PROVINCIAL ASSESSMENT
GRADE 12
MARKS: 80
TIME: 2 hours
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English FAL Grade 12 Paper 1 NW June 2025 Question Paper
Grade 12 English FAL Paper 1 question paper from the NW June Exam 2025, 14 pages. Read online or get the free PDF download, memo linked when available.
English Fal · Grade 12 · NW June Exam · 2025 · English. Question paper, 14 pages. Read online or download the PDF.
- Subject
- English FAL
- Grade
- Grade 12
- Language
- English
- Document type
- Question paper
- Year
- 2025
- Exam period
- NW June Exam
- Paper
- 1
- Curriculum
- CAPS
- Pages
- 14
- File size
- 1.4 MB
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NW June Exam 2025
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English FAL/P1 2 NW/June2025
Grade 12
INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION
1. This question paper consists of THREE sections:
SECTION A: Comprehension (30)
SECTION B: Summary (10)
SECTION C: Language (40)
2. Answer ALL the questions.
3. Read ALL the instructions carefully.
4. Start EACH section on a NEW page.
5. Leave a line after each answer.
6. Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this
question paper.
7. For multiple-choice questions, write only the letter (A–D) next to the question
number in the ANSWER BOOK.
8. Pay special attention to spelling and sentence construction.
9. Use the following time frames as a guideline:
SECTION A: 50 minutes
SECTION B: 30 minutes
SECTION C: 40 minutes
10. Write neatly and legibly.
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English FAL/P1 3 NW/June2025
Grade 12
SECTION A: COMPREHENSION
QUESTION 1
Read BOTH TEXT A and TEXT B and answer the set questions.
TEXT A
‘THE HIDDEN DANGERS AND IMPACTS OF THE ZAMA ZAMAS:
SOUTH AFRICA’S ILLEGAL MINING CRISIS.’
1 South Africa, a country rich in minerals and natural resources, has long
been a global leader in mining. However, amid the official mining industry,
a dangerous and unregulated practice has emerged. This dangerous
venture involves miners, known as Zama Zamas, who are involved in
illegal, informal mining activities. Zama Zamas which loosely translates to 5
“try, try” in IsiZulu, reflects the perseverance and often desperation of
individuals who engage in these risky ventures. Though they may seek
economic opportunity, the consequences of their actions are fraught with
danger, both for the miners themselves and for the broader society.
2 The rise of the Zama Zamas can be attributed to several factors. South 10
Africa’s mining industry, once one of the largest and most prosperous in
the world, has been in decline for decades. The country’s mining industry
has also faced challenges like resource depletion, safety concerns, rising
operational costs and change in global market prices. As major mining
companies have abandoned and closed many of their old mines, this has 15
left a vacuum that Zama Zamas are now filling. These miners often work
in deep, dangerous shafts that are not maintained, posing significant risks
to their lives.
3 Zama Zamas operate in dangerous conditions, often using rudimentary1
tools to extract gold and other minerals. Many of them work in unused 20
mines in and around Johannesburg, such as the famous “Crown Mines”,
where abandoned tunnels are repurposed by these illegal miners. The
work is physically demanding and hazardous, with high risk of accidents,
such as drowning in flooded mines, due to unstable mine shafts and lack
of safety equipment. Despite these risks, the potential for high financial 25
rewards is a major draw, especially given the unemployment rate in South
Africa, which remains one of the highest in the world.
4 The Zama Zama trade, however, is not without its problems. Due to the
illegal nature of their operations, the miners often face the threats of arrests
and exploitation. In addition, this practice has led to widespread of 30
environmental damage. The extraction of minerals without proper
regulation can result in contamination of water supply and soil
degradation2. Furthermore, the miners’ activities often result in land
disputes with formal mining companies or local communities.
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English FAL/P1 4 NW/June2025
Grade 12
The South African Minerals Council has estimated that illegal mining costs 35
the formal mining sector billions of rands annually. In 2020, it was
estimated that the sector loses around 21 billion each year due to illegal
mining. According to the Mineral Resources Minister – Gwede Mantashe
– over the past decade, more than 1000 Zama Zamas have lost their lives
in mining-related accidents. 40
5 There is also a significant issue of violence among Zama Zama groups.
Rival groups of illegal miners often engage in violent confrontations over
territory and resources. These conflicts are sometimes fueled by criminal
syndicates3 who take advantage of lawlessness to smuggle minerals or
extort money from miners. In some areas, Zama Zama are reported to 45
have formed criminal gangs that control parts of the mining process, from
extraction to smuggling and police and government authorities often
struggle to maintain order.
6 In response to the growing problem, the South African government and law
enforcement agencies have attempted various crackdowns on illegal 50
mining. However, efforts have been largely ineffective due to the sheer
scale of operation and the lack of resources to fully address the root causes
of Zama Zama mining. To tackle the issue more effectively, many experts
argue that a combination of stricter law enforcement, economic
opportunities for local communities and sustainable mining practices are 55
needed.
7 Getting rid of Zama Zamas will require a holistic and long-term approach
that combines stricter law enforcement, economic development (by
providing viable employment opportunities) and skills development
programmes particularly in impoverished4 and rural communities. Creation 60
of regulated spaces where small-scale miners can work legally.
Community engagement and education about the dangers of illegal
mining, including health and environmental risk can help reduce illegal
mining activities. The government can take steps to rehabilitate abandoned
mining areas and reduce the environmental appeal of these locations for 65
illegal miners. Through collaboration between the government, private
sector and communities, there can be a sustainable solution that
eliminates the need for illegal mining while improving safety, environmental
health and economic prosperity
[Adapted from: www.itnewsafrica.com 17 October 2023]
GLOSSARY:
rudimentary 1: used for basic or simple tasks.
degradation 2: the decline in quality due to natural or human-caused disturbances
syndicates3 : a group of individuals that engage in illegal activities for profit
impoverished4 : to be characterised by extreme poverty.
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English FAL/P1 5 NW/June2025
Grade 12
1.1 Refer to paragraph 1.
1.1.1 What does the term ‘Zama Zama’ mean? (1)
1.2 Refer to paragraph 2.
1.2.1 Explain in your OWN words, why many South Africans turn to illegal
mining. (2)
1.2.2 Provide TWO challenges that the country’s mining industry has faced
that led to many companies closing their operations. (2)
1.2.3 Choose the correct answer to complete the following sentence:
A word that means the same as ‘vacuum’ is …
A limitation.
B pride.
C gap.
D acceptance. (1)
1.3 Refer to paragraph 3.
1.3.1 State any TWO potential risks the Zama Zamas face while mining. (2)
1.4 Refer to paragraph 4.
1.4.1 Explain in your OWN words how the Zama Zamas contribute to
environmental damage. (2)
1.4.2 Why is the following statement FALSE?
The Zama Zamas are fully licensed to extract minerals. (1)
1.4.3 Why does the writer mention Gwede Mantashe in this article? State
TWO points. (2)
1.5 Refer to paragraph 5.
1.5.1 What do the words ‘rival’ and ‘conflicts’ suggest about the Zama
Zamas? (lines 42–44) (2)
1.5.2 Quote ONE word which indicates that Zama Zama syndicates extract
and sell minerals illegally. (1)
1.6 Refer to paragraph 6.
1.6.1 Identify TWO challenges that authorities and the law enforcement face
with tackling illegal mining. (2)
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English FAL/P1 6 NW/June2025
Grade 12
1.7 Refer to paragraph 7.
1.7.1 In your opinion, do you think skills development programmes in rural
areas and impoverished communities will curb the illegal mining crisis? (2)
1.8 Consider the text as a whole. Do you think the impacts of illegal mining are a
serious concern that require immediate action?
Substantiate your answer. (2)
1.9 Discuss the suitability of the title, ‘THE HIDDEN DANGERS AND IMPACTS OF
THE ZAMA ZAMAS: SOUTH AFRICA’S ILLEGAL MINING CRISIS’. (2)
TEXT B
1.10 During which year were these statistics posted? (1)
1.11 Identify the loan application that received 5% approval. (1)
1.12 Explain why the percentage of approved loan applications for HOME
IMPROVEMENT is higher than the one for BUYING A HOME. (2)
1.13 In your view, do the numbers in this text succeed in conveying relevant
information? Substantiate your answer. (2)
TOTAL SECTION A: 30
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English FAL/P1 7 NW/June2025
Grade 12
SECTION B: SUMMARY
QUESTION 2
With the unemployment rate increasing rapidly, it is imperative for young people to consider
breaking into entrepreneurial field.
Read TEXT C below and list SEVEN tips on how to be a successful entrepreneur.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Your summary must be written in point form.
2. List your SEVEN points in full sentences, using no more than 70 words.
3. Number your sentences from 1 to 7.
4. Write only ONE point per sentence.
5. Use your OWN words as far as possible.
6. Indicate the total number of words you have used in brackets at the end of
your summary.
A SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR
An entrepreneur is an individual who creates and oversees the major business
decisions of an enterprise, with many of the risks associated with that project falling
directly on them should issues occur.
Staying flexible is important for entrepreneurs who are constantly generating business
plans. The ability to adapt to unexpected circumstances can help keep their ideas new
and innovative by forcing you to look for alternatives. Whether you're starting your career
or you already have relevant entrepreneurial experience, learning from others is a great
way to improve your business skills and help make your company more profitable.
Consistent quality work will also ensure you develop a reputation for being reliable. If
you're hoping to improve your entrepreneurial skills while gaining professional contacts,
consider looking for a mentor. Your mentor can be anyone you trust that has industry
experience related to your career or personal goals. Goals can turn your business
ventures or ideas into achievable objectives. By creating a set of goals for your career as
an entrepreneur, you can establish steps to help your businesses launch and grow.
Creating a potential customer profile is a great way to understand your customer base
and create a product or service that's easily marketable. If you know certain information
like the age and occupation of your target clientele, you can develop a more beneficial
product.
It can be important for an entrepreneur to keep creating innovative ideas and products
for customers to help their company or business stay relevant in the competitive market.
By staying competitive, you can increase your company's customer base and profitability.
The more you innovate, the more you’re likely to advance.
[Adapted from: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice]
TOTAL SECTION B: 10
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English FAL/P1 8 NW/June2025
Grade 12
SECTION C: LANGUAGE
QUESTION 3: ANALYSING AN ADVERTISEMENT
Study the advertisement (TEXT D) below and answer the set questions.
TEXT D
®
[Adapted from: www.accidents.co.za/2021/07/19/]
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English FAL/P1 9 NW/June2025
Grade 12
3.1 Who is the target audience for this advertisement? (1)
3.2 Quote ONE word that proves that this product is fragrance free. (1)
3.3 Write the slogan for this advertisement. (1)
3.4 How does the advertiser persuade the reader to believe that this product
is durable? State ONE point. (1)
3.5 3.5.1 Choose the correct answer to complete the following sentence:
The ® below the word Raid indicates that this is a … trademark.
A renewed
B released
C recorded
D registered (1)
3.6 Study the following caption:
Up to 45 nights of protection.
Identify the root of the underlined word. (1)
3.7 Refer to the Raid logo:
Explain how the logo reinforces the idea that Raid is a mosquito killer? (2)
3.8 Discuss whether the advertiser succeeds in convincing the reader to
purchase the advertised product. (2)
[10]
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English FAL/P1 10 NW/June2025
Grade 12
QUESTION 4: ANALYSING A CARTOON
Study the cartoon (TEXT E) below and answer the set questions.
TEXT E
MADAM AND EVE
[Adapted from: www.retailcomic.com]
NOTE: In this cartoon, the older woman is Gogo, the lady talking to her is Eve and the
lady in Frame 4 is Madam.
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English FAL/P1 11 NW/June2025
Grade 12
4.1 Refer to FRAME 1.
Explain how the cartoonist conveys that Gogo is annoyed.
Refer to ONE verbal and ONE visual clue in your answer. (2)
4.2 Refer to FRAME 2.
4.2.1 What is the effectiveness of the ellipsis on Gogo’s words? (1)
4.2.2 How do we know that the setting is NOT in a rural area? (1)
4..3 Refer to FRAME 4.
4.3.1 Choose the correct answer to complete the following sentence:
Madam’s body language implies that she is …
A impressed.
B frustrated.
C bored.
D anxious. (1)
4.3.2 Study the following sentence.
“I can’t bear this level of pressure”
Use a homonym for the word bear in a sentence of your own. (1)
4.4 Explain how Eve’s body language in FRAME 4 contrasts with her body
language in FRAME 1. (2)
4.5 Do you think Gogo’s behaviour is justified in this cartoon?
Substantiate your answer. (2)
[10]
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English FAL/P1 12 NW/June2025
Grade 12
QUESTION 5: LANGUAGE AND EDITING SKILLS
5.1 Read the passage (TEXT F) below, which has some deliberate errors, and answer
the set questions.
TEXT F
Which One Should You Pick, Netflix or Showmax?
1 Netflix has long been the go-to for anyone looking to cosplay as a coach potato.
But now there’s a new kid on the block that’s looking to steal the remote from
the streaming giant: Showmax. So, which one to choose?
2 The Showmax library is a little smaller with 2 000+ titles, but these are all
available in all the countries were the platform is available. Netflix South Africa 5
has more than double the amount of content youd find on Showmax. In
contrast, Showmax offers more content in Nigeria, Kenya and Zambia.
3 Showmax does give Netflix a pretty decent run for its money when it comes to
titles on offer, though. Many of these big names on TV don’t have a
presence in Africa, and Showmax is often able to snap up exclusive regional 10
rights to the latest hit shows from international networks like HBO, Universal,
Warner Brothers, Paramount+, and others.
4 Showmax also has a healthy collection of original content available in English,
Afrikaans, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Kiswahili, and a variety of other African languages.
5 You’ll find that Showmax outshines Netflix with its live sports offering, if you 15
happen to be a fan of British soccer. Showmax Premier League gives you
access in live matches, match highlights, fan content, talk shows, and
interviews.
[Adapted from: https://www.tabloids.com]
5.1.1 Correct the SINGLE error in the following sentences. Write down
ONLY the question numbers and the words you have corrected.
(a) Netflix has long been the go-to for anyone looking to cosplay
as a coach potato. (1)
(b) Netflix South Africa has more than double the amount of
content youd find on Showmax. (1)
(c) The Showmax library is a little smaller with 2 000+ titles, but
these are all available in all the countries were the platform is
available. (1)
(d) Premier League gives you access in live matches, match
highlights, fan content, talk shows, and interviews. (1)
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English FAL/P1 13 NW/June2025
Grade 12
5.1.2 Rewrite the following sentence below in the passive voice:
Showmax outshines Netflix with its live sports offering. (1)
5.1.3 Provide the correct degree of comparison in the following sentence:
It is pretty evident that Showmax provides a (good) service than
Netflix. (1)
5.1.4 Rewrite the following sentence below in the past perfect tense:
Showmax also has a healthy collection of original content available
in English (1)
5.1.5 Complete the following tag question. Write down ONLY the missing
words.
Showmax offers more content in Nigeria, Kenya and Zambia, …? (1)
5.1.6 Rewrite the following sentence in reported speech:
The CEO said, “Many of these big names on TV don’t have a
presence in Africa, and Showmax is often able to snap up exclusive
regional rights.” (4)
5.1.7 Combine the following sentences into a single sentence:
Showmax has a healthy collection of original content available in
English. Showmax broadcasts live sports.
Begin with: Not only … (2)
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English FAL/P1 14 NW/June2025
Grade 12
5.2 Study the text (TEXT G) below and answer the questions.
TEXT G
[Adapted from: http//google/Dalailanaquotes]
5.2.1 Give the correct form of the word in brackets in the sentence below.
(Help) others is a sign of humanity and kindness. (1)
5.2.2 Rewrite the following sentence in the negative form.
Dalai Lama believes in compassion and tolerance. (1)
5.2.3 Study the following sentence:
Our prime purpose in this life is to help others but not to hurt them
State the part of speech of EACH of the underlined words as used (2)
in this sentence.
5.2.4 Study the following sentence:
We live during an era where extending a helping hand is a thing of
the past.
Use the homophone for the word live in a sentence of your own. (1)
5.2.5 Provide the singular form of the underlined word in the following
sentences:
If you can’t help, at least don’t hurt them. (1)
[20]
TOTAL SECTION C: 40
GRAND TOTAL: 80
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