WRITING (shorter texts)

1.

CV and covering letter

The local branch of your S.P.C.A. has a vacancy for a part time assistant over the weekends. You enjoy working with animals and want to earn some extra money to help pay for your tertiary studies. Apply for this job. 2. Interview You are asked to do an interview for Talkradio 245 with a local animal activist. This person believes all experiments on animals should be banned. Write out the interview. 3. Magazine article Write a magazine article on animal experiments under the heading: Millions live in pain only to die in vain.

LISTENING ACTIVITY (Fact and opinion) Record an advertisement from a local radio station. Ensure it is one with a balance between fact and opinion. Instruct the learners to listen to the advertisement and write down information under the following heading: Fact 1. 2. 1. 2. etc. Opinion

GLOBAL WARMING: A WARNING FOR THE GLOBE? 1. Planet Earth's current warming trend is based largely on natural warming and cooling cycles that have been happening for eons as well as human-caused additions to greenhouse gases, which are boosting the ability of the atmosphere to trap heat in the biosphere. The greenhouse effect is the term that is being used by environmentalists. 2. Have you ever seen a greenhouse? Most greenhouses look like a small glass house. They are used for growing plants, especially in winter. Greenhouses work by trapping heat from the sun. The glass panels of the greenhouse let in light, but keep heat from escaping. This causes the greenhouse to heat up, much like the inside of a car parked in sunlight, and keeps the plants warm enough to live in the winter. The Earths atmosphere is all around us. It is the air that we breathe. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere (water vapour, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane, for example) behave much like the glass panes in a greenhouse. Sunlight enters the Earth's atmosphere, passing through the blanket of greenhouse gases. As it reaches the Earth's surface, land, water, and biosphere absorb the energy of the sunlight. Once absorbed, this energy is sent back into the atmosphere. Some of the energy passes back into space, but much of it remains trapped in the atmosphere by the greenhouse gases, causing our world to heat up. Without these gases, heat would escape back into space and Earths average temperature would be about 28 C colder. Because of how they warm our world, these gases are referred to as greenhouse gases. Minor factors like an overall increase in the sun's solar intensity play a smaller role. 3. While greenhouse gases are an essential component of a liveable planetthey are what keeps Earth from being a lifeless ball of ice humans are causing greenhouse gas levels to increase so quickly that it is causing the average global temperature to rise much faster than it would naturally. 4. This warming is predicted to lead to a variety of negative effects, including: Melting (and possible disappearance) of glaciers and mountain snow caps that feed the world's rivers and supply a large portion of the fresh water used for drinking and irrigation.

A rise in sea levels due to the melting of the land-based ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica, with many islands and coastal areas ending up more exposed to storm damage or even underwater. Increasingly costly "bad weather" events such as heat waves, droughts, floods, and severe storms. Lowered agricultural productivity due to less favourable weather conditions, less available irrigation water, increased heat stress to plants, and an increase in pest activity due to warmer temperatures. Increases in vector-borne infectious diseases like malaria. Large numbers of extinctions of higher-level species due to their inability to adapt to rapidly changing climate and habitat conditions.

(extract from article downloaded on 3 November 2007 from http://epa.gov)

A.

QUESTION 1 (Comprehension) 1.1 1.2 The headline of the article uses the word globe. What word could have been used instead of this? Is the following statement TRUE or FALSE? Quote five consecutive words from paragraph 1 to prove your answer. Natural warming and cooling of the earth is a fairly recent occurrence. 1.3 1.4 Write down two consecutive words from paragraph 1 which explain why the greenhouse effect has increased over the years, thus warming the earths surface and the lower atmosphere. Look at the prefix in the word biosphere ( paragraph 1). This prefix means relating to or (2) (2) (1)

using living things. 1.4.1 1.4.2 1.5 1.6 1.7 What does the word biosphere mean? Write down two other words with this prefix. (2) (2) (2)

Why do greenhouses have glass panels? Greenhouses are more commonly found in the Northern Hemisphere. Why is this? The greenhouse gases are compared to the glass panes of a greenhouse. Give the two main points of comparison. Start your sentence with: They both .

(2) (2) (1) (3) (2) (2) (2) (2) (1) (3) /30/

1.8 1.9 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16

Carbon dioxide is one example of a gas in the atmosphere. What is the biggest cause of excess carbon dioxide in cities? Sunlight enters the Earths atmosphere, passing through the blanket of greenhouse gases. Is the underlined section an example of a simile or a metaphor? Is the following statement TRUE or FALSE? Give a reason for your answer. Greenhouse gases do have a positive effect on the earth. Explain in your own words why glaciers are so important to us. Explain why so many of the coastal areas are in danger as a result of global warming? Explain clearly why bad weather like heat waves or droughts is costly to us. In your own words, give two reasons for the possible extinction of some species. What do the letters CSI stand for? What is the message in the cartoon?

QUESTION 2 (summary) Read through the extract from Mercury Rising. In no more than 60 words, THINGS THAT WE CAN DO TO HELP FIGHT GLOBAL WARMING. INSTRUCTIONS: List 7 things you can do in full sentences. Number your sentences from 1 to 7. Write down only ONE fact per line. Use your own words as far as possible. Indicate the number of words you have used in brackets at the end of your summary. You will be penalised for exceeding the maximum number of words or failing to indicate the number of words used.

MERCURY RISING The future of our Earth is at stake. The serious reality of global warming adds to the ever-growing list of worries: AIDS, crime, poverty and now this. I plan to help in the fight against global warming. This goal WILL affect my life and my decisions, as I try to put into practice some suggested ways to slow down this problem. Here are a few things that we can do every day to help fight global warming. When purchasing appliances, look for ones that are energy efficient. Similarly, when purchasing a car, ones that are fuel-efficient can help. Instead of driving alone, join a car pool. Not only will these steps be helping the environment, you will probably also save some money. It is important to speak out and make people aware of whats happening. Even people who dont believe in global warming should agree that these measures would help the world in general. Using fluorescent bulbs instead of the usual incandescent ones can help. While normal bulbs waste about 80% of the energy used on heat, fluorescent bulbs run cold, saving the energy otherwise wasted on heating. Initially they could cost more, but in the long run they use less energy and last longer, and end up saving you money. Try to use renewable energy wherever possible. An easy way to save energy is to close curtains earlier in winter. This keeps the heat in for longer during the evening, reducing the need for heaters. Why not wear an extra jersey instead of switching the heater on? Increasing insulation in the ceiling also retains heat. Hot water boilers connected to automatic timers also save energy. Instead of running for 24 hours, they can be switched on for just a few hours in the morning and evening. This is effective, because the water actually does stay hot for quite a while, so it is not really necessary for the boiler to be on all day. The problem of global warming is real, and we should be worried about it. Even if the world is becoming aware of the growing crisis, will we be able to save our planet before its too late? Time will tell.
(Extract from Mercury Rising by Aneesa Bodiat downloaded from www.rssa.uct.ac.za on 3 November 2007)

QUESTION 3 (language in context)

3.1

Complete the following passage by:

giving the correct form of the word in brackets, or

supplying the missing word, or choosing the correct alternative.

Heal the Planet by Living a Sustainable Lifestyle - 21 September 2007

Our sick planet deserves our immediate action. This is according to The 11th Hour, a 3.1.1 (document) narrated and produced 3.1.2 ( ) Leonardo di Caprio, recently presented as an exclusive preview by the Natural & Organic Products Exhibition (The movie is not scheduled to open in South Africa until 16 November, 2007). Using a compelling collage of images and commentary, the film points to the opportunity for the 3.1.3 (current/currant) generation to help 3.1.4 ( heel/heal) the planet. While warning viewers that we have a limited amount of time in order to repair our damaged 3.1.5 ( ), The 11th Hour offers a message of hope. Exploring how humanity 3.1.6 (has/have) arrived at 3.1.7(its/ its) 11th hour or the last moment when change 3.1.8 (is/are) possible the film outlines how 3.1.9 (mankinds/mankinds) activities during its short time on the planet 3.1.10 (has/have) disrupted the delicate balance that 3.1.11 (make/makes) life on Earth possible, as well as what we 3.1.12 (can/may) do to reduce our impact on the environment. The 11th Hour is a call to action to reconsider how we live and what we eat; all to the benefit of our planet, observes David Wolstenholme, Exhibition Director. We have a shared responsibility - wherever we live and whatever we do to live sustainable lifestyles. 3.1.13 (Sustain) living means balancing today's needs with the needs of future generations of life 3.1.14 ( ) the Earth. Fortunately, South Africans are the 3.1.15 (much) concerned 3.1.16 ( ) climate change and its effects, according to a recent survey by Synovate among respondents in 21 countries. It would follow then that local consumers are open to various lifestyle changes to improve the health of our planet and encourage others to do the same. (16)

(Extract from article downloaded on 7 November 2007 from www.enviropaedia.com)

3.2 3.2.1

Study the cartoon on the left. Rewrite the womans words in indirect (reported) speech. Start with: The woman said that (2)

3.2.2

Complete the sentence: An exclamation mark (!) has been used twice in the cartoon to emphasise the womans (2)

3.3 3.3.1 3.3.2 3.3.3

Complete the following sentences: We should encourage others to make lifestyle changes to improve the health of our planet and ___________ people from polluting the environment. The words The 11th Hour have been typed in italics because ______________ . Someone who watches The 11th hour in the cinema is called a viewer. Someone who watches a football match is called a ___________ . (3)

QUESTION 4
A.

4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4

What is organic food? Write out the full form of the word theres. There is a punctuation error in the last sentence. Write out this sentence correctly. farmers market- is this a market selling the produce of one farmer or of many farmers? (4)
http://tiki.oneworld.net

B. 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 What product does this company sell? What do we call the type of graph that the man is holding? What else confirms that the company is doing well? What character trait is the man demonstrating when he shows is happy about selling more of his product?
(4)

he

C. 4.8 4.9 4.10 What do you think the word ECO stands for? What colour paper do you think the newspaper has been printed on? (hint: not white) Explain clearly how the print has been used to bring out the most important word in the penguins question. What colour do you think this word has been printed in? 4.11 In what way will the penguin be affected by the fact that the world getting hotter? (5)
http://tiki.oneworld.net

is

QUESTION 5 Read the passage below and then answer the questions that follow.
Thin Ice (by Mark Bowen) Unlocking the Secrets of Climate in the World's Highest Mountains Climatologist, Lonnie Thompson, has been risking his life on the highest, most remote mountain ice caps in search of clues to the history of climate change. Thompson collects ice cores that provide detailed information about climate history, reaching back 750,000 years. Scientist and expert climber Mark Bowen joined Thompson's crew on several expeditions, and in Thin Ice he takes the reader deep inside retreating glaciers to unravel the mysteries of climateand the earth's probable future.

5.1

What do we call this form of writing? Mention one piece of evidence you have for this?

5.2 5.3

What is the purpose of this writing? Where do you think one would find this type of writing? (4) /40/

Read the passage Wildlife SOS and then answer the questions that follow.

WILDLIFE S.O.S.
At a dinner party the other night I found myself in rather heavyweight company. There was a former ambassador to the United Nations, a financial director and a number of people from the legal profession. So there I was, desperately trying to hold my own in such company when a charming Frenchman with wonderful crinkly eyes came to my rescue. No sooner had we struck up a conversation than we discovered a mutual passion for snorkelling. Enthusiastically I told him about my recent trip to Sodwana, about the miles and miles of clean warm sea, the endless beaches and towering dunes fringed with lush forest, about the rocky reefs which form a Disneyland playground for myriads of colourful tropical fish. I must have been waxing poetic because, when I paused for breath, I found all talk of international finance and politics had died and the whole table was hanging on to my every word. "So," said the ex-ambassador. "You love nature. You haven't touched the wild duck on your plate, yet you're wearing leather shoes. What's the difference between killing a leopard for its fur or a cow for its skin?" That started a round table (literally) of opinions ranging from the logical to the purely emotional. An attractive blonde insisted that it was wrong for man to enjoy killing. I had to admit that one of the most horrific places I've visited was the tannery at Maun, a slaughterhouse reeking of death, full of the ugly corpses of what, only a short time before, had been living creatures. Furthermore, I've never been happy about guests at game reserves tucking into impala steaks, buffalo stew and warthog bredie immediately after a day spent admiring their dinner on the hoof. But I know and accept the fact that culling is an essential part of wildlife management; that the minute you put up a fence and cut off the natural migration paths of wild animals you have to control the numbers of each species your enclosed area can support. So, whether a ranger goes out and shoots the excess animals or whether a hunter pays for the pleasure of doing it comes to the same thing, except that the money the hunter pays can be ploughed back into the land and used to keep the surviving animals in better condition. By now the conversation had gone round in a big circle and got back to the question: is there a difference between killing a leopard for its fur or a cow for its skin? Everyone quickly agreed that of course there's a big difference between killing a wild animal, particularly if it's an endangered species, as opposed to a domesticated animal that is specifically bred and kept because of its usefulness to man.

Where the argument began to waver was when it came to the question of breeding wild animals for their pelts. What of mink and crocodile farms, what about hunting farms? We had to conclude that, logically, they were acceptable though some remembered with a shudder that hard-hitting advert that appeared on television - the one where models showed off gorgeous fur coats from which rivers of blood suddenly began to flow. No matter how unemotionally one considers the different aspects of conservation, it's hard not to remember with longing the Africa of old, the original Garden of Eden, teeming with untold numbers of game. It's sad to read about those that have disappeared forever and to think about all the new additions to the list of endangered species. It's dreadful to see pictures of majestic creatures like rhino and elephant stripped of their dignity and their lives by greedy men who covet their ivory and horns. We who live in Africa have the privilege of caring for most of the world's wild animals. It's an obligation and a tremendous pleasure. There is nothing to compare with the excitement of a day in the bushveld admiring the vast variety of life it supports or the magic of sunset with a flaming sky behind the black silhouettes of acacia trees. And there's nothing quite like lying in bed listening to the roar of the lions, the crazy cackle of hyenas and all the other sounds unique to the African bush. Luckily more and more people everywhere are beginning to feel the same way. Awareness of what we've done to our beautiful planet is growing daily and , though we can't undo the destruction of the past, there's a great deal we can do to ensure a future on earth for humans and animals. The message is loud and clear - Don't kill the world, it's all we've got.
Adapted from "Go Wild" in FLAIR magazine 1990 published by the Hyperama.

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GROUP DISCUSSION 1. If you were at a dinner party why would you feel it necessary to "strike up a conversation"? Imagine you are at a dinner party. Tell the rest of your group how you would start up a conversation with someone you didn't know. 2. What do the following terms mean: "endangered species" "domesticated animals" Give examples of each of these. Which would you rather be - a domesticated animal or an animal belonging to an endangered species? Motivate your answer. 3. 4. 5. What is "culling"? Does your group think it is an essential part of wildlife management? What is the difference between a game reserve and a zoo? Picture an animal caught in a trap. In your group discuss how each of the following people would react to this : 6. a game-ranger a hunter a poacher

Think of an animal for your group. Discuss how your animal would feel in each of the following situations: in a zoo in a game reserve in the wild

COMPREHENSION 1. 2. 3. 4.1 What do the letters SOS stand for in the heading of this passage? What would each of the following people probably talk about: a politician, a finance director, a member of the legal profession? The writer and the Frenchman discovered a mutual passion. What does this mean? The writer enthusiastically told the man about her trip to Sodwana. Enthusiastically means: a) quietly b) in great detail c) without great interest d) excitedly (2) (3) (2)

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4.2

... myriads of colourful tropical fish myriads means: a) large numbers of ... b) rare shoals of ... c) unknown varieties of ... d) the young of ...

4.3

The talk about finance and politics at the table suddenly stopped because ... a) the dinner was getting cold. b) they had exhausted their topic of conversation. c) the Frenchman was talking very loudly. d) they were interested in what she was saying.

4.4

An attractive blonde insisted that hunting was abhorrent. This means ... a) she thought perhaps it wasn't the right thing to do. b) she felt very strongly that it was not right for they made money from it. c) she felt very strongly that hunting was disgusting. d) she wanted to know if they found it horrifying.

4.5

A tannery is a place where .... a) shoes are made. b) skins are made into leather. c) animals are slaughtered for meat. d) corpses are soaked in tannin. (5) (3) (2) (1) (2) (2)

5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Explain in your own words what the ex-ambassador asked the writer. This started a round table discussion. Give both the literal and figurative meanings of this saying. The money the hunter pays can be ploughed back into the land. Has ploughed back been used literally or figuratively in this passage? How would one admire dinner on the hoof? Explain why the writer is upset when she visits game reserves. Many of the people at the party remembered with a shudder a fur coat advertisement they had seen. This action tells us what they thought about the advert. Did they approve of it or not? Give a reason for your answer.

(2) (2) (2)

11. 12.

Why do hunters shoot elephant and rhino? With privilege comes responsibility. We, who live in Africa, have a very special privilege. What is this and what responsibility goes hand in hand with this privilege?

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13. Study the poster below and then discuss the answers in your group:

Beauty without Cruelty, Newlands Cape

13.1 13.2 13.2 13.3

What are the two meanings of the word "dumb"? Explain how the poster is giving both a positive and negative connotation to the word dumb. Why would the graphic persuade people not to buy fur? Why do you think the comment: This is a synthetic fur! has now acquired snob value?

(2) (2) (1) (2) /35/

QUESTION 2 (summary) Read through the extract From waste to wonderful. In no more than 60 words, write down seven good reasons for recycling. INSTRUCTIONS: REASONS FOR RECYCLING List 7 reasons for recycling. Use full sentences. Number your sentences from 1 to 7. Write down only ONE fact per line. Use your own words as far as possible. Indicate the number of words you have used in brackets at the end of your summary.

You will be penalised for exceeding the maximum number of words or failing to indicate the number of words used.

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FROM WASTE TO WONDERFUL

Recycling is one of the worlds most important factors that can change or insure a cleaner and healthier tomorrow. It is a modern trend that should be sold to the public at large. Full participation of all parties is vital to make any recycling program successful. People who buy recycled goods, play their part in the preservation of forestry and ensuring a cleaner environment. There are many reasons to recycle goods. Firstly, recycling saves trees. This critical fact cannot be overstated as half the Earth's forests have already gone. Secondly, recycling protects wildlife habitat and biodiversity. Using recycled materials reduces the need to chop down, extract, process, refine and transport natural resources such as timber, crude petroleum and mineral ores. As a result, destruction of forests, wetlands, rivers and other places essential to wildlife is also reduced. Then, recycling lowers the use of toxic chemicals. Making products from already refined waste materials reduces - and often avoids altogether - the need for manufacturers to use toxic chemicals, essential when using virgin materials. Recycling helps curb global warming. Using recycled materials cuts down on the energy used in the manufacturing process, dramatically reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants. For example, recycling one ton of glass results in energy savings of more than 300% and lowers carbon dioxide emissions by 3.46 tons. The flow of water pollution can be stemmed if we make goods from recycled materials as this generates far less water pollution than manufacturing from virgin materials. Turning trees into paper uses more water than many other industrial processes, dumping billions of litres of contaminated wastewater into rivers, lakes and streams each year. Paper recycling mills don't pollute the water nearly as much, and almost always use less water. A further point to note is that if we recycle goods, this reduces the need for landfills. Toxic pollution from landfills escapes into the air and seeps into groundwater. Recycling reduces the need for incinerators. Keeping paper, glass, plastic and metal out of incinerators by recycling them, cuts down on harmful emissions Municipal waste incinerators are often located in urban neighbourhoods where they seriously threaten the health of the community. . Why not play your part and recycle, thus helping make a cleaner environment?

( Adapted from an article downloaded on 4 November 2007 from www.primwood.co.za)

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LANGUAGE EXERCISES Question 1

1.1 1.1.1 1.1.2 1.2 1.3

a lot more to discover, a lot closer than you think Why has the writer used the punctuation in this extract? The word lot has been overused in many advertisements. Replace the words a lot in the extract above with other words. Correct the typing error in the first paragraph. Look at the first sentence of the second paragraph. Msinsi Resorts & Game Reserves invites you to experience the African bush right here on your doorstep. (2) (1) (1)

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1.3.1 1.3.2 1.3.3 1.3.4 1.4

Why have the first four words been written in capital letters? Write out the full form of the abbreviation &. The verb invites has been written incorrectly. It should be invite. Is this statement TRUE or FALSE? Give a reason for your answer. right here on your doorstep Has this been used literally of figuratively? Give a reason for your answer. In the second paragraph, find SIX adjectives that have been used to persuade you that you would enjoy visiting the Msinsi Resorts & Game Reserves.

(1) (1)

(2) (2) (6) /16/

Question 2 Complete the following conversation: Does the elephant move quickly? No, it does ........................ Does it move ......... than the cheetah? No, the elephant moves .......... than the cheetah. Which animal moves the ............ of all? Question 3 Speakers often show their feelings through their choice of words. We may show that we like or dislike someone by the words we choose to use when speaking about them. e.g. If I like the girl I would say she is plump. However if I dislike the girl I would say she is fat. Choose the correct word in each of the following sentences and say whether you think the speaker likes or dislikes the person being spoken about. 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 He really irritates me because he is always so (thorough/fussy) about details. She is a good friend of mine and is really (strong-willed/stubborn). He is very (miserly/thrifty) with his money and keeps it all for himself. I really don't enjoy visiting my aunt because her house is crowded with (antique/old) furniture. She deserved to win the beauty competition for she is so (skinny/slim). /10/ /4/

Question 4 Fill in the following words in the passage below: Savanna rain pollution worst chop down waste enormous bulldoze species habitat coral cause lakes drain process

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While scientists debate the exact number of ______in trouble in the world, most agree on the ______ : mankind. One of the _______ ways people hurt animals is by destroying their ____ . People ______swamps, _______ forests and ________the land. ______damage has been done to the Amazon _____ forest, the African ______ and the world's ______reefs. ______also endangers animals. Sometimes when companies search for oil and coal they pollute the water and land in the _______. Every day people pour ______into rivers and _______ Question 5 Choose the correct word from within brackets: 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 Crocodile skin is more valuable (than/as) snake skin. The African elephant is the world's (largest/most large) land animal. She told me to make sure I was (infront/ in front) when we left on safari. The African elephant is (much/more/most) sought after than the Black rhino. The cheetah moves (quick/quickly). /5/ [50 /15/

WRITING Before you start a piece of writing you need to remember why you are writing and who you are writing for as this will influence the style and register 1. Friendly letter Write a letter to a friend in which you try to persuade her not to buy a bracelet made of ivory 2. Speech Prepare a speech to give at assembly in which you outline what you feel should be done to protect our wildlife. 3. Letter to the press Write a letter to your local newspaper in which you plead with local authorities to close down all the zoos. After all, we live in Africa and have such a variety of animals that have been placed I our care, we do not need to see them in cages. 4. Instructions Give a friend instructions on how to make a useful article out of something that has been recycled.

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5.

Review Write a review for a new restaurant that has opened in the shopping mall near your home. or Write a review for a newly released CD by a South African artist.

6.

Editorial Write the editorial for a South African magazine on any topical issue.

DEBATING WITH CONFIDENCE 1. In your group prepare to speak either for or against the following: "There is a difference between killing a leopard for its fur and a cow for its skin." 2. Use the issue raised in the cartoon as a topic for debate. Global warming? Its a myth!

PANEL DISCUSSION Have a panel discussion using the picture as a basis for your discussion. Use the following people on your panel. Hunter Environmentalist Game Ranger Zoo owner Chairperson

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FISH BOWL DISCUSSION How wasteful families are! (This may include things like money, time, energy, affection) WRITING (Essay) Descriptive Essay In the passage we read two wonderful descriptions: one of the hidden beauty under the sea at Sodwana (lines 4 - 7) and the other of the wonders of Bushveld (the second last paragraph ) which appeal to our sense of sight and sound. You, too, should learn to bring your writing alive, stimulate the readers senses and bring the reader to the point where he feels (s)he can actually see, hear, smell, taste and feel what you are describing. Use words to describe things, use fresh similes and other figurative language and see how you can bring your description to life! Write a descriptive piece about your own special place in South Africa

OR Expository Essay Turning waste to wonderful 1. Write an essay explaining how waste can be recycled and turned into something usable and, in many cases, profitable. or 2. 3. Recycling means less pollution. or We are unworthy of our environment.

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