GRADE 9 SEMI-EXTERNAL EXAMINATION

ENGLISH FIRST LANGUAGE 2101/2

PAPER 2 Continuous Writing 1 hour
Marks 30 Specimen paper
Additional Materials: Answer Book

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION TO CANDIDATES

 Write your answers in the Answer Book provided.

 Write your Candidate Number and Name in the spaces on the Answer Book.
 Write in dark blue or black pen.
 Do not use correction fluid.

 Write a composition based on one of the topics overleaf.

 You should write between 300 and 350 words.
 All topics in the paper carry equal marks.
 Pay special attention to spelling, punctuation and sentence structure

 Write a composition on one of the following topics.

 You should write between 300 and 350 words.
 You should pay attention to punctuation, spelling and handwriting.
1 Look at the comic strip: Describe a world without trees.

2 Start your narrative essay with the following, “I found the job difficult at first. But
we were all in the same boat; we were all learning.”

3 Use the photograph below as inspiration for your narrative essay about gratitude.

4 Do you believe it is the government’s or the citizens’ responsibility to manage

water?

5 “Socialising with friends is an essential component of a balanced teenager’s life.”

Argue for or against this statement.
6 Use the following extract to describe this tranquil scene:

“The day was clear as fire,

The birds sang frail as glass,
When thirsty I came to the creek
And feel by its side in the grass.”

(Judith Wright)
[20]
GRADE 9 SEMI-EXTERNAL EXAMINATION

ENGLISH FIRST LANGUAGE

2101/2

Paper 2 Continuous Writing

MARK SCHEME

Specimen paper
Annexe 5: Marking grid for narrative/descriptive essays
JS ENGLISH 1 2 4
3 5
FIRST LANGUAGE
- excellent use of varied, - sentences - basic sentence - sentence - inappropriate
well-structured sentences correctly structures correct construction and language usage and

LANGUAGE USAGE
- exceptional use of structured - some sentence grammar error- style
accurate vocabulary and - good sentence variety ridden, may cause - errors of grammar,
imagery to create variety - vocabulary confusion in places syntax and/or idiom
NARRATIVE ESSAY suspense - good word adequate for topic - vocabulary cause confusion
- language usage and choice; - several and more limited/very basic, - sentences muddled,
punctuation virtually expression serious errors in may be inaccurate inconsistent
error-free and style grammar which
CONTENT & STRUCTURE suitable for the do not affect
task meaning
- grammar
mostly correct

Exceptional/original; highly enjoyable to read.

Contains all the elements of this type of
narrative; good balance of action, description
1 20-19 18-17 16-14 (13-12) (11-10)
and exposition enhances narrative. Fluent,
coherent development of topic; writing flows.
Vivid detail.
Narrative interesting and fairly imaginative.
Appropriate structure (effective
paragraphing). Contains most of the elements
2 18-17 16-14 13-12 11-10 9-8
of this type of narrative. The relevant details
are developed. Mostly maintains flow of story
and interest of reader.
Content average but fulfils task. Adequately
coherent. Contains the main element/s of this
3 type of narrative. Ideas, detail not always fully 16-14 13-12 11-10 9-8 7-6
developed. Structure is apparent but not
consistent; recognisable beginning and end.

Content is limited/boring/elementary.
Contains a few elements of this type of
4 narrative. Main theme apparent but (13-12) 11-10 9-8 7-6 5-4
little/unsuccessful development. Some
repetition. Muddled structure.
Tedious, repetitive. Very limited
understanding of the topic requirements.
5 Random, simple ideas. Lacks coherence and (11-10) 9-8 7-6 5-4 3-0
clarity (paragraphing incorrect or lacking).
Inadequate for first language.
 Annexe 6: Marking grid for argumentative essays
JS ENGLISH 1 2 3 4 5
FIRST LANGUAGE - excellent use of varied, well- - sentences correctly - basic sentence structures - sentence construction - inappropriate language
structured sentences structured correct and grammar error- usage and style

LANGUAGE USAGE
- exceptional use of accurate - good sentence variety - some sentence variety ridden, may cause - errors of grammar,
vocabulary and imagery to - good word choice; - vocabulary adequate for confusion in places syntax and/or idiom
ARGUMENTATIVE create suspense expression and style topic - vocabulary limited/very cause confusion
ESSAY - language usage and suitable for the task - several and more serious basic, may be inaccurate - sentences muddled,
punctuation virtually error- - grammar mostly correct errors in grammar which inconsistent
free do not affect meaning

CONTENT & STRUCTURE

Content highly effective and persuasive.

Learner maintains rigorous focus on
topic. Total coherence in content. Ideas,
1 20-19 18-17 16-14 (13-12) (11-10)
well elaborated - examples and detail
well chosen and strongly support
arguments. Tightly controlled structure.
Interesting/ effective content. Learner
maintains focus. Ideas convincing. Clear
and coherent exposition of arguments
2 18-17 16-14 13-12 11-10 9-8
with adequate elaboration/examples/
details. Appropriate structure.

Adequate. Reasonably coherent in

content and ideas. Some development of
ideas/arguments, some details that
3 support the topic. Examples / arguments
16-14 13-12 11-10 9-8 7-6
might not always be relevant. Focus not
maintained consistently.
An attempt to be relevant, but not fully
appropriate to task. Lacks structure, may
leap from point to unconnected point,
4 digress and ramble. Repetitive.
(13-12) 11-10 9-8 7-6 5-4
Paragraphs inconsistent.

Ideas/arguments irrelevant or lack

development. Ineffective. Muddled. Very
little or no structure apparent. Shows little
5 (11-10) 9-8 7-6 5-4 3-0
understanding of topic requirements.
Inadequate for first language.