Transactional

Writing
A guide to formats
for Grade 8 & 9

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 Contents
Introduction………………………..…………………………………………………….. 1
Friendly letters ………………………………………………………………………….. 2
Formal letters 4
Letters of application ……...…………………………………………………….. 6
Curriculum Vitae ………………………………………………………………………... 8
Emails ………………………………………………………………………………….. 11
Instructions ……………………………………………………………………………... 13
Dialogues ……………………………………………………………………………….. 15
Diary entry ……………………………………………………………………………… 16
Articles
Newspaper reports ……………….…………………………………………….. 18
Reviews …………………..…………………………………………………….. 20
Speeches ……………………………………………………………………………….. 22
Agendas .……….………………..…………………………………………………….. 24
Minutes ……….………………….…………………………………………………….. 25
Sample topics ……………………..…………………………………………………….. 27
Transactional rubric ……………….…………………………………………………….. 30

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Introduction

A transactional writing piece is written for a specific purpose and audience. While an essay is a
more creative exercise, with the purpose of entertaining, arguing or reflecting, a transactional
writing piece has a more specific purpose. For example, the purpose of a letter of complaint
could be to receive a refund, while the purpose of a speech could be to get the audience to
take some sort of action. When writing a transactional piece, your choices of the content,
style, tone and format of your writing should always be appropriate to and aligned with the
purpose and the audience of the piece.

This booklet is a guide to the formats of some of the transactional pieces you should be
familiar with, and includes tips on content and style. At the end of the booklet, you will find
topics taken from past assessments from the last few years for you to use as practice, as well
as a rubric showing the aspects that will be considered when your teacher is assessing your
work.

Remember that planning your work before you start writing the piece is essential if the
content is to be well structured or organised. After you have written the piece, ensure that
you reread your work, revising what you have written, if necessary, by changing the order of
the content, adding or removing content, and rewording sentences to ensure that they are
clear. Once you have revised, edit your work to remove any errors in spelling, sentence
structure or punctuation. Remember that the word count given is only a guide.

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Informal or friendly letters

6 Cape Road
Newton Park 1
Gqeberha
6000
18 June 2022 2

Dear Grandma 3

I just finished my first day as a Grade 10 at Alex and it was such a shock! 4

The first part 5 of the process was being divided up into new subject classes. I had to say
goodbye to most of my friends in my registration class and was put in English, Maths, Science
and Art classes with a bunch of virtual strangers! At least I still see my friends in Afrikaans and
Life Orientation.

Then 5 when we finally reached our new classrooms, we were given long lectures about how
we are now Seniors and what a big difference there is between Grade 9 and 10. Our new
textbooks are twice as thick as any of our Grade 9 textbooks and we were even given
homework – on the first day – in Maths!

For the first five minutes of break, everyone sat around in stunned silence until the new Grade
8s walked past with their enormous book bags and even more dazed expressions than ours.
That made us feel a bit better.

I can see Grade 10 is going to be a big challenge but I look forward to all the good times we’ll
have and to achieving all the goals I’ve set for myself, even though it’ll mean a lot of hard work.
I’ll keep you updated on my progress! 6

Your grandson 7
Sino 8

2
Notes on format:
1 The address of the sender – no abbreviations (e.g. St. for street).

2 Date.

3 Greeting using the name you would use if speaking to the person (for a friend, only
the person’s first name).

4 The first paragraph introduces the reason for writing the letter. It can be brief but
should be interesting. Do not start with “I am writing this letter because…” (or
any other variations of this.

5 Each new idea should be contained in its own paragraph.

6 The last paragraph is the conclusion of the letter and sums up your ideas.

7 End of your letter with “Love” or “Your friend” or anything else appropriate to
your relationship. There is no punctuation.

8 Write your name (as you are well-known to the person to whom you’re writing,
your surname is probably not necessary).

Note:
 Informal or friendly letters can be written in informal register. This means that
o everyday, ordinary language is used
o contractions e.g. “didn’t” may be used
o slang, texting abbreviations or smiley faces, however, should not be used
o even though the register is more informal, full sentences should still be used; in
other words, the sentence must have a subject and a finite verb e.g. “I hope you
have a great day” NOT “Hoping you have a great day.”

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Formal Letters
6 Cape Road
Newton Park
Gqeberha
6000 1
18 June 2022 2

The Postmaster 3
The South African Post Office 4
497 Jacob Mare Street
Pretoria
0001 5

Dear Sir 6

Enquiry regarding commemorative stamps 7

I request further information regarding the commemorative range of Youth Day stamps issued
by the Post Office this year on the anniversary of the Soweto Uprisings. 8

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The date is of special importance to me as my late father participated in the marches as a
young man. Consequently, a sheet of these stamps would be of special value to me. Is it
possible to purchase a sheet and if so at which Post Office should I make my enquiries?

Thank you for your attention. 10

Yours faithfully 11
S Maponyane 12
(Mr) S. Maponyane 13

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Notes on format:
1 The address of the sender – no 8 The first paragraph more fully states
abbreviations (e.g. St. for street). the purpose of the letter. Do not start
with “I am writing this letter because
2 Date. …”

3 The job title/position of the person to 9 Supply the full details with all the
whom you are writing. The title, name necessary facts. Very importantly, state
and surname of the person can also what action you require.
be used (should you know it).

4 The name of the organisation/ 10 The closing should be brief and polite.
company to which you are writing.

5 The address which would appear on 11 If you start with “Dear Sir or Madam”
the envelope. end off with “Yours faithfully”. If you
start off with the person’s title and
surname, end off with “Yours
sincerely”. There is no punctuation.
6 This greeting can also be replaced
with the person’s title and surname 12 Your signature
but this affects how you finish the
letter (see 11). 13 Your name

7 The subject heading indicates the

purpose of the letter and should be
brief. It is not written as a full
sentence. It must be underlined when
handwritten.

Note:
 Formal letters must be written in formal register. This means that
o everyday, ordinary language is replaced with more sophisticated language e.g.
“ask” becomes “enquire”
o no contractions are used e.g. “didn’t” becomes “did not”

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Formal letters: Letters of Application

6 Cape Road
Newton Park
Gqeberha
6000 1
28 February 2022 2

The Manager 3
Edgars 4
PO Box 1234
Port Elizabeth
0001 5

Dear Sir 6

Application for position of sales assistant 7

With reference to your advertisement in the Herald on 27 February 2022, I would hereby like
to apply for the position of sales assistant at the Greenacres branch of your company. 8

9
I am currently in Grade 12 at Alexander Road High School. I do the following subjects:
English Home Language, Xhosa Second Language, Life Sciences, Business Studies and Computer
Application Technology.
10
I am involved in both the cultural and sporting spheres of school life, as treasurer on the Al
Ihsaan committee, a society which raises funds for abandoned and abused babies, and as a
member of the third team in tennis. I also serve as a leader at the Sunday School of my church.
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I have always had an interest in sales and working directly with the customer. I am a highly
dedicated and committed individual who sees a task through to completion. I am trustworthy
and will perform my tasks with care and responsibility. I am very hardworking and goal-
oriented.
12
I have enclosed a full Curriculum Vitae for your perusal.

13
I can be contacted at [email protected] or at 082 123 5555 should I be required for
an interview.

Yours faithfully 14
S Maponyane 15
(Mr) S. Maponyane 16

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Notes on format:
1 The address of the sender – no 9 The second paragraph contains details
abbreviations (e.g. St. for street). of your academic information (full
details appear in your CV).
2 Date.

3 The job title/position of the person to 10 The second paragraph contains

whom you are writing. The title, name information about your involvement,
and surname of the person can also be both at school and outside of school.
used (should you know it). This should be relevant to the position
for which you are applying (indicating
leadership or responsibility etc).

4 The name of the organisation/ 11 The next paragraph speaks about the
company to which you are writing. aspects of your character that make you
suitable for a position.
5 The address which would appear on
the envelope. 12 Mention your CV

6 This greeting can also be replaced with

the person’s title and surname but this 13 Give contact details
affects how you finish the letter (see
11).

7 The subject heading indicates the 14 If you start with “Dear Sir” or “Dear
purpose of the letter – in this case Madam” end off with “Yours faithfully”.
applying for a position advertised. It is If you start off with the person’s title
not written as a full sentence. It must and surname, end off with “Yours
be underlined when handwritten. sincerely”. There is no punctuation.

8 The first paragraph more fully states 15 Your signature

the purpose of the letter. Include the
position being applied for as well as 16 Your name
where and when the job advertisement
appeared

Note:
 Letters of application are formal letters and as such must be written in formal register.
This means that
o everyday, ordinary language is replaced with more sophisticated language e.g.
“perusal”
o no contractions are used e.g. “didn’t” becomes “did not”
 The purpose of a letter of application is to ‘sell’ yourself as the best candidate for the
position. Everything you include should be done so with this purpose in mind. A
detailed (but not overly long) letter will better accomplish this purpose than one with
only the basic facts.

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Curriculum Vitae
“Curriculum Vitae” translated from the Latin means “the story of life”. It contains all relevant
information that a company or organisation might need in order to make the decision of
whether you are suitable for a position for which you have applied. Some of the information
may be referred to in the letter of application which accompanies the CV, but the CV goes
into greater detail.

Curriculum Vitae of Mary Jones 1

PERSONAL DETAILS 2

Surname and full names: Mary Susan Jones

Date of birth: 25 December 2000
Identity number: 00122500440760
Address: 7 Alexander Road, Newton Park, 2000
Contact numbers: 082 555 5555
Nationality: South African
Criminal record: No
Health: Good

FORMAL QUALIFICATIONS 3

Secondary education 4

Name of the institution: Alexander Road High School

Highest qualification obtained: Grade 11
Year of completion: 2018
Subjects: English Home Language 80%
Afrikaans First Additional 70%
Mathematics 70%
Life Sciences 65%
Business Studies 75%
Life Orientation 75%

SPORTS INVOLVEMENT 5

Hockey (Second Team) 2017-2018

CULTURAL INVOLVEMENT 6

Interact Committee 2017

LEADERSHIP INVOLVEMENT 7

Sunday school teacher 2012-2018

(Newton Park Methodist)

WORK EXPERIENCE 8

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Name and address of employer: Silver Cloud Spur
Trafalgar Centre, Cape Road
Newton Park
Date of employment: 3 March 2016 – 16 February 2018
Position: Waitron

REFEREES 9

1. Mr C. Berndt English teacher

Contact details 041-3651270

2. Dr D. McGregor School counsellor

Contact details 041-3651270

3. Mr S. Cilliers Manager (The Silver Cloud Spur)

Contact details 041-485 5555

Signed: 12 September 2018 11

10

M. Jones 12

Notes on format:
1 “Curriculum Vitae of …” should appear at the top of each page of the CV.

2 Under the heading of “Personal Details,” give your full name, ID number, address,
contact details and any other relevant personal information.

3 Under “Formal Qualifications”, give information about your educational background,

starting with your most recent grade/qualification.

4 For each qualification, include the name of the school/university, the year in which the
grade/qualification was completed, as well as the specific subjects taken. Academic
results should also be included.

5 Under “Sporting Involvement”, refer to your sporting activities. Sport involvement

indicates an ability to work in a team as well as commitment and dedication,
especially if you played for a top level team. Include the team on which you played as
well as the year(s) that you played. Give the name of the club or province if the team
was not a school team.

6 Under “Cultural Involvement”, refer to your cultural activities. Involvement in

Toastmasters, for example, indicates you have public speaking skills; being on a
committee indicates you are organised and can take leadership. Include activities that
demonstrate skills or abilities that are relevant to the position for which you are
applying. Indicate the year(s) in which you participated, as well as the name of the
organisation, if not the school.

7 Under “Leadership Involvement”, refer to any leadership positions you were given,
including the year(s) you occupied the position and the name of the organisation, if
not the school.
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 8 Provide details of any work experience you have, including the name of the
company/organisation, the exact duration and the nature of the work. Almost any
work experience is relevant when you are at the beginning of your work career, as it
shows another company found you suitable to work for them.

9 Referees are people who have agreed to speak to potential employers about you.
They should be people who have come to know you through your education, your
sporting, cultural and leadership involvement, or past work experience, not a friend
or family member. Their contact details must be given.

10 Sign to show that the information provided is accurate.

11 Include the date. Your CV should be updated on a regular basis.

12 Below the signature, give your name.

Note:
 It is very important that your CV is neatly laid out, in a way that the information is easy
to take in.
 As a CV is a business document, the language used should be business-like and the
register should be formal.

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Emails
An email is a form of electronic communication. Its content is very similar to a letter but the
layout is different.

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1

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3

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5

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Notes on format:
1 Start with the sender’s email address. Under “From” write your email address.

2 Then under “To” write the email address of the person to whom you are writing.

3 Under “Cc” (carbon copy), write the email address of anyone else whom you think
should receive the email. “Bcc” (blind carbon copy) can be used if you want someone
to receive a copy of the email without the person addressed knowing. In most cases
these two fields can be left blank.

4 Under “Subject” write a brief title for your email to give the receiver an idea of what
the email is about

5 In the body of the email, you start the email with a salutation (greeting). This can be
formal or informal, depending on the purpose and audience of your email (see Note
below).

6 Your first paragraph is the introduction. Do not repeat a greeting. Give a more detailed
description of the reason you are writing the email.

7 The body of the email must be split into paragraphs, just as a letter is. Each new idea
must be contained in its own paragraph.

8 The final paragraph is the conclusion. In this paragraph, you end off your email.

9 Your email ends with your final greeting. This can be “Love” or “Regards” or, in more
formal situations, “Yours sincerely”

10 End with your name. If you are writing to someone well-known to you, you may use
only your first name. If you are writing to someone who is not well-known to you, use
your first name and surname.

Note:
As with all writing, you must carefully consider the purpose and audience of your email when
deciding on what content to include and kind of language to use. If you are writing for business
purposes to someone with whom you are not familiar, it is best to use formal language.

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Instructions
Instructions can take a few different forms, for example recipes, how-tos, directions to a place
or instruction manuals for devices, or even tips or suggestions for activities like studying for
exams.

Rice in the microwave 1

Ingredients: 2
1 cup rice
3 cups water
1 teaspoon salt

Utensils:
Large microwave-safe bowl
Plate
Spoon to stir
3
 Place the rice, water and salt in the bowl.
 Cover the bowl with the plate as if it were a lid.
 Put the covered bowl into the microwave.
 Cook on high for 10 minutes.
 Take the plate off and microwave for a further six minutes or until the water has
completely evaporated, stirring occasionally.
 Serves four.
Notes on format:
1 The title of the recipe

2 Include measurements e.g. teaspoon, grams

3 Steps can be in bullets or numbered.

4 Always nice to know.

How to put your own fortune into a fortune cookie 1

Materials:
1 Fortune cookie, available at most Chinese take-away shops
A serviette
A slip of wax paper on which the new fortune has been written
2
 Remove the fortune cookie from the wrapper by neatly cutting the plastic wrapper on
one side.
 Fold open the serviette and moisten it, without soaking it.
 Place the fortune cookie on a plate, covered with the moistened serviette.
 Microwave on high for 30 seconds.
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 Working quickly, remove the serviette and untwist the fortune cookie.
 Remove the original fortune and replace with your own.
 Twist the fortune cookie back into shape.
 Allow to stand until it has hardened once more.
 Put the fortune cookie back into the wrapper and seal as neatly as possible with sticky
tape.
Notes on format:
1 The title of the instruction indicates what skill you will learn or project you will
complete

2 Steps should be written in the order that you will do them.

Directions to the Heart from the Auditorium 1

 From the entrance of the Auditorium 2, walk down the slope in the direction of the
pool.
 When you reach the wall around the pool 3, turn right and walk all the way along the
school building. You will pass the covered cement stands on your right and the
cricket/rugby field on your left.
 Next to the cement stands is a door. Go through the door and climb the flight of stairs.
 At the top of the stairs, turn left to enter the Heart.

Notes on format:
1 The title indicates the destination

2 Say what the starting point is

3 Use landmarks (sights that are familiar to everybody that will help the reader know if he
is going in the right direction)

Note:
 Instructions are written in the imperative mood, which is when the type of sentence
used is mostly commands e.g. turn right at the traffic light.
 It is important that instructions are easy to follow and logical.

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Dialogues
A dialogue is a conversation between two or more people, written in a special form. It is
written like a play and follows definite rules in the way it is set out and punctuated.

1
It is a Monday morning. The class works quietly under the stern gaze of Mr Barth.
Suddenly a loud sound disturbs the peace and all heads turn in the direction of the culprit.
2

Mr Barth: 3 (as a question) 4 Brandon?

Brandon: (with feigned innocence) Yes, Sir? 5

6
Mr Barth levels a scathing look at the boy.

Mr Barth: (sarcastically) If it wouldn’t be a bother, would you care to explain the

disruption?

Notes on format:
1 Always start with a paragraph that sets the scene for the reader. Note that dialogues
are written in present tense, as if the action is taking place as the reader is reading.

2 Leave a line between each paragraph and between each speaker. This is to make it
clearer for the reader.

3 Each time a character speaks, their name is written on the left followed by a colon.
The exact words spoken (known as the A-text) follow the colon. Note that no
quotation marks/inverted commas are used.

4 The words in brackets following the character’s name indicate how the sentence is
spoken or what action accompanies the speech. This, along with the setting and the
action, is known as the B-text.

5 Each sentence is usually a response to the previous sentence.

6 Action describes what is happening in the scene. Action is written as a paragraph

separate from what is being said.

Note:
 The tone and language used in the dialogue will depend on the relationship between the
two speakers and topic of discussion.
 A good dialogue will sound authentic, like a conversation that could actually have taken
place between the particular people. It should not sound made-up.
 In the course of the dialogue, there should be a crisis, a process of solving the crisis and
a build-up to the resolution of the crisis (a bit like the stages of a narrative).

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Diary entries
A diary entry is a record of a person’s thoughts and feelings about significant events in their
day-to-day life.

Dear Diary 1 7 July 2019 2

I can’t believe I had to go 3 to school today even though it is my birthday – all my birthdays so
far have been in the holidays. I asked mom to let me stay at home, but I knew she would say
no. She doesn’t even let me stay at home when I’m sick. She just asks me if I threw up. If I say
“no” she says I’m obviously well enough to go to school then. And if I say “yes” then she says
now I must feel much better and sends me off anyway.
4
At least I got to spend the whole day with Ethan and Lukhanyo. There were no birthday
balloons waiting for me outside of class – we don’t do birthday balloons – but Ethan bought me
the latest Rick Riordin release and Lukhanyo gave me earphones (mine finally gave up the ghost
two weeks ago and I just don’t have the cash to buy new ones, even those really cheap ones at
Clicks). Now I can finally listen to the latest GOT7 album without mom asking me about the
title of every song.

The whole day was kind of a let-down 5 because it just didn’t feel like my birthday. But when I
got home, mom had got sushi and she even baked a mostly edible cake. We ate watching
Knives Out on Netflix. It’s not really my kind of movie, but watching it with mom turned out to
be kind of fun.

Next year will be better – I turn 16 in 2020. I’ll have a huge party and invite everyone, even the
people I don’t really know.
6
Maybe then Shayn will notice that I exist.

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Notes on format:
1 You can start a diary entry with “Dear Diary” but this is not essential. You could just
start writing too – choose the option that you feel is most authentic for you/your
character.

2 Including the date is essential. A diary is a record of day-to-day events, and including
the date can make it easier to understand what was going on in your life at that time
when you look back at it later in life.

3 Write in first person and in past tense (when talking about past events). A diary entry
is from your/your character’s perspective.

4 Write in paragraphs, with each paragraph containing its own main idea

5 A diary entry includes the highlights of what happened that day, but it is also important
to write your/your character’s thoughts and feelings about what happened.

6 Your diary entry should have a definite beginning, middle and end.

Note:
 A diary entry can be written in informal language, because it is a personal reflection of a
day’s events.
 When writing from a character’s perspective, try to reflect their personality in your
choice about what you write and how you write.

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 Articles: Newspaper reports
A newspaper report is normally written on a very recent, newsworthy event. It is written in a
factual and informative style.

Family held hostage

in home
Neighbour charged for house invasion
By Beth Cooper had allegedly complained about the garden
A FAMILY of five was held at gunpoint in ornament, a gnome fishing, repeatedly,
their Newton Park home yesterday saying it looked “ugly” and was an eyesore
morning after their neighbour allegedly in the neighbourhood.
forced his way in, demanding that they When the family ignored his complaints,
remove an ornament from their garden. police believe he decided to take matters
John Smith, 76, was arrested at the scene into his own hands.
by police officers alerted to the family’s “I would never have believed that John
plight through a text message sent by the was capable of this,” said Edmund Burrel,
15-year-old daughter to a friend. father of the family.
Police arrived to find Mr Smith holding the The family was treated for shock.
family in the bathroom. The case against Mr Smith will be heard in
According to police spokesperson, the Gqeberha magistrate court on 9
Ms Sandra Jansen-Van Rensburg, Mr Smith February.

Notes on format:
1 Brief striking headline, which gives an indication of the content of the article. May use
alliteration (here, the ‘h’ sound), puns or assonance.

2 Explanatory subtitle, also brief, but gives slightly more information than the headline.
Links the headline to the article.

3 The byline gives the reporter’s name.

4 The first few words in the body of the article are highlighted in bold and/or capital
letters.

5 The first paragraph answers the questions who, what, where, when and why. It contains
the most important and basic facts of the article.

6 When first spoken of, a person’s full name is not given, unless they are very well known.
Instead, the person is referred to by their role (actor, father, mayor etc).

7 All are innocent until proven guilty, so avoid convicting someone in your article before a
court of law does. Use the word “alleged” or “allegedly” to describe the crime.

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8 The full name is given for the first time at this point of the article.

9 Any unproven explanatory remarks or opinions must be put into quotation marks. You
may not give your own opinion.

10 Refer to a person by their title (Mr, Mrs, Ms etc) after the first mention of their whole
name.

11 Information becomes more detailed, but less important as the article progresses.
Interesting information should be given near the beginning as many readers will not
finish reading the article.

12 Paragraphs are short and usually only consist of one or two sentences. No lengthy or
‘poetic’ descriptions should be included.

13 Newspaper reports nearly always include quotations in direct speech to give authenticity
and credibility to the article. Avoid putting other people’s statements in your own
words where possible.

14 The least important information goes at the end, because if a newspaper report is too
long editors will cut the ending.

Note:
 An objective perspective must be given – the journalist should not include his or her own
reaction or feelings about the events nor should the report include any emotional
statements (unless they are quotes of statements of people involved)
 The language used should be formal – no contractions
 First person pronouns (like I or we) or second person pronouns (you) are not used
(unless they are part of a quote) – the report must be written in third-person.

19
Articles: Reviews
A review is an article which appears in a newspaper and is a personal response to a movie. It is
based on the writer’s understanding of the different factors that play a role in making a movie
enjoyable or worthwhile seeing. Ultimately, the review should give its readers an idea of
whether or not they should watch the movie under review.

The Giver Teaches What Humanity Has Forgotten 1

 2
The Giver 3 Directed by Philip Noyce. Starring Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep, Katie Holmes,
Brenton Thwaites, Odeya Rush and Taylor Swift 4

The Giver is a teen morning. Sure, they've these events of the past,
dystopia 5 based on the sacrificed choice and cutting back to Jonas startled
novel by author Lois individuality, but at least and heavy with the weight of
Lowry, published in 1993, there's no fear, no hate, what he's just learned, but
before the genre was no envy, no violence and his use of colour 10 to
poularised by novels such no risk. It seems like a represent Jonas’ awakening
as The Hunger Games. Not utopia. as he secretly cuts back on
as fast-paced and flashy6 his meds, is very clever,
as the adaptations of the But the teenage leading to the revelation that
more recent novels, the protagonist, Jonas his childhood friend, Fiona
film in its simplicity (Brenton Thwaites) 9 is (Odeya Rush), has gorgeous
captures the feeling of a learning what they've lost. red hair.
society which has He's been appointed the
sacrificed what makes us Keeper of Memories — What's Jonas going to do
human for safety and the person appointed to about all he learns? You
sameness. 7 remember the past to be can probably guess,
able to advise the leaders despite the town elder's
8 of the present — and his (Meryl Streep) caution
The story is set in the
trainer, the outgoing that "when people have
future after humanity has
Keeper (Jeff Bridges), is the freedom to choose,
done something so awful that
responsible for giving him they choose wrong every
our descendants decided to
the memories of the good single time." But teens and
wipe it from memory. They
and bad of what mankind preteens who choose to
live in a climate-controlled
has lost: crowd-surfing buy tickets to The Giver,
community, free from
and Tiananmen Square an imperfect but charming
weather and animals – a
and polar bears film, could choose much,
stuffed toy elephant is
mistakenly thought to be a
and Nelson Mandela much worse. 11
raising a fist.
mythical hippo, a speedy
Director Phillip Noyce AMY NICHOLSON 12
beast with five legs. To keep
(Patriot Games) uses a few
the peace, everyone's mood
is medicated in the too many montages 10 of

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Notes on format:
1 Because a review is a newspaper article, it should have a headline. This should never
merely be the title of the movie, but should be a headline-style summary of the review
(i.e. the reviewer’s opinion of the movie).

2 Whether it consists of a five-star score or a numerical score out of 10, the rating gives
the reader an at-a-glance impression of how “good” the movie is

3 The rating is followed by the title of the movie (underline or, if typed, in italics).

4 The title of the movie is followed by the full names of the main actors as well as the
director.

5 The opening paragraph should refer to the genre of the film.

6 Adjectives should be used to convey the reviewer’s impressions.

7 The opening paragraph clearly states the writer’s opinion of the movie.

8 A review must outline the basic premise of the movie, without talking in detail about
the plot and giving away the ending.

9 When mentioning the characters in the film, link them to the actors who portrayed
them by giving their names in brackets.

10 The review must mention and explain the aspects of the movie that contributed to the
reviewer’s opinion, like casting, screenplay, plot, music or special effects.

11 The concluding paragraph reiterates the reviewer’s overall impression of the movie, and
could include a recommendation about whether the readers should see the movie, or
who would likely enjoy the movie.

12 The review should end with the reviewer’s name in capitals.

Note: the format of a movie review could easily be adapted to a novel. Instead of a cast, the
name of the author and publishing house would be used.

21
Speeches
Speeches must be written to be heard, as opposed to read. You need to write a speech in a way
that keeps the attention of an audience. There are certain types of speeches, and each type has
certain characteristics.

Types of Speeches:
 Informative speeches inform your audience about a topic, event, or area of knowledge.
Most of the orals you have done in high school are informative speeches.
Possible topics: The First Heart Transplant; Teenage Drinking; Air Travel
 Instructional speeches tell your audience how to do something.
Possible topics: How to Shape Perfect Eyebrows; How to Stand on Your Head; How to
Take Over the World.
 Persuasive speeches attempt to convince or persuade the audience. Debaters would use
this style as they rely on being able to argue and persuade listeners that their side deserves
to win. Persuasive speeches might also use propaganda techniques such as statistics and half-
truths. The speaker may also use a strong voice and serious tone to get their points across
more effectively.
Possible topics: Blood donation should be compulsory; Teachers should be older than 30;
Creativity decreases as you get older; Fairy tales are dangerous
 Finally, speeches are also common at special occasions such as weddings, prize-givings
and assemblies.
 Some speeches are written purely for entertainment.
Possible topics (entertainment): Marshmallows should be a food group; Life is like a dirty
classroom; Books should be shorter; Can potatoes predict the future?

Angelina Dukic is a Grade 5 student at King's College in Caledon, Canada. Her speech on bullying was
selected as the winner in the school's speech contest. Mayor Allan Thompson was a judge and chose
the winning speech.
1
Bullying is a topic that has been exercised and entertained millions of times yet still remains a
hot topic and causes death among teenagers, depression in the workplace, it has even been
pinpointed as a cause for wars and genocides.
2
So what is the definition? 3 The definition of bullying is when an individual or a group of
people with more power, repeatedly and intentionally cause hurt or harm to another person
or group of people who feel helpless to respond. While the bullying definition is broad and can
occur in a variety of environments it usually is a relationship problem and requires relationship-
based solutions. Those who bully are more likely to feel like their friendships and family
relationships aren’t very secure. They are more likely to feel like those who are closest to
them make them do things that they don’t feel comfortable doing and aren’t very supportive or
loving.
2
Let’s look at some hard facts that occur as a result of bullying. 3 Suicide is the third leading
cause of death among young people, resulting in about 4,400 deaths per year, according to
Canada statistics. For every suicide among young people, there are at least 100 suicide
attempts. Over 14 per cent of high school students have considered suicide, and almost seven
per cent have attempted it. Bullying victims are between two to nine times more likely to
consider suicide than non-victims, according to studies by Yale University. Our research shows
that those who have experienced bullying are twice as likely to go on and bully others. 4 Often
it’s used as a defence mechanism and people tend to believe that by bullying others, they will
become immune to being bullied themselves. In fact, it just becomes a vicious cycle of negative
behaviour.
22
2
Knowing what we know now we have to ask ourselves two very important questions: 3 How
can we help those who are bullied and how can we equally help those who bully so that
ultimately we can stop bullying? Do not define people by their nationality, race, and economic
status. Create a culture of belonging where everyone feels comfortable, welcomed, accepted
and happy. Stop judging and stereotyping! If you are a friend, educator, parent or sibling,
commit to becoming a good listener. When someone has been bullied or is experiencing a
difficult time in their life listen, listen, listen — even at the expense of having to put duct tape
to your mouth. You may not have the solution but you have two ears and one mouth for a
reason — listen empathetically, acknowledge someone’s feelings. Instead of focusing on their
actions focus on their feelings. It is the only way that a person can develop trust and start to
open up to the possibility of finding solutions. Small steps.
5
Before saying or doing something ask yourself — is this going to make someone feel better? Is
it going to enhance the quality of their life? What is it inside of us that makes us think that
putting someone down is going to increase our worth value and make us look more liked and
important? Be the change you want to see today. Because the best time to make a difference is
RIGHT NOW!
Adapted from: https://www.caledonenterprise.com/opinion-story/8634614-10-year-old-s-
speech-on-bullying-wins-king-s-college-competition/ [accessed 26 June 2020]

Notes on format:
1 In your introduction, outline what the topic of the speech is. Capture attention your
audience’s attention by using a rhetorical question, a random observation or a very
controversial statement. Your audience will decide based on your introduction if your
speech is worth listening to.

2 The body of your speech will have about three main points, each with examples or
supporting evidence. When writing your speech, start each new main point in a new
paragraph.

3 Use “signposts” at the beginning of each new point to indicate that you are moving on
to a new section of the speech. This will give your speech a good “flow”.

4 Statistics are also good for making your speech convincing. Be careful when using statistics
not to overwhelm your audience with a lot of figures.

5 Finally, your conclusion sums up the idea you want the audience to leave with. Be
careful of merely repeating what you have already said. You may decide to end with a
quote, question or strong statement for impact.

Note:
 The tone of the speech should match the occasion. A speech given at a formal occasion
will be written in formal register, while a speech at a more relaxed event can be more
informal.

23
Agendas
An agenda is a document distributed before a meeting which both gives notice of the meeting
as well as the topics that will be discussed at the meeting.

Notice of a meeting to be held by the Interact Society in PB01 on 18 August 2022 at 2:30. 1

AGENDA 2
3
1. Welcome / opening
2. Members present
3. Apologies 4
4. Minutes of previous meeting 5
5. Matters arising from the minutes
6. Discussion topics 6
6.1. Funds raised
6.2. Future suitable charities
6.3. Ideas for spending money raised
7. General
8. Closing

Notes on format:
1 Includes the name of the group, venue, date and time

2 After the notice, use the heading “Agenda”

3 Each point is numbered

4 Any person who has sent an excuse for their absence at the meeting

5 The minutes of the previous meeting should be signed off as correct and any issues
raised from the minutes discussed

6 The reason for the meeting, broken up into sub-points

Note:
 An agenda is sent to members of the group before the meeting takes place

24
Minutes
The minutes of a meeting are a detailed record of the discussion that took place at a meeting.
The minutes mirror the agenda which was distributed before the meeting took place. Minutes
are normally drawn up by the secretary of the organisation/committee based on the notes
taken by them during the meeting.

Minutes of the meeting of the Interact Society

in PB01 on 18 August 2022 at 2:30 1
2
1. G. Sass opened 3 the meeting and welcomed all present.
2. Members present: All but one of the 15 members were present including board
members
3. Apologies: J. J. Nieuwerth was unable to attend due to a hockey match
4. C. Naidoo proposed that the minutes of the previous meeting were correct and T.
Matthews seconded the proposal and all voted in favour of accepting the minutes.
5. There were no matters arising from the minutes.
6. Discussion:
6.1. Funds raised:
6.1.1. S. Niekerk (board member) said that of the funds raised from all the Interact activities,
i.e. the cake sale, cultural evening and civvies day, a portion should be used by the
committee members for an event and to one last charity of their choice for the year.
6.1.2. A vote was taken and the majority of the committee members agreed.
6.2. Future suitable charities:
6.2.1. It was suggested 4 that this be discussed at the next meeting and that the committee
members should put forward ideas for suitable charities and/or homes.
6.3. Ideas for spending money raised:
6.3.1. A braai (fellowship)
6.3.1.1. E. van Wyk proposed that the money be used for the wood, coal and cooldrinks but
everyone should bring their own meat. 5
6.3.2. An outing to the beach
6.3.2.1. It was agreed that the money be used for the transportation only and everyone would
bring something for a “bring and share” picnic.
6.3.3. A vote was taken, with four voting for a braai and 10 for an outing to the beach. It was
decided that the date for the outing would be set at the next meeting.
7. General: T. Burger asked when the badges would be ready and how much they would
cost. S. Goliath (board member) said it would be confirmed at a later date.
8. There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was declared closed at 3:30.

_____________________________ _______________
Chairman 6 Date

25
Notes on format:
1 Includes the name of the group, venue, date and time of the meeting

2 Each point is numbered and corresponds to the item on the agenda

3 Minutes are written in past tense as they are a record of a meeting that has already taken
place

4 As minutes are a form of a report, first or second person pronouns should not be used.
Some sentences will therefore need to be written in passive voice.

5 Be as detailed about the discussion as possible.

6 Minutes must be dated and signed by the Chairman after they are voted correct at the
next meeting.

Note:
 The minutes of a meeting are an official document and should therefore be written in a
formal, business-like style. Do not make use of informal language, such as contractions.
 Use third person; passive voice can be used to avoid using first person (e.g. “It was
decided” … rather than “We decided …”)

26
Sample topics
The following topics were taken from assessments.

FRIENDLY LETTER

One day at school, you felt very sick and one of your teachers went out of their way to
help you. Write a friendly letter to the teacher in which you thank them for what they
did for you.
[25]
FORMAL LETTER

Write a formal letter to the Minister of Education, Ms Angelina Motshekga, in which

you urge her to launch an anti-bullying campaign in South African schools. In your
letter, provide suggestions for the campaign.

Address your letter to:

Ms Angelina Motshekga
Minister of Education
PO Box 136
Pretoria
6000 [25]

FORMAL LETTER

You would like to audition / try out for an activity you want to participate in (e.g. choir,
first team, the Musical, the school newspaper committee). Write an email to the
teacher-in-charge in which you ask for the opportunity to audition / try out and explain
why you are suited to it.

Address your letter to:

Mr B. Hermanus
Teacher-in-charge
PO Box 136
Newton Park
Gqeberha
6000 [25]

EMAIL

Write an email to a teacher or coach of your choice in which you thank them for the
difference they have made in your life. Make sure you use the correct format and that
the language you use is suited to the person to whom you are writing. [25]

27
INSTRUCTIONS

Write the instructions for covering your school books in clear plastic. Include a list of
the required materials and tools that will be needed, as well as tips to make the process
easier and avoid common problems. [25]

INSTRUCTIONS

Your family is having a thanksgiving dinner in celebration of the year nearing its end
and you have been tasked with preparing the dessert for the dinner. Write the
instructions for preparing and serving the dessert. [25]

INSTRUCTIONS

Your cousin, who is in Grade 4, must prepare an oral for English on their own for the
first time, and you have been asked to help. Write detailed step-by-step instructions
for them on how to go about preparing for an oral. [25]

DIALOGUE

Two friends are walking home together from school when they see a mysterious
pathway which they have never noticed before. One friend wants to follow the path to
see where it goes. Write the dialogue of the conversation that takes place between the
two friends. Make sure that your dialogue includes an introductory paragraph setting
the scene as well as B-text (the action or tone of voice with which the character
speaks). [25]

DIARY ENTRIES

You have been struggling to make a decision about which subjects to choose for Grade
10. Write one diary entry about your difficulty in choosing AND one diary entry after
your appointment with Dr McGregor to ask for his advice. [25]

NEWSPAPER REPORT

On 26 August, Alex celebrated its 67th birthday with a host of fun activities on Founder’s
Day. Write a newspaper report about the day to be published in the school
newspaper, the AlexPress. [25]

SPEECH

The mayor of Gqeberha, Mr Nqaba Bhanga, has urged all residents to save water to
avoid Day Zero in the city. Write a speech to raise awareness of the importance of
saving water, which you would deliver to the school as part of a special assembly. [25]

28
AGENDA & MINUTES

The agenda below was received by all members of the RCL executive committee, of
which you are a member. Write the minutes of the meeting that will serve as a record of
the discussions that took place at the meeting.

NOTICE OF THE MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF

THE REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL OF LEARNERS ON 26
OCTOBER 2022 IN GB011 AT 7:40AM.

AGENDA

1. Welcome and opening

2. Members present
3. Apologies
3.1. Acceptance of the minutes of the previous
meeting
4. Discussion topics:
4.1. Proposal for a new facility to be built at Alex
4.2. Suggestions for a fundraising event for the school
5. Closing [25]

29
Transactional rubric

30