a mark for YES or NO. Credit responses where a combination is given. For full marks, the response must be well-substantiated. A candidate can score 1 or 2 marks for a response which is not well-substantiated. The candidate's interpretation must be grounded in the short story. (3) AND 'EVELINE' – JAMES JOYCE 5.2 5.2.1 A/father's verbal abuse. (1) 5.2.2 Eveline is conflicted/anxious/confused/apprehensive/ distressed as she calls upon Divine intervention for guidance on whether she should remain with her family or leave with Frank. (2) 5.2.3 (a) Personification/Alliteration (1) (b) Just as the sound of the whistle resembles a person who is mourning, similarly Eveline's sadness about leaving the familiar behind, is emphasised. OR The sound made by the whistle emphasises the sadnessthat Eveline feels about leaving the familiar behind. (2) 5.2.4 (a) Persuasion/command/desperation (1) (b) Frank realises that Eveline is hesitant and he coerces/ orders/pleads with her to follow him onto the boat. (1) 5.2.5 Frank calls her Poppens/Evvy. (1) 5.2.6 Eveline holds on/remembers the promise she made to her mother to keep the family together for as long as she can. (2) Copyright reserved Please turn over

English First Additional Language/P2 18 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines 5.2.7 Gavan (1) 5.2.8 The discussion of the theme of freedom should include the following viewpoints, among others: • Frank offers Eveline freedom to escape to Argentina (Buenos Ayres) which is enticing as she will gain respect through marrying him. • Eveline will be freed from the disputes she has with her father regarding the finances and his threatening behaviour. • She sacrifices her freedom when the opportunity arises as she decides not to leave with Frank. NOTE: For full marks, the response must be well- substantiated. A candidate can score 1 or 2 marks for a response which is not well-substantiated. The candidate's interpretation must be grounded in the short story. (3) 5.2.9 Open-ended. Accept a relevant response which shows an understanding of the following aspects, among others: Yes. • Frank provides a contrast to Eveline's dull life by telling her stories about faraway places and people. • He exposes her to music and culture (he takes her to see the play, 'The Bohemian Girl'). • He wants to marry Eveline and take her to Buenos Ayres possibly to remove her from the drudgery of life in Dublin. OR No. • Frank does not stand up to Eveline's father when he forbids him to see Eveline. • He is not bold enough to persuade her to leave with him. • He fails to prove his love fully/completely as can be seen by Eveline's doubt ('He would give her life, perhaps love, too'). NOTE: Do NOT award a mark for YES or NO. Credit responses where a combination is given. For full marks, the response must be well-substantiated. A candidate can score 1 or 2 marks for a response which is not well-substantiated. The candidate's interpretation must be grounded in the short story. (3) TOTAL SECTION C: 35 Copyright reserved Please turn over

English First Additional Language/P2 19 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines SECTION D: POETRY QUESTION 6 NOTE: Candidates are required to answer BOTH questions, i.e. QUESTIONS 6.1 AND 6.2 'INVERSNAID' – GERARD MANLEY HOPKINS 6.1 6.1.1 (a) stanza (b) quatrains (c) rhyme (d) aabb ccdd eeff gghh (4) 6.1.2 The water is a (dark) brown colour/possibly contains dirt/ mud. (1) 6.1.3 Place: This takes place on the hillside/the slopes ('braes')/ next to the stream/in Inversnaid. Time: Early in the morning ('dew')/in autumn/when the speaker describes the beautiful trees and plants. NOTE: Accept any ONE reference to time and ONE to place. (2) 6.1.4 Alliteration/Assonance (1) 6.1.5 He is passionate/caring(about nature conservation) and pleads with mankind to protect nature. (2) 6.1.6 Weeds are usually unwanted/seen as a nuisance, yet now the speaker sees them as part of nature's wild beauty which is worth preserving. NOTE: Both parts must be included to earn the marks. (2) 6.1.7 The discussion of the theme of the wildness of nature may include the following viewpoints, among others: • The word 'rollrock' (line 2) gives the image of an untamed horse galloping over the rocks. • 'féll' in 'féll-frówning' (line 7) which means terrible/fierce/ threatening describes the hills. • 'Wiry' (line 11) implies the strength of the ferns but also danger as they can entangle you and hurt you. NOTE: For full marks, the response must be well- substantiated. A candidate can score 1 or 2 marks for a response which is not well-substantiated. The candidate's interpretation must be grounded in the poem. (3) Copyright reserved Please turn over

English First Additional Language/P2 20 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines 6.1.8 Open-ended. Accept a relevant response which shows an understanding of the following aspects, among others: Yes. • In line 9 the slopes and the hills are described as 'Degged (sprinkled) with dew' and therefore creates an atmosphere of serenity. • 'treads' (line 10) shows the slow and careful movement of the river which contributes to the tranquillity. • The ash tree is beautified with the vibrant berries that look like beads ('beadbonny'). OR No. • 'twindles' (line 6) alludes to a whirlpool which indicates the violent movement of the water, disturbing the peace. • The very dark, 'pitchblack' (line 7) water contributes to an ominous atmosphere. • The personification of 'Despair' (line 8) creates the image of a person being pulled into the black water. NOTE: Do NOT award a mark for YES or NO. Credit responses where a combination is given. For full marks, the response must be well-substantiated. A candidate can score 1 or 2 marks for a response which is not well-substantiated. The candidate's interpretation must be grounded in the poem. (3) AND 6.2 6.2.1 D/winter (1) 6.2.2 (a) Metaphor/Personification (1) (b) Just as the branches of the trees become bare and weak as the seasons change,so too does the speaker's body become fragile as he ages. OR In the same way that there are no people singing in the empty cathedrals, there are no birds present to sing as they have migrated. (2) 6.2.3 Rest describes sleep. It refers to death. (2) Copyright reserved Please turn over

English First Additional Language/P2 21 DBE/November 2025 NSC – Marking Guidelines 6.2.4 The speaker refers to his remaining life/vitality/passion, which is slowly fading as he ages. (2) 6.2.5 The coals/logs burn out in the flameswhile the speaker's life/youth is expended by time and aging. (2) 6.2.6 The person is appreciative/understandingas he realises that he should love the speaker more because he (the speaker) is growing old. (2) 6.2.7 (a) Urgency/appeal/resignation (1) (b) The speaker requests that they intensify their love as their time together is limited. (1) 6.2.8 Open-ended. Accept a relevant response which shows an understanding of the following aspects, among others: Yes.  The speaker's aging, which is reflected by the few and withering leaves (line 2), evokes pity.  His time is running out as his life is compared to a fading sunset.  He is helpless as aging/death is inevitable and youth 'must expire' (line 11). OR No.  He encourages a deeper understanding of life's transience ('twilight' and 'sunset - lines 5 and 6).  The speaker recognises aging and death as a natural part of life (line 7).  The speaker sees the process of growing old and facing death as a reason for deeper connection (lines 13-14). NOTE: Do NOT award a mark for YES or NO. Credit responses where a combination is given. For full marks, the response must be well-substantiated. A candidate can score 1 or 2 marks for a response which is not well-substantiated. The candidate's interpretation must be grounded in the poem. (3) TOTAL SECTION D: 35 GRAND TOTAL: 70 Copyright reserved