GRADE 9

ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE

SECTION A: COMPREHENSION AND LANGUAGE

Read the passage from a magazine article below and answer Questions 1.1 to 1.14.2.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The dangerous consequences of a poor diet are well known; why then are so many South African schools still
peddling junk food to our children?

“I learn about a healthy balanced diet, meal servings and nutrition in Consumer
Studies. I know about the food pyramid and the vitamins and minerals our bodies need,
but I can only buy things like chocolates and fizzy drinks from my school tuck shop,” says
Allie Metcalfe (16) a Grade 11 learner at a school on Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard.
“When I eat that food I feel fat and unhealthy, and want to eat some fruit to make the oily
taste go away.”

Of course, an oily taste is the least of the problems associated with a diet high in
saturated fats, salt and sugar, and low in the ingredients that are essential for growth and
development. In 1999, the National Household Food Consumption Survey reported that
17% of urban South African children under the age of nine were overweight. The 2010
Healthy Active Kids Report suggested that the prevalence of overweight children had
increased in recent years to 20%, and obesity from 4 to 5%.

Grade 9 English HL Exemplar Questions 1

3. The issues associated with obesity include osteoarthritis, sleep apnoea (when people
stop breathing temporarily while they are asleep) and psychological problems (overweight
children are often socially excluded and targeted by bullies); meanwhile, the metabolic
effects of being overweight can lead to coronary heart disease, hypertension, type 2
diabetes and certain types of cancer.

4. A greater problem than the quantity of kilojoules in junk food is its poor nutritional
quality. Thanks to the intake of “empty” kilojoules (those that fill up our bellies but provide
no nutrients) children are developing deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals that
can affect their growth and development, mentally and physically.

5. Why on earth then are so many South African schools – places promising the growth
and development of children – offering junk food at their tuck shops?

6. “In addition to the snacks, we can also buy cooked food at our tuck shop – doughnuts,
hot chips, burgers, toasted sandwiches, wraps and shwarmas – but most of it is fried or
prepared with lots of oil,” says Allie, whose school tuck shop is run by a local catering
company.

7. And the reasons for this seem commercial. “I think the tuck shop sells junk food
because it appeals to children; it’s a way of making money, because I don’t know where
they source their products, I don’t think it’s good quality. I don’t like all the oil and frying,
and it doesn’t seem very clean.”

8. The profits generated by tuck shops can be valuable to a school’s financial position,
not to mention its ability to fund particular activities, equipment and new building works.
The perception appears to be that if a school dumps all the fizzy drinks, pies, chips,
sausage rolls and choccies, kids won’t buy anything (or will certainly buy a lot less of what
they used to). All that means lower profits, or so the argument goes.

9. Outsourcing does not always turn out badly. A partnership between Kauai and Reddam
House Schools, offers menus tailored to include a variety of salads, hot meals and
smoothies, all using fresh ingredients in child-friendly serving sites. Scandinavia has
some of the best schooling outcomes in the world, a fact those in the know credit to
nutrition. When children get a healthy meal, they thrive.

Grade 9 English HL Exemplar Questions 2

 East London’s Hudson Park Primary School has adopted a programme called Live
Well Excel, which involves healthy tuck shop fare, more outdoor activities, drinking more
water (filtered water fountains are placed strategically around the school), and the
introduction of a ‘sip ‘n’ crunch’ time at 9 a.m. daily. The snack – consisting of a drink of
water and a piece of fresh fruit, veg or nuts – gives them a much-needed energy boost.
The school also encourages parents to pack healthier lunch boxes. Every few weeks the
school newsletter provides additional information and support for healthy eating.

The Hudson Park programme was initiated by a group of parents, including a local
GP. The school tuck shop also made changes over a period of about six months. You can
now buy a tuna and homemade mayo tramezzino, low-GI muffins, a grilled-chicken
burger, and fruit juices. Doughnuts are a thing of the past.

[Adapted from an article by Joanne Lillie in Discovery magazine, 2013]

1.1 Write down the letter of the correct answer.

1.1.1 Why did the writer write the article?

A To emphasise how learners enjoy eating junk food.

B To show that obesity can lead to heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
C To encourage parents and schools to promote healthy eating habits.
D To show how the profits generated by tuck shops can be valuable to a
school’s financial position. (1)

1.1.2 What is the purpose of the text?

A To emphasise how learners enjoy eating junk food.

B To show that obesity can lead to heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
C To encourage parents and schools to promote healthy eating habits.
D To show how the profits generated by tuck shops can be valuable to a
school’s financial position. (1)

Grade 9 English HL Exemplar Questions 3

 1.1.3 What is the purpose of the article? Discuss. (1)

1.2 Write down the letter of the correct answer.

1.2.1 Identify the main idea which best describes Paragraph 3.

A People who cannot sleep.

B Bullies target children who are overweight.
C Being overweight can cause you to suffer a heart attack.
D Physical and psychological problems associated with being overweight.
(1)

1.2.2 Identify the main idea which best describes Paragraph 8.

A Healthy food is cheap.

B Junk food results in profit.
C Children prefer healthy food.
D Schools profit from junk food. (1)

1.2.3 Identify the main idea which best describes Paragraph 10.

A The school adopted a programme to improve healthy living.

B The school raised funds for specific school improvements.
C Only healthy food is sold in this programme in the tuck shop.
D The children are encouraged to drink fresh filtered water. (1)

1.3 Answer the following questions.

1.3.1 Why is Healthy Active Kids Report written in italics? (1)

1.3.2 What is the purpose of the brackets used in Paragraph 3? (1)

1.3.3 Why has a hyphen been used in “low-GI” (Paragraph 11)?

Grade 9 English HL Exemplar Questions 4

1.4 Write down the letter of the correct answer.

1.4.1 What does the abbreviation GP in the context of Paragraph 11 mean?

A Grand prix B Gross product C Gauteng Province D General Practitioner

1.4.2 The abbreviation ‘n’ in “sip ‘n’ crunch” (Paragraph 10) means:

A then B and C an D a

1.4.3 What does the abbreviation “veg” in Paragraph 10 mean?

A Vegetarian B vegetables C veggies D vegan

1.5.1 Refer to Paragraph 7.

Would you agree with the learner that the tuck shops sell junk food because it appeals
to children? Give a reason for your answer.

1.5.2 Refer to Paragraph 3.

Would you agree with the writer that children who are overweight are often
socially excluded and targeted by bullies? Give a reason for your answer.

1.5.3 Refer to Paragraph 8.

Would you agree with the writer that profits generated by tuck shops are
valuable to a school’s financial position? Give a reason for your answer.

1.6.1 Write down the letter of the correct answer. Identify the topic sentence of Paragraph 9.

A Outsourcing does not always turn out badly.

B A partnership between Kauai and Reddam House Schools, offers menus tailored to include a
variety of salads, hot meals and smoothies, all using fresh ngredients in child-friendly serving sites.

C Scandinavia has some of the best schooling outcomes in the world, a fact those in the
know credit to nutrition.
(1)
D When children get a healthy meal, they thrive.

Grade 9 English HL Exemplar Questions 5

 1.6.2 Write down the topic sentence of Paragraph 9.

1.6.3 Write down the topic sentence of Paragraph 11.

1.7 Write the letter of the correct option.

1.7.1 Add a prefix to “ability” (Paragraph 8) to change it into an antonym.

A Nonability B disability C inability D unability (1)

1.7.2 Add a prefix to “nutrition” (Paragraph 9) to change it into an antonym.

A Malnutrition B disnutrition C nonnutrition D unnutrition (1)

1.7.3 Add a suffix to “value” to change it into an antonym.

A Invaluable B valueful C valueless D valuable (2)

1.7.4 Refer to the sentence below and say whether it is a FACT or an OPINION.
Explain your answer.

The prevalence of overweight children had increased in recent years to 20%,

and obesity from 4 to 5% according to the Healthy Active Kids Report of 2010
(Paragraph 2).

1.7.5 Do you think the percentages provided are reliable? Substantiate your answer
with information from the text.

1.7.6 Do you agree with the writer’s point of view is that the responsibility for
children’s nutrition, and what is sold at the tuck shop, lies with the school?
Quote a reason.

Grade 9 English HL Exemplar Questions 6

 1.7.7 Is it the writer’s point of view that junk food sold in tuck shops leads to
academic success? Quote a reason from the text for your answer.

1.8 Write down the letter of the correct answer.

1.10.1 What is the meaning of the word “peddling” in the context of the
introduction?

A selling illegal drugs B riding a bicycle C buying D selling

1.10.2 What is the meaning of the word “deficiencies” in the context of Paragraph 4?

A an abundance B multiple diseases C a lack or a shortage of something

D improvements in the diets of learners

1.10.3 What is the meaning of the word “additional” in the context of Paragraph 10?

A Fewer B less C none D extra

Grade 9 English HL Exemplar Questions 7

1.9 Answer the following questions.

1.9.1 Combine the following sentences using the conjunction “and”.

The school encourages parents to pack healthier lunch boxes.

The school rewards children with a sticker per healthy lunchbox.

1.9.2 Combine the following sentences using the conjunction “because”.

I always order hot chips.

The reason why is because they’re my favourite.
(1)

1.9.3 Combine the following sentences using the conjunction “but”.

I like chicken.

I do not like fish. (1)

1.10 Answer the following questions.

1.10.1 Give a synonym for the word “fare” in the context of Paragraph 10.

1.10.2 Give a synonym for the word “nutrition” in the context of Paragraph 1.

1.10.3 Give a synonym for the word “deficiency” in the context of Paragraph 4.

1.11 Answer the following questions.

1.11.1 Do you think the school’s Live Well Excel programme (Paragraph 10) will
have an impact on learners’ performance at school?

1.11.2 Do you think learners will buy healthy food? (2)

1.11.3 Do you think tuck shops will still make a profit? (2)

1.12 Answer the following questions.

Grade 9 English HL Exemplar Questions 8
 1.12.1 What type of text is this?

1.12.2 Give a reason for your answer in 1.14.2

2.1 Rewrite the following sentence into reported/indirect speech.

John Berry said, “We are passionate about changing the culture of eating.”

Begin as follows:

John Berry said that

2.2. Answer the questions on the main clause and subordinate clause that follow.

2.2.1 Write down the main clause and subordinate clause in the following sentence:

The snack – consisting of a drink of water and piece of fresh fruit, veg or nuts
– gives them a much-needed energy boost.

2.2.1 Main clause -

2.2.2 Subordinate clause - (2)

2.3 Identify the underlined parts of speech in the sentence below.

People constantly compromise their health for convenience.

2.3.1 people (1)

2.3.2 constantly (1)

2.3.3 for (1)

2.4 Give the correct plural form of the following words:

Grade 9 English HL Exemplar Questions 9
 2.4.1 knife 2.4.2 tomato

2.4.3 food 2.4.4 quality

2.4.5 sandwich 2.4.6 water (6)

2.5 The concord errors in this Paragraph are underlined.

(Choose the correct form of the verb option and write it down.)

Fish and chips (2.5.1) is/are not a healthy meal.

A snack of fruit and nuts (2.5.2) give/gives a child energy.
I don’t like all the oil and frying and it (2.5.3) don’t/doesn’t seem very clean.

2.5.1 2.5.2 2.5.3 (3)

2.6 The following sentence has 5 errors. Correct the spelling and grammatical errors.

Too provide all the essential nutrients a child need, there meals and snax shall
include a variety of foods from each food group.

2.6.1 2.6.2
2.6.3 2.6.4
2.6.5 (5)

2.7 Choose the correct form of the adverb in brackets.

2.7.1 I cooked this meal (special/specially) for you, so I hope you like it.
2.7.2 She (rarely/rare) eats a big breakfast.
2.7.3 Fast food is (reasonable/reasonably) cheap.

2.7.1 2.7.2
2.7.3 (3)

2.8 Rewrite the sentence in the present tense.

The teachers noticed the children became listless between breakfast and first break.

2.9 Write down the letter of the most suitable preposition to be used in the
following sentences.
Grade 9 English HL Exemplar Questions 10
 2.9.1 Fast food is the term given food that can be prepared and served very
quickly.

A About B with C to D by (1)

2.9.2 Any meal with low preparation time can be considered fast food.

A About B with C as D by (1)

2.9.3 McDonalds is the world’s largest corporation fast food restaurants.

A In B of C with D about (1)

B
2.10 Carefully read the text below. You are required to do the following:
 Summarise the passage below in FIVE (5) points using your own words as far
as possible.
 Each point must be a full sentence.
 Indicate the number of words used at the end of each point.

Five healthy eating tips

You know that your health largely depends on what you eat – live on hamburgers
and chips, and your body will start to show the symptoms very quickly. Here are
some healthy eating tips to help you make important decisions about your diet.

1. Difficulty concentrating? It may be your diet. If you're living on junk food such as
pizzas, chips and doughnuts, your waistline may be expanding, but your body
could be starved of vitamins and minerals, causing concentration problems. Eat
healthy foods such as fruit and vegetables (citrus, kiwi, broccoli, apples, bananas,
and potatoes), fish and grains. Fish provides the body with omega-3-fatty-acids,
which are believed to up concentration abilities. Grains provide carbohydrates,
which provide energy for both the brain and the body.

2. Time inevitably takes its toll on the skin. But there are ways to slow this process.
One of the solutions to healthy, youthful skin is to follow a balanced diet that is rich

Grade 9 English HL Exemplar Questions 11

 in protective nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre. Stock up on
fresh fruit and vegetables, unrefined grains and cereals, low-fat milk, yoghurt and
cheeses, lean meat, fish and eggs, and poly- or monounsaturated fats and oils to
ensure that you get all the vitamins, minerals and omega fatty acids you need for
overall good health and beautiful skin. Do regular exercise – at least three to four
times a week – to improve the supply of blood and oxygen to your skin. And avoid
exposure to the sun.

3. Results of a new American study showed that eating a proper breakfast is one
of the most positive things you can do if you are trying to lose weight or if you want
to maintain your weight after weight loss. Eating breakfast helps people manage

both their hunger and food intake throughout the day. Breakfast skippers tend to
gain weight. A balanced breakfast includes fresh fruit or fruit juice, a high-fibre
breakfast cereal, low-fat milk or yoghurt, whole wheat toast, and a boiled egg. Buy
your fresh fruit today to start afresh tomorrow.

4. Tomato is a superstar in the veggie pantheon. Tomatoes contain lycopene, a

powerful cancer fighter. These veggies are also rich in vitamin C. The British
Thoracic Society says that tomatoes and apples can reduce your risk of asthma
and chronic lung diseases. To enjoy the benefits, eat five apples a week or a
tomato every other day. Cooked tomatoes are also nutritious, so use them in
pasta, soups and casseroles, as well as in salads.

5. When you get stressed, your body gives off cortisol. This can create intense
food cravings, especially for fuels of stress response, like fats and carbohydrates.
Counteract this response by following the right diet. Eat regular and small healthy
meals and keep fruit and veggies handy. Herbal teas will also soothe your frazzled
nerves.

Eating unrefined carbohydrates, nuts and bananas boosts the formation of

serotonin, a "feel-good" drug. Small amounts of protein containing the amino acid
tryptamine can give you a boost when stress tires you out.

[Adapted from http://www.health24.com/Lifestyle/Man/Your-body/Five-healthy-

eating-tips-20120721

Grade 9 English HL Exemplar Questions 12

3. Study the advertisement below and answer the questions that follow.

3.1 Write down the letter of the correct answer.

3.1.1 The main idea of the advertisement is to advertise ...

A romance
B fruit deserts
C
seafood sushi
D (1)
fish and chips

3.1.2 What is the purpose of the advertisement?

A To raise awareness about seafood.

B To get people to eat at Ocean Basket.
C To encourage young people to eat fish.
D To advertise fish platters for takeaways. (1)

Grade 9 English HL Exemplar Questions 13

3.2 Identify what the emotional impact is on the reader in the first Paragraph.

3.3 Identify the figure of speech in:“ famously known for fresh seafood cuisine”

3.4 Who do you think is most likely to go and eat there?

3.5 Would you go and eat at Ocean Basket after seeing this advert? Give a reason.

3.6 Explain the use of manipulative language in the advertisement.

4 Read the poem below and answer the questions that follow.

Dear Diet

By Christopher Byrd Hickman (adapted)

Why is it so hard to stay on my diet

Dear hunger, why can’t you just be quiet
You’re like an annoying baby on a plane
Driving me bonkers and insane 4

My fatty food desires bother me throughout the day

Making me have an internal war with myself Struggling
not to grab the tasty doughnuts off my shelf
So I can stay slim like Anne Hathaway 8

Throughout breakfast, lunch, and dinner I’m

striving so hard to eat like a winner Fighting
my cravings to stay thinner
But after one cookie, I feel like a George Zimmerman Sinner 12

Grade 9 English HL Exemplar Questions 14

 Is over, I quit and throw in the towel 34

4.1 Write down the letter of the correct answer.

4.1.1 Identify the theme of the poem.
A Struggling to diet
B Being hungry
C Playing sport
D Eating disorders (1)

Grade 9 English HL Exemplar Questions 15

 4.1.2 What is the theme of the poem?

A Struggling to diet
B Being hungry
C Playing sport
D Eating disorders (1)

4.1.3 The unifying idea/ concept of the poem is?

A Struggling to diet
B Being hungry
C Playing sport
D Eating disorders (1)

4.1.4 Identify the tone of the poem.

A Anger
B Despair
C Gratitude
D Happiness (1)

4.1.5 What is the feeling or emotions in this poem?

A Anger
B Despair
C Gratitude
D Happiness (1)

4.1.6. The tone of the poem is one of …

A anger.
B despair.
C gratitude.
D happiness. (1)

Grade 9 English HL Exemplar Questions 16

 4.2.1 How does the poet view diets?

4.2.2 What message is the poet giving the reader?

4.2.3 What is the poet’s view of dieting?

4.3 Identify the figures of speech/imagery/ saying/idiom below.

Grade 9 English HL Exemplar Questions 17

 4.3.1 “If hunger and I were keeping score”

4.3.2 “eating like an Antarctic seal”

4.3.3 “fatty food”

4.3.4 “throw in the towel”

4.3.5 “ You’re like an annoying baby”

4.3.6 “ I’m feeling as round as the earth’s”

4.3.7 “morning meal”

4.3.8 “This war with hunger right “. What do we call this figure of speech/imagery?
Why do you think the poet chose to use this comparison?

4.4.1 The words “…my Achilles Heel” can be used in a literal and figurative context.
Explain both.

Literally: (1)

Figuratively: (1)

4.4.2 Explain how the poet uses the words “throw in the towel” literally and figuratively,
to convey his message.

Literally: (1)

Figuratively: (1)

4.4.3 Discuss how the word “winner” can be used in a literal and figurative context.

Grade 9 English HL Exemplar Questions 18

 SECTION B : CARTOON

Study the cartoon below and answer the questions that follow.

5.1 What is the purpose of this cartoon?

(1)

5.2.1 What type of work do you think the two people do?
5.2.2 Where do you think the two people are meeting?

5.3.1 Write (in dialogue format) what you imagine the woman’s response to the man’s
statement about doughnuts would be.
5.3.2 What do the dots above the woman’s cup represent?

5.4.1 How can you tell that the man is enjoying his doughnut?

5.4.2 What emotion is evident on the woman’s face?

A Surprise B jealousy C anger D sadness

Grade 9 English HL Exemplar Questions 19

 5.5 How have the two characters in the cartoon been stereotyped as office workers? (2)

5.6 Do you think the “healthy snacking tips” notice on the wall has made an impact
on the workers? Motivate your answer.

5.7 Write down the letter of the correct answer.

The humour in the cartoon is achieved through the use of:

A Innuendo B sarcasm C irony D pun

Grade 9 English HL Exemplar Questions 20