GRAAD 12
NATIONAL
SENIOR CERTIFICATE
GRADE 12
ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE P1
NOVEMBER 2025
MARKING GUIDELINES
MARKS: 70
These marking guidelines consist of 10 pages.
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English Hl Grade 12 P1 NSC November 2025 Question Paper (English)
Grade 12 English Hl Paper 1 question paper from the NSC November Exam 2025 (English), 10 pages. Read online or get the free PDF download, memo linked when available.
English Hl · Grade 12 · NSC November Exam · 2025 · English. Question paper, 10 pages. Read online or download the PDF.
- Subject
- English Hl
- Grade
- Grade 12
- Language
- English
- Document type
- Question paper
- Year
- 2025
- Exam period
- NSC November Exam
- Paper
- 1
- Curriculum
- CAPS
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- 10
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- 581.1 KB
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English Home Language/P1 2 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
NOTE:
• These marking guidelines are intended as a guide for markers.
• It is by no means prescriptive or exhaustive.
• Candidates' responses should be considered on merit.
• Answers should be assessed holistically and marks awarded where
applicable in terms of decisions taken at the standardisation meeting.
• The marking guidelines will be discussed before the commencement of
marking.
INSTRUCTIONS TO MARKERS
Marking the comprehension:
• Because the focus is on understanding, incorrect spelling and language errors in
longer responses should not be penalised unless such errors change the
meaning/understanding. (Errors must still be indicated.)
• If a candidate uses words from a language other than the one being examined,
disregard those words, and if the answer still makes sense, do not penalise.
However, if a word from another language is used in a text and required in an
answer, this will be acceptable.
• 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.
• No marks should be awarded for TRUE/FALSE or FACT/OPINION. The
reason/substantiation/motivation is what should be considered.
• 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.
• Accept dialectal variations.
• For multiple-choice questions, accept BOTH the letter corresponding to the correct
answer AND/OR the answer written out in full.
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English Home Language/P1 3 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
SECTION A: COMPREHENSION
QUESTION 1: READING FOR MEANING AND UNDERSTANDING
1.1 Entrepreneurship addresses the lack of formal employment/creates alternative
sources of employment/allows people to earn an income. (1)
1.2 The HSRC study investigated what drives graduate entrepreneurs (1) to establish
employment/business options for all (1).
[Award only 1 mark for lifting.] (2)
1.3 The case studies strengthen the writer's point by referring to real-life
experiences/show success stories of entrepreneurship, thereby motivating the
next generation.
[Credit valid alternative responses.] (2)
1.4 The chances of jobseekers/graduates being employed are
limited/entrepreneurship creates opportunities for employment.
[Award only 1 mark for lifting.] (2)
1.5 D – optimistic (1)
1.6 Although entrepreneurship is considered to be profit-driven, the TIE study reveals
that there are other complex factors that influence entrepreneurship. Thandi's
entrepreneurial style illustrates this finding as she is strongly motivated to
implement her university training to solve social problems, provide leadership and
make a difference.
[Award 3 marks for a discussion of two ideas.]
[Award only 1 mark for lifting without a discussion.] (3)
1.7 The single sentence summarises (1) the lessons learned from the case studies
(1)/highlights (1) the fact that entrepreneurs prefer to respond to social needs
rather than profiteering (1). (2)
1.8 The statistics presented in the paragraph imply that the majority of entrepreneurs
are motivated to start their businesses by using their own resources, or actively
seeking external funding from a wide variety of sources./The information reveals
that entrepreneurs need to pursue resources proactively. It also reinforces the idea
that they have motivations other than financial gain, for example, social
development.
[Credit valid alternative responses.]
[Award 3 marks for a discussion of two ideas OR award 3 marks for one idea well
discussed.] (3)
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English Home Language/P1 4 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
1.9 The diction used by the writer reinforces the idea that entrepreneurs' success
depends on the financial support that they receive from stakeholders, who play a
'pivotal role' and 'launch and scale' their businesses. Words such as, 'nurturing',
'help', 'training' exemplify the support needed by new entrepreneurs. These
external agents possess 'essential' resources. They also provide the necessary
skills, such as 'enabling environments for upcoming entrepreneurs'.
[Award ONLY 1 mark for a ‘lift’ that responds to the question.]
[Award 3 marks for a valid comment, supported by TWO examples of diction.] (3)
1.10 YES
The conclusion highlights the main argument of the article – that entrepreneurs are
motivated by factors such as the social benefit, and not only financial gains.
Furthermore, it offers advice on how to support entrepreneurs, reiterating the need
for relevant academic programmes. Reference is made to the two case studies,
which underscores the role entrepreneurs play in providing opportunities in their
communities.
[A 'NO' response is unlikely. However, credit responses on merit.]
[Award 3 marks for a discussion of two ideas.] (3)
1.11 The poster contains a presentation of a confident, suitably attired person who looks
enthusiastic and makes direct eye contact, suggesting a willingness to engage with
the reader. She possesses an electronic device which suggests familiarity with
technology. This matches the target audience of the competition who are proactive
and positive young people who want to be entrepreneurs.
[Credit valid alternative responses.]
[Award 3 marks for two ideas well discussed.] (3)
1.12 The capital letter 'H' draws the reader to the icon of the shopping bag which links
to the retail activity of the MTN Y'ello Lane Market Hub./The letter 'H' highlights the
shopping bag which links to the pun of 'bag(ging)' the prize on offer for this
competition./The capital 'H' draws the reader's attention to the word 'HUSTLE'
which is an informal term of doing business, implying the youth can become
entrepreneurs at the MTN Y'ello Lane Market shopping hub.
[Credit valid alternative responses.]
[Award 2 marks for an explanation of ONE idea.] (2)
1.13 TEXT B strongly encourages young people with 'entrepreneurial ambitions' to
launch their businesses with the support of MTN. This reinforces the message that
MTN will aid their business ventures. MTN is using various media channels and
means to persuade young entrepreneurs with fledgling businesses, like the young
woman, to complete the competition entry requirements so that they are eligible to
win great rewards and so 'propel' their ventures to the next level. The uploading of
short videos will also showcase the young people's skills and enthusiasm.
[Award 3 marks only if the candidate has made reference to both TEXT B and line
58 of TEXT A.] (3)
TOTAL SECTION A: 30
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English Home Language/P1 5 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
SECTION B: SUMMARY
QUESTION 2: SUMMARISING IN YOUR OWN WORDS
Use the following main points that the candidate should include in the summary as a guideline.
Any 7 valid points are to be credited in paragraph-form.
(Sentences and/or sentence fragments must be coherent.)
NO. QUOTATIONS NO. POINTS
1 ‘Sporting events have a unique ability to evoke 1 Sporting events are the only
intense emotions and excitement in fans forms of entertainment that can
worldwide.’/‘Sports can generate a spectrum of elicit a range of emotions.
emotions that are unparalleled in other forms of
entertainment.’/‘…a complex interplay of multiple
factors.’
2 ‘Advertising campaigns and public relations 2 Media promotions generate
efforts create buzz and keep fans engaged.’ excitement and lure the fans.
3 ‘The waiting experience, a critical yet often 3 Anticipation of the upcoming
overlooked aspect, also enhances game enhances the experience
anticipation./Studies show that the emotions of the actual event.
and expectations built during this period can
make the actual event more rewarding.’
4 ‘…the deep sense of loyalty they feel towards 4 Sport fans have a sense of
their teams./Fans who strongly identify with their loyalty and identification with
team may feel more satisfied…’ their team which leads to
greater fulfilment.
5 ‘…have a greater sense of belonging which 5 Bonds are formed while
boosts their excitement and emotional watching games.
investment in games.’/‘…strengthening the
communal and emotional bonds that make
sports so thrilling.’
6 ‘Sporting events captivate fans through 6 Games are presented as
compelling narratives and dramatic dramatic entertainment.
storytelling.’/‘This not only captivates viewers
but also frames the violence within a narrative
of heroism and competition, enhancing the
dramatic appeal.’
7 ‘…broadcasters often use slow-motion replays, 7 Conflict between teams enthrals
freeze frames, and selective highlighting of viewers through broadcasts
intense moments to transform violent clashes using film techniques.
into seemingly artistic performances.’
8 ‘The narrative structure of sports events often 8 The structure of sporting events
mirrors classical drama, with a clear beginning, allows fans to see themselves
middle and end, and includes rising action, as participants in a dramatic
climax and resolution.’/‘This structure helps fans performance.
follow and become emotionally invested in the
unfolding drama, seeing themselves as part of
the story.’
9 ‘Sporting events offer a unique opportunity 9 Sport enables social
for social interaction and community building.’ engagement and cohesion.
10 ‘This communal aspect enhances the 10 Fans share their post-game
excitement as fans celebrate victories together emotions.
and commiserate after losses.’
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English Home Language/P1 6 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
PARAGRAPH-FORM
NOTE: What follows is merely an example. It is not prescriptive and must be used very
carefully.
Sporting events are the only forms of entertainment that can elicit a range of emotions. Media
promotions generate excitement luring fans to anticipate the actual event. Loyal fans identify
with their team which boosts enthusiasm for the sport and generates fulfilment. Games are
presented as dramatic entertainment enthralling viewers through the sensational
broadcasting of conflict in the sport. Moreover, the structure of sporting events makes fans
see themselves as participants in a drama and communal bonds are formed. Sport enables
social engagement and cohesion with fans sharing their post-game emotions.
[90 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:
o 7 marks for 7 points (1 mark per main point)
o 3 marks for language
o Total marks: 10
• Distribution of language marks when candidate has not quoted verbatim:
o 1–3 points correct: award 1 mark
o 4–5 points correct: award 2 marks
o 6–7 points correct: award 3 marks
• Distribution of language marks when candidate has quoted verbatim:
o 6–7 quotations: award no language mark
o 4–5 quotations: award 1 language mark
o 2–3 quotations: award 2 language marks
NOTE:
• Word Count:
o Markers are required to verify the number of words used.
o 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 is
exceeded, read up to the last sentence above the stipulated upper limit and ignore
the rest of the summary.
TOTAL SECTION B: 10
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English Home Language/P1 7 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
SECTION C: LANGUAGE STRUCTURES AND CONVENTIONS
Marking SECTION C:
• Spelling:
o One-word answers must be marked correct even if the spelling is incorrect,
unless the error changes the meaning of the word.
o In full-sentence answers, incorrect spelling should be penalised if the error is
in the language structure being tested.
o Where an abbreviation is tested, the answer must be punctuated correctly.
• 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 ADVERTISING
3.1 The exclamation mark in 'COMPOST!' compels the reader to engage in
recycling./It instructs the reader to recycle.
[Credit valid alternative responses.] (2)
3.2 cycle (1)
3.3 • The imperative ('MAKE YOUR TRASH', 'Put your food scraps', 'Look for
the green carts') urges the reader to participate in recycling.
• The use of creative puns ('APEELING', 'BERRY', 'LETTUCE') engages the
reader with humour/wit.
• The use of different fonts (sizes/contrasts) draws the reader's eye to key
words of the advertisement, e.g.
'COMPOST' [Extra-large font]
'MAKE YOUR TRASH MORE APEELING' [Large font]
'Put your food scraps into the green cart.' [Regular font]
• Repetition ('COMPOST', 'food scraps', 'green cart') is used to reinforce how
people can support recycling/composting.
• Bandwagon effect (‘everyone’s doing it’) creates a desire in the reader to
start recycling.
• The use of personal pronouns (‘your’/‘you’) engages the reader and
appeals to them to be involved in composting.
• Rhetorical question (‘Did you know … the green cart?’) invites the reader
to consider recycling food scraps.
[Award 1 mark for the identification of a technique, 1 mark for an example and
1 mark for a discussion.]
[A mark can be awarded for an example ONLY if it is linked to a technique or
a discussion.] (3)
3.4 Let us/Let's (1)
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English Home Language/P1 8 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
3.5 TEXT D has a single flower pot. The organic matter is compacted in the pot.
The words related to 'composting' and the benefits of composting are cleverly
patterned into the shape of the flower, leaves and stem. This symbolises the
positive results of composting.
OR
TEXT E has three clearly depicted images linked closely to the message of the
advertisement. The reader is able to understand the intention of the advertiser
to encourage composting. The link between the puns/words in bold font and
the images allows the reader to make the connection between recycling and
the items one can use.
[Credit valid alternative/mixed responses.]
[Award 3 marks for two ideas well justified.] (3)
[10]
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English Home Language/P1 9 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
QUESTION 4: UNDERSTANDING OTHER ASPECTS OF THE MEDIA
4.1 Jeremy shows a hesitant/nervous/uncertain/sheepish/deferential/respectful/
cautious/humble attitude.
[Credit valid alternative responses, in context.] (1)
4.2 The parents have an affectionate/loving/close relationship. (1) They are sitting
comfortably and cosily on the same chair with the mother's arm around her
husband's shoulder. (1) (2)
4.3 The cartoonist extends Jeremy's speech from FRAME 2 to FRAME 5, to
exaggerate the effort he undertook to acquire the gift, thereby creating a
climax. (2)
4.4 In FRAME 3, Jeremy's father is mildly pleased at the receipt of a mediocre gift
on Father's Day. This changes in FRAME 5, to extreme elation and joy at the
realisation that his son has matured sufficiently to have a job. It is ironic that
the gift does not bring him as much pleasure as the news that his son has a
job. The tongue-in-cheek reference to 'CONTEXT THAT COUNTS' in FRAME
6 underscores how successfully Jeremy has manipulated his father.
[Award 3 marks only if a critical discussion is provided.] (3)
4.5 FRAME 1: FATHER'S – possession/ownership
FRAME 2: IT'S – contraction/omission (2)
[10]
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English Home Language/P1 10 DBE/November 2025
NSC – Marking Guidelines
QUESTION 5: USING LANGUAGE CORRECTLY
5.1 similar/alike/identical
[Credit valid alternative responses, in context.] (1)
5.2 adverb (1)
5.3 I messaged a photo of the crater in her head to her grandfather, the cardiologist
who usually sews me up when I do stupid stuff. (1)
5.4 Grandpa said, 'She needs (1) stitches and I am not (1) doing it!'
OR
Grandpa said, 'She needs (1) stitches. I am not (1) doing it!'
OR
Grandpa said, ‘You need (1) stitches and I am not (1) doing it!’ (2)
5.5 find – found (1)
5.6 B – 'that she's inherited my penchant for the dramatic.' (1)
5.7 I promise I haven't taught her to be a drama queen; she just is.
I promise I haven't taught her to be a drama queen: she just is.
I promise I haven't taught her to be a drama queen – she just is.
I promise I haven't taught her to be a drama queen. She just is.
I promise I haven't taught her to be a drama queen! She just is.
I promise I haven't taught her to be a drama queen … she just is. (1)
5.8 The italics indicate that the phrase is from a foreign language. (1)
5.9 past (1)
[10]
TOTAL SECTION C: 30
GRAND TOTAL: 70
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