# English FAL Grade 12 Paper 1 NSC November 2026 Memo > Grade 12 English FAL Paper 1 memorandum from the NSC November Exam 2026, 11 pages. Read online or download the free PDF. - Page: https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-12-english-fal-2026-nsc-november-exam-unofficial-memorandum-paper-1/cfe2c874-06c5-4c6f-a651-4906c73db19a - Updated: 2026-10-29 - Subject: English FAL - Grade: Grade 12 - Language: English - Document type: Memorandum - Year: 2026 - Exam period: NSC November Exam - Paper: 1 - Publisher: Hlayiso - Curriculum: CAPS - Pages: 11 Breadcrumbs: [Home](https://www.hlayiso.com/) › [Library](https://www.hlayiso.com/library) › [Grade 12](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-12) › [English FAL](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-12/english-fal) › [English FAL Grade 12 Paper 1 NSC November 2026 Memo](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-12-english-fal-2026-nsc-november-exam-unofficial-memorandum-paper-1/cfe2c874-06c5-4c6f-a651-4906c73db19a) ## About this document English Fal · Grade 12 · NSC November Exam · 2026 · English. Memorandum, 11 pages. Read online or download the PDF. Read it free online on the page above; download the PDF from there. ## Document text Text extracted from the PDF. Layout, diagrams and tables may not survive extraction. ### Page 1 Unofficial memo hlayiso mock exams Practice Series: Grade 12 NSC Preparation WWW.HLAYISO.COM NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE GRADE 12 ENGLISH FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE P1 NOVEMBER 2026 — UNOFFICIAL MARKING GUIDELINES MARKS: 80 These marking guidelines consist of 11 pages. Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 2 English First Additional Language/P1 2 Hlayiso/November 2026 NSC – Unofficial Marking Guidelines IMPORTANT: These are unofficial marking guidelines prepared by Hlayiso for revision. They are not the DBE's official memorandum; the official marking guidelines may differ in mark allocation and accepted alternatives. NOTE: • These marking guidelines are intended as a guide for markers. They are by no means prescriptive or exhaustive. • Candidates' responses should be considered on merit. Accept relevant responses that are not listed here. • Answers should be assessed holistically; the ticks (✓) show where the marks are earned. INSTRUCTIONS TO MARKERS Marking the comprehension: • Because the focus is on understanding, incorrect spelling and language errors in responses should not be penalised unless such errors change the meaning/understanding. (Errors must still be indicated.) • Where candidates are asked to use their OWN words, do not award marks for answers quoted directly from the text. • If a candidate uses words from a language other than English, disregard those words, and if the answer still makes sense, do not penalise. • 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. A candidate can score 1 mark for an answer that is not well substantiated. A mixed response is acceptable if it is well substantiated. • "No response" or a response that merely repeats the question earns 0 marks. • When one-word answers are required and the candidate gives a whole sentence, mark correct provided that the correct word is underlined/highlighted. • When TWO/THREE facts/points are required and a range is given, mark only the first TWO/THREE. • For multiple-choice questions, accept the letter corresponding to the correct answer, the answer written out in full, or both (the letter and the answer must then match). READING OF THE QUESTION PAPER • This guideline was drawn up from photographs of all 14 pages of the question paper. Every mark allocation below was checked against the paper: Section A 30, Section B 10, Section C 40 (Q3 [10], Q4 [10], Q5 [20]). Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 3 English First Additional Language/P1 3 Hlayiso/November 2026 NSC – Unofficial Marking Guidelines SECTION A: COMPREHENSION QUESTION 1 TEXT A 1.1.1 'transports' ✓ [Accept only this word. Do not accept 'takes'.] (1) 1.1.2 A book club member reads the same book as others and shares/discusses his/ her thoughts about it with fellow readers, ✓ whereas someone who is not a member reads alone/chooses, reads and interprets books on his/her own. ✓ [Award 2 marks only if BOTH sides of the difference are explained in the candidate's OWN words.] (2) 1.2 Members read a greater variety of books/different kinds of books (widely) ✓ and they read regularly/frequently because the club commits them to reading the selected book (consistently). ✓ (2) 1.3 • To give evidence/proof (from a reputable survey) that the rotation method is the most popular way of selecting books. ✓ • To show that almost half of the book clubs use this method. ✓ • To make the writer's claim credible/convincing. ✓ [Accept any TWO.] (2) 1.4.1 Every member gets a chance/turn to choose the book that the group reads, ✓ so all members' choices are included and no one person decides on all the books. ✓ [Candidates must use their OWN words.] (2) 1.4.2 • To show that members discuss the book in depth/analyse it seriously. ✓ • To show the wide range of aspects that members talk about at meetings. ✓ • To show that meetings help members to understand the book better/are intellectually stimulating. ✓ • To show that each member brings his/her own interpretation to the discussion. ✓ [Accept any TWO.] (2) 1.5 Members talk about what has been happening in one another's lives/share their personal news. ✓ (1) 1.6.1 B ✓ / connections (1) 1.6.2 • It allows members to have light-hearted/silly debates without fear of being judged. ✓ • Members feel safe to share their personal joys and challenges (e.g. the loss of a loved one). ✓ • It strengthens the bonds/meaningful connections between members. ✓ • Members can share their honest opinions about the books. ✓ [Accept any TWO.] (2) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 4 English First Additional Language/P1 4 Hlayiso/November 2026 NSC – Unofficial Marking Guidelines 1.6.3 The words suggest that a book can be understood/interpreted in different ways; ✓ each reader's own ideas and experiences shape his/her understanding, so there is no single correct interpretation. ✓ (2) 1.7 Members are pushed outside their comfort zones: they read genres and authors that they would never have chosen before joining a book club. ✓ [The answer must refer to members reading books they would not normally choose. Accept a quotation.] (1) 1.8 • Buying the selected books is the only major cost for members, so these options save money. ✓ • Library books, shared books and free e-books cost nothing/little. ✓ • To make sure that a lack of money never prevents members from reading/ accessing books. ✓ [Accept any TWO.] (2) 1.9 Open-ended. Accept a suitable answer, e.g. Yes. The text shows that book clubs offer more than reading: friendship, support, trust and fun. The statistic that members report '23%' higher social satisfaction and the fact that most clubs charge no joining fee make joining attractive. ✓ ✓ OR No. The reader still has to buy the selected books, attend meetings regularly and read books that he/she may not enjoy. [Do not award a mark for YES or NO. A candidate can score 1 mark for an answer that is not well substantiated.] (2) 1.10 The title is suitable. Book clubs offer members much more than books/ reading: ✓ they provide social interaction, friendship, support during difficult times, trust and intellectual stimulation, which add to their well-being. ✓ [Award 2 marks only if the candidate refers to the benefits beyond reading. Accept a well-substantiated view that the title is not suitable.] (2) TEXT B 1.11 21° ✓ [Accept: 21 degrees (Celsius). The forecast for 'Tomorrow, Thursday 10 April' shows that 'today' is 9 April; the minimum for today is 21°.] (1) 1.12 The weather is stormy/wet/dangerous: thunderstorms with rain are expected. Visual clues: • the bolts of lightning ✓ • the raindrops/rain falling ✓ • the dark, heavy clouds/dark sky ✓ [Award 1 mark for EACH of TWO visual clues linked to the stormy weather.] (2) Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 5 English First Additional Language/P1 5 Hlayiso/November 2026 NSC – Unofficial Marking Guidelines 1.13 It shows the time when the readings/current weather conditions were recorded, i.e. that the information is up to date/real-time. ✓ [Accept: it tells the reader that the temperature of 24° applies at 9:48.] (1) 1.14 Open-ended. Accept a suitable answer, e.g. Yes. Thunderstorms are expected again on Thursday, so people can plan ahead, e.g. take an umbrella, avoid outdoor activities or travel safely. ✓ ✓ OR No. The app is mainly about the current weather; a forecast for the next day may change. [Do not award a mark for YES or NO.] (2) TOTAL SECTION A: 30 Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 6 English First Additional Language/P1 6 Hlayiso/November 2026 NSC – Unofficial Marking Guidelines SECTION B: SUMMARY QUESTION 2: TIPS ON HOW TO LIVE A HAPPY LIFE Use the following points as a guideline. Any SEVEN valid points are to be credited, in point form and full sentences. (Candidates may phrase the points differently.) NO. QUOTATIONS NO. POINTS (own words) 1 'By focusing on the good things in life, no 1 Focus on/appreciate the positive matter how small' things in life, even small ones. 2 'Making laughter a daily habit, adds joy to life.' 2 Laugh every day (spend time with funny friends/laugh at yourself). 3 'A short snooze can work wonders' 3 Take a short nap to recharge. 4 'Exercise is another component of a happy 4 Exercise (and start slowly if you are and healthy life.' new to it). 5 'find what brings you enjoyment and then 5 Spend time on activities you enjoy invest your time in it' (e.g. a new skill, a hobby, volunteering). 6 'Nurturing positive relationships is also crucial 6 Build good relationships/spend time for happiness.' with loved ones. 7 'Do not restrict your social circle to people you 7 Meet new people who lift your know.' mood. 8 'setting goals provides a sense of direction 8 Set goals and work towards them in and purpose' small steps. [Accept any SEVEN. 'Learn a new skill', 'take up a hobby' and 'volunteer' are examples of point 5: credit them only ONCE. 'Spend time with funny friends' and 'laugh at yourself' belong to point 2. Do not credit the introductory statement that happiness need not cost money, as it is not a tip.] POINT FORM NOTE: What follows is merely an example. It is not prescriptive and must be used very carefully. 1. Appreciate the good things in life, however small. 2. Laugh every day. 3. Take short naps to recharge. 4. Exercise regularly, but start slowly. 5. Spend time doing activities that you enjoy. 6. Build good relationships with your loved ones. 7. Set goals and work towards them gradually. [42 words] Marking the summary: Marking is on the basis of the inclusion of valid material and the exclusion of invalid material. The summary should be marked as follows: • Mark allocation: 7 marks for 7 points (1 mark per main point); 3 marks for language; total marks: 10. • Distribution of language marks when candidate has not quoted verbatim: 1–3 points correct: award 1 mark; 4–5 points correct: award 2 marks; 6–7 points correct: award 3 Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 7 English First Additional Language/P1 7 Hlayiso/November 2026 NSC – Unofficial Marking Guidelines marks. • Distribution of language marks when candidate has quoted verbatim: 6–7 quotations: award no language mark; 4–5 quotations: award 1 language mark; 2–3 quotations: award 2 language marks. NOTE: • Word count: Markers are required to verify the number of words used. • Do not deduct any marks if the candidate fails to indicate the number of words used or if the number of words used is indicated incorrectly. If the word limit (70 words) is exceeded, read up to the last sentence above the stipulated upper limit and ignore the rest of the summary. TOTAL SECTION B: 10 Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 8 English First Additional Language/P1 8 Hlayiso/November 2026 NSC – Unofficial Marking Guidelines SECTION C: LANGUAGE Marking SECTION C: • Spelling: One-word answers must be marked correct even if the spelling is incorrect, unless the error changes the meaning of the word. In full-sentence answers, incorrect spelling should be penalised if the error is in the language structure being tested. • Sentence structures must be grammatically correct and given in full sentences/as per instruction. • For multiple-choice questions, accept BOTH the letter corresponding to the correct answer AND/OR the answer written out in full as correct. QUESTION 3: ANALYSING AN ADVERTISEMENT 3.1 The need for love/belonging/friendship/relationships (to share with someone special). ✓ [Also accept: the need for a (sweet) treat/snack/to satisfy hunger.] (1) 3.2.1 To draw the reader's attention to the main message of the advertisement/to make the reader think about whom he/she would share the chocolate with. ✓ [Accept: it is the focal point; it involves/engages the reader directly.] (1) 3.2.2 Rhetorical question ✓ (1) 3.3 • To suggest that the chocolate can be given as a token of love/affection/a gift to a loved one. ✓ • To appeal to the reader's emotions/to link the product with love. ✓ • To encourage the buyer to share the second bar with someone special. ✓ • To make the wrapper personal/attractive. ✓ [Accept any TWO.] (2) 3.4 • '2 BARS 1 PACK'/'(2 x 30 g)': the pack contains two separate bars. ✓ • The visual shows two bars, one on each side of the advertisement. ✓ • The background is split into two halves/two colours. ✓ • The wrapper says 'PERFECT FOR SHARING'/the question 'Who will you share yours with?' ✓ [Accept any TWO.] (2) 3.5 grams ✓ [Accept: gram/gramme/grammes.] (1) 3.6 Open-ended. Accept a suitable answer, e.g. Yes. It is a 'NEW' product with two bars for the price of one pack; the mouth-watering description ('LAYERS OF WAFER & CHOCOLATE …') and the 'I ª YOU' message make it attractive as a treat to share with a loved one. ✓ ✓ OR Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 9 English First Additional Language/P1 9 Hlayiso/November 2026 NSC – Unofficial Marking Guidelines No. The bars are small (30 g each), the price is not given and the product is only 'Available in select stores'. [Do not award a mark for YES or NO.] (2) [10] QUESTION 4: ANALYSING A CARTOON 4.1 In a/the kitchen ✓ [Accept: at home, at the toaster/kitchen counter.] (1) 4.2 peace ✓ – e.g. The two countries signed an agreement to bring peace to the region. [Award the mark only if 'peace' is spelt correctly and used correctly in a full sentence.] (1) 4.3 • He is smiling (happily). ✓ • He stretches out his hands/arms to take the toast. ✓ • He sits upright/leans forward eagerly. [Award 1 mark for EACH of TWO visual clues.] (2) 4.4.1 She is holding the toast away from Linus/withholding it until he thanks her in the way she wants (she is dramatically showing him how to praise her). ✓ (1) 4.4.2 A ✓ / sarcastic [Hlayiso note: A (sarcastic) is the most defensible answer. Linus does not thank Lucy in his own words; he repeats what she dictates, exaggerated ('GREATEST OF ALL SISTERS!'). The exclamation mark signals overdone, insincere praise, and FRAME 7 ('… I FEEL NAUSEATED') confirms that he did not mean it. D (courteous) fits his words but not his tone; C (obedient) describes his action, not what the exclamation mark suggests. The official memo may differ.] (1) 4.5 In FRAME 1 Lucy stands still on a stool, calmly/patiently waiting for the toast/ focused on the toaster, ✓ whereas in FRAME 6 she walks away briskly with her head held high/nose in the air, looking proud/smug/self-satisfied. ✓ [Award 2 marks only if BOTH frames are referred to.] (2) 4.6 Open-ended. Accept a suitable answer, e.g. Yes. Lucy forced him to flatter her excessively before giving him the toast. Having to say such insincere words made him feel disgusted, so he has lost his appetite. ✓ ✓ OR No. He overreacts; Lucy did something kind by making him toast and he should simply eat it. [Do not award a mark for YES or NO.] (2) [10] Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 10 English First Additional Language/P1 10 Hlayiso/November 2026 NSC – Unofficial Marking Guidelines QUESTION 5: LANGUAGE AND EDITING SKILLS 5.1.1 (a) delicious ✓ (b) began ✓ (c) parks ✓ (d) than ✓ (4) 5.1.2 complex/complicated/difficult/hard ✓ (1) 5.1.3 Attendees had to bring a cake, either homemade or bought, to share with others. ✓ ['must' becomes 'had to'. Do not accept 'musted'.] (1) 5.1.4 (a) sample – verb ✓ (b) cake – adjective ✓ ['Cake' is a noun used as an adjective (it describes 'enthusiasts'). Accept: adjective/noun used as an adjective/noun modifier. Accept 'noun' only if the official memo does.] (2) 5.1.5 This sweet social movement has been embraced by cities like London and Durban. ✓ [The tense (present perfect) must be retained.] (1) 5.1.6 can't they?/can they not? ✓ (1) 5.1.7 most famous ✓ (1) 5.1.8 Candice said (that) she ✓ sometimes witnessed ✓ the sweetest connections happening over shared slices of cake. ✓ [Award 1 mark for the change of pronoun (I → she), 1 mark for the change of tense (witness → witnessed) and 1 mark for the correct punctuation (quotation marks and comma removed, full stop at the end). 'that' is optional.] (3) 5.2.1 valuable ✓ (1) 5.2.2 Giving your time is meaningful because ✓ time is a portion of your life (that) you cannot recover. ✓ [Award 1 mark for the correct use of 'because' and 1 mark for a correct single sentence. Accept: Because time is a portion of your life you cannot recover, giving your time is meaningful. Accept 'it is' for 'time is'.] (2) 5.2.3 … saves nine. ✓ (1) 5.2.4 great ✓ (1) 5.2.5 life ✓ (1) [20] TOTAL SECTION C: 40 GRAND TOTAL: 80 Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 11 English First Additional Language/P1 11 Hlayiso/November 2026 NSC – Unofficial Marking Guidelines HOW DID OUR PREDICTION DO? The real November 2026 P1 compared with the Hlayiso 2026 English FAL P1 Prediction Q Part Real paper asked Our closest prediction item(s) Verdict Covered 1 TEXT A Quote ONE word (1); OWN words 1.2.2 quote ONE word; 1.2.1/1.7 OWN 3 24/24 (article) difference (2); 'what does the writer mean words; 1.6.2 difference; 1.4.1 meaning of by' (2); why mention '45%' (2); OWN words a phrase; 1.3.1 why refer to '40 per cent'; (2); why refer to … TWO reasons (2); 1.6.1 why include; 1.3.2 MCQ; 1.5 TWO meaning of a phrase (1); word MCQ (1); ways; 1.1.2 'what do the words suggest'; TWO reasons (2); what do the words 1.1.1 FALSE; 1.8 opinion item; 1.9 title suggest (2); FALSE (1); TWO points (2); would the text convince you (2); title (2) 1 TEXT B Lowest temperature (1); TWO visual clues Bar graph: 1.10 retrieve (3); 1.11 3/7 4/6 (weather app) in the background (2); why is '9:48' relevant interpret a figure (3); 1.12 evaluative 'in (1); is the forecast important (2) your view' (3). No visual-clue item for TEXT B 2 Summary SEVEN tips on how to live a happy life, SEVEN tips (job interview), point form, 3 10/10 point form, 70 words 70 words, 7 + 3 marks 3 Advert Need (1); why the question is in the centre 3.1 need; 3.2 headline; 3.5 advertiser's 3 8/10 (Cadbury) (1); rhetorical question (1); why 'I ª YOU' intention; 3.7 visual supports message (2); support for 'MADE TO SHARE' (2); 'g' (final 2-mark evaluation). No in full (1); does it convince you to buy (2) abbreviation, no rhetorical question 4 Cartoon Setting (1); homophone (1); TWO visual 3.6 homophone; 4.1/4.3 visual clues; 4.2 3/7 7/10 (Peanuts, 7 clues (2); arms outstretched (1); MCQ on MCQ; 4.5 contrast FRAME 4/6; 4.7 frames) tone (1); contrast body language (2); is humour. Behaviour item was on our Linus' reaction appropriate (2) 'unlikely' list 5 Language Errors: spelling, verb form, apostrophe, 5.1.1 its/it's, concord, spelling, 3 18/20 then/than; antonym; simple past; parts of preposition; 5.1.2–5.1.8 tag, passive, speech; passive; tag; superlative; reported reported speech, parts of speech, simple speech (3); word form; combine 'because' past, synonym; 5.2 combine, degree, (2); proverb; root word; singular word form, prefix; plural on board Marks of the real paper covered by our prediction 71/80 A learner who had practised our prediction paper would have met about 71 of the 80 marks (89%) as familiar question types. The FAL P1 is very formulaic, so high coverage is expected; the passages are always unseen, so a "hit" here means the same question type or skill, not the same content. What we got right What we missed • The fixed structure (24 + 6, 10, 10, 10, 14 + 6) • Items we rated unlikely appeared: a proverb, a and every "near-certain" TEXT A type: FALSE, then/than confusable and "is Linus' reaction quote ONE word, word MCQ, OWN words, appropriate" (we expected humour). 'writer mean by', title. • The rhetorical question and the abbreviation 'g' • Even-year calls that landed: 'why mention in Q3; the setting of a cartoon frame. 45%' (our '40 per cent'), 'what do the words • TEXT B was a weather app with a visual-clue suggest', the simple past tense, an apostrophe item, not a graph. error, a cartoon MCQ. • Predicted but absent: negative form (our • Summary: SEVEN "how to" tips, point form, 70 strong "return" call), slang to formal, ellipsis, words. quoting consecutive words, an advert MCQ. • Q5 core: reported speech (3), passive, tag, parts of speech, degree of comparison, combining (2), word in brackets, morphology (root). Rating: 8/10. The structure and almost all of the comprehension and Section C question types were right; the misses were three items we had marked unlikely (proverb, then/than, behaviour question) and a few small advert and cartoon items. 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