NATIONAL ASSESSMENT

GENERAL EDUCATION CERTIFICATE (GEC)

2024 GRADE 9 PILOT STUDY

Subject: English Home Language

Marks: 70

Duration: 150 minutes

excluding 15 minutes reading time

This test consists of 24 pages, excluding the cover page.

Grade 9 English HL 1
Instructions to the learner
1. You will receive 15 minutes reading time before you begin answering this test.
2. Read all the instructions and questions carefully.
3. Answer all questions.
4. Use the provided answer booklet to write all your answers.

The test starts on the next page.

Do not turn the page until you are told to do so.

Grade 9 English HL 2
Question 1: Comprehension
Read the text below and answer the questions set.

World’s Fastest Falcon Swoops into Umdloti

Source: echofinehearts.com

1 Umdloti, a picture-perfect little town north of Durban, famous for its breathtaking
ocean, had an unexpected visit from a peregrine falcon – the fastest creature in
the world – just before Christmas.

2 “It was around 6am on Saturday when the peregrine landed on our bedroom
balcony, clutching what looked to be a Cape wagtail bird in its talons,” said Umdloti
resident, Mark Smith, a keen bird and nature enthusiast.

3 “Sadly, this was the end of one of a pair of wagtails living around our pool for several
years. It was also a bittersweet moment to see a peregrine in our area. I had to do
lots of sneaking behind the blinds to get a photograph and not spook it,” said Mark.

4 “It is encouraging to note the number of raptors in the area. We regularly have a
crown eagle preying on larger birds like the hadeda, and even young bushbuck.
Of particular interest has been the annual visit of a pair of European honey
buzzards (vultures) which migrate to Africa around November and then leave for
Europe around May,” said Smith.

5 There was some debate among residents around whether it was indeed a peregrine
falcon. However, having seen one of Smith’s photos, biodiversity consultant with
‘The Lion Heart Experience,’ Richard Mckibbin, confirmed this, saying it was
probably just passing through. “Peregrines are not common in this region as they

Grade 9 English HL 3
 typically roost on high cliffs and in mountainous areas. They are a lot more common
in and around Cape Town,” said Mckibbin. Peregrines have also been spotted in
Mpumalanga.

6 Peregrine falcons are a thing of nightmares to their prey – other birds. A ‘stoop’ is
a lightning-fast tactic that grants bird-hunting raptors an element of surprise,
enabling them to outwit their prey. A peregrine can reach ‘stoop speeds’ of close
to 400 kilometres per hour. This is faster than the highest speed recorded of
Formula 1 racing cars, which is only 377 kilometres per hour!

7 Birds have long been the inspiration to humans when designing airplanes. From
studying the peregrine’s beak, flight engineers found a successful solution to a
flight problem called ‘choking’ that results in a stalled engine. This can cause
engine failure. Mckibbin said the cone shaped structure in the peregrine’s nostril
on its beak has inspired plane engineers to add a metallic cone in the centre of
the opening of large jet engines, which allows air to enter and sufficiently feed the
engine at supersonic speeds, solving the problem.

8 Mckibbin said that man-made challenges were having a devastating impact on the
falcon population. Habitat loss, the rapid development of wind farms, a reduction
in prey and falconry (which is the sport of capturing and training falcons to hunt),
are some of these challenges.

9 Thanks to the dedicated efforts of environmentalists, this amazing bird has been
removed from the endangered species list. This admirable initiative has brought
hope that these fascinating birds will continue to inspire aircraft design and nature
enthusiasts as well as help to maintain the delicate balance of nature.

Glossary:
biodiversity consultant: a person who is an expert on wildlife and ecosystems
supersonic speeds: the speed of an object that is greater than the speed of sound
Adapted from www.citizen.co.za/north-coast-courier

Grade 9 English HL 4
 1.1 Where was the peregrine falcon sighted?

A Cape Town
B Mpumalanga
C Durban
D Umdloti (1)

1.2 What happened to one of the wagtails nesting in the pool area?
The wagtail was caught by the …

A eagle.
B falcon.
C hadeda.
D buzzard. (1)

1.3 Which statement describes the meaning of the word ‘migrate’ as used in Paragraph
4 of the text?

A the permanent residence change of birds

B the permanent residence of people abroad
C the seasonal movement of people
D the seasonal movement of birds (1)

1.4 What is the natural habitat of peregrine falcons?

A on beaches
B in mountainous areas
C in residential areas
D on wind farms (1)

Grade 9 English HL 5
 1.5 Refer to Paragraph 5.
Which sentence reveals the residents’ disbelief?

A Peregrines are not common in this region.

B McKibbin said the peregrine was just passing through.
C There was some debate whether it was indeed a peregrine.
D Peregrines have also been spotted in Mpumalanga. (1)

1.6 What does the word ‘outwit’ mean? (Paragraph 6)

A The prey is caught in flight.

B The falcon slowly catches its prey.
C The prey is not very smart.
D The falcon gets the better of its prey. (1)

1.7 Which sentence best summarises Paragraph 7?

A Airplane designers have used the characteristics of birds in aircraft

design.
B Choking is a serious problem in airplanes, causing the engine to stall.
C Engineers have created the flow of air through the peregrine’s beak.
D Peregrine falcons have cone-shaped beaks. (1)

1.8 What are raptors? (Paragraph 4)

Raptors are mainly …

A flesh-eating birds.
B seed and fruit-eating birds.
C flesh and seed-eating birds.
D seed-eating birds. (1)

Grade 9 English HL 6
 1.9 ‘Peregrine falcons are a thing of nightmares to their prey …’ (Paragraph 6)
What figure of speech is ‘nightmares to their prey’?

A alliteration
B simile
C metaphor
D tautology (1)

1.10 Why has the writer included Richard McKibbin in the article?

A Mark hired Mckibbin to give him expert advice.

B Mark and Mckibbin both share a love for birds.
C Mckibbin and Mark are both South Africans.
D Mckibbin is an expert and will verify Mark’s claim. (1)

1.11 What is the meaning of the phrase ‘stalled engine’ in Paragraph 7?

The engine suddenly …

A stops operating.
B starts speeding.
C starts leaking.
D stops choking. (1)

1.12 Which of the following statements is true?

A The peregrine captured the pair of wagtails.

B Peregrines are not part of the raptor species of birds.
C Honey buzzards are originally from Africa.
D Mark Smith is passionate about birds and nature. (1)

Grade 9 English HL 7
 1.13 Why does the writer compare the peregrine to a Formula 1 racing car?
(Paragraph 6)
The writer wants the reader to …

A appreciate how fast the peregrine really is.

B believe that the peregrine is inferior to humans.
C increase the reader’s general knowledge of fast cars.
D understand how a stoop causes lightning. (1)

1.14 What is the meaning of ‘bittersweet moment’ as used in Paragraph 3?

A Mark is sad about the loss of the wagtail and angry because the
peregrine ate it.
B Mark is happy to have spotted the peregrine and does not mind the
death of the wagtail.
C Mark is sad about the death of the wagtail, but happy about the visit
from the peregrine.
D Mark is excited about the peregrine sighting and happy that the
wagtail is dead. (1)

1.15 ‘Birds have long been the inspiration to humans when designing airplanes.’
(Paragraph 7)
Why does the writer use the word ‘inspiration’ in the above sentence?

A He is revealing his feelings of admiration for birds.

B He is angry about airplane engineers using birds in their research.
C He is showing his passion for airplane design.
D He is ignorant of the impact birds have had on the design of airplanes. (1)

Grade 9 English HL 8
 1.16 Umdloti had an unexpected visit from a peregrine falcon – the fastest creature in
the world – just before Christmas.
What is the purpose of the pair of dashes in the above sentence?
It is to …

A separate clauses.
B give more information.
C join the three sentences.
D form a complex sentence. (1)

1.17 What does ‘man-made environmental challenges’ mean? (Paragraph 8)

A Falcons are being forced to live in urban environments.

B Wind pumps have improved the environment for animals.
C The actions of people are creating problems for the environment.
D Falconry is a very difficult and cruel sport practiced by falconers. (1)

1.18 ‘A peregrine can reach ‘stoop speeds’ of close to 400 kilometres per hour.’
(Paragraph 6)
Which word best describes the writer’s feelings about peregrine falcons?

A hopefulness
B amazement
C disinterest
D fearfulness (1)

Grade 9 English HL 9
 1.19 Who is the target audience of this article?

A bird and nature enthusiasts

B owners of wind farms
C fans of high-speed cars
D people interested in vultures (1)

1.20 What is the main idea of this article?

A Peregrine falcons visit just before Christmas.

B Peregrine falcons are an endangered species.
C Peregrine falcons are skilled hunters of wagtails.
D Peregrine falcons are remarkable creatures. (1)

1.21 ‘World’s Fastest Falcon Swoops into Umdloti’

Why has the writer used the word ‘Swoops’ in the title?

A to show his anger that this bird visited Umdloti

B to demonstrate the unexpected visit of the peregrine
C to demonstrate his disappointment in the event
D to show the world that he spotted this bird (1)

1.22 What is the writer’s intention in Paragraph 9?

A He is unhappy that the balance of nature has been maintained.

B He is concerned that the falcon has been removed from the
endangered species list.
C He is emphasising the valuable role of falconry in the environment.
D He is expressing his appreciation for the efforts of environmentalists. (1)

Grade 9 English HL 10
 1.23 Are the peregrine falcons in danger of extinction?

A No, they are making their homes in cities.

B Yes, they are being captured and used in research.
C No, there has been an increase in their numbers.
D Yes, they are in competition with other raptors for prey. (1)

1.24 ‘Umdloti, a picture-perfect little town north of Durban, famous for its breathtaking
ocean …’ (Paragraph 1)
What impression of Umdloti is the writer trying to create for the reader?

A Umdloti is a seaside town with dangerous waves.

B Umdloti is a town that is located inland.
C Umdloti has a great deal of air pollution.
D Umdloti is a beautiful seaside town. (1)

1.25 What impact is the text intended to have on readers?

It aims to …

A inspire them to adopt peregrine falcons.

B encourage them to join the Lion Heart Experience.
C create appreciation of nature and wildlife.
D persuade them to study aircrafts. (1)

[25]

Grade 9 English HL 11
2: Visual Literacy
2.1: Advertisement
Analyse the text below and answer the questions set.

Source: www.gravitydefyer.com

Grade 9 English HL 12
 2.1.1 What is the purpose of the advertisement?

A It informs people that miracles do happen.

B It persuades people about the health benefits of the shoes.
C It attracts people with the special money-back guarantee.
D It asks people to wear the shoes for sixty days. (1)

2.1.2 Who is the target market for this advertisement?

A individuals who are awaiting miracles

B people who can participate in research studies
C individuals who are very fashion conscious
D people who require pain-relieving shoes (1)

2.1.3 How does the picture of the shoe contribute to the effectiveness of the
advertisement?
The picture …

A shows the shock absorption feature of the shoes.

B has the brand name printed on the front of the shoe.
C includes the logo of the advertisement.
D demonstrates the beauty of the shoe. (1)

2.1.4 What is the slogan of the advertisement?

A 60 day ‘try defy’ money-back guarantee!

B Experience the miracle
C They are truly miracle shoes!
D Patented Versoshock (1)

Grade 9 English HL 13
 2.1.5 Why is the word ‘miracle’ written in a larger, curly font?

The advertiser wants to …

A convince the buyer that the brand eliminates pain.

B emphasise the importance of buying the brand.
C indicate the name of the brand advertised.
D explain the affordability of branded shoes. (1)

2.2: Cartoon
Analyse the text below and answer the questions set.

CURTIS BY RAY BILLINGSLEY

FRAME 1 FRAME 2 FRAME 3 FRAME 4

Adapted from kleefeldoncomics.com

2.2.1 Why does the sentence in Frame 1 end with two punctuation marks? (1)

2.2.2 Why is the younger boy’s face not shown in Frame 1? (1)

2.2.3 Why is the word NO written in bold capital letters (Frame 4)? (1)

2.2.4 Give ONE visual and ONE verbal clue to demonstrate Curtis’ frustration in
(2)
Frame 4.

Grade 9 English HL 14
 2.2.5 Describe the change of emotions in Curtis’ mother from Frame 3 to (2)
Frame 4?

2.2.6 What is the message of this cartoon? (1)

2.2.7 Based on the cartoon, do you think that Curtis’ online studies will be
successful? (2)

[15]

Grade 9 English HL 15
Question 3: Summary
Read the text below and write a summary on how to make a good impression on the people
around you.

1. List SEVEN points in full sentences.

2. Number your sentences from 1 to 7.
3. Use your own words as far as possible.
4. Your summary should be 70-80 words in length.
5. Indicate the total number of words you have used in brackets at the end of your summary.
6. You do not require a title for your summary.

`
MAKING A GOOD IMPRESSION

When meeting someone for the first time, there is often a natural fear about leaving a
positive impression.

Since first impressions last, it is worth investing effort into forming a positive one. Start
by developing a mature mindset, one that celebrates your strengths while
acknowledging your areas for growth. A useful strategy for personal presentation
involves embracing a classy and refined style. Choose quality over quantity in your
wardrobe by focusing on timeless, elegant pieces. Cleverly chosen, under-stated
accessories can elevate your look, adding a touch of sophistication without breaking
the bank.

Personal grooming plays a critical role in improving one's physical appearance;

neglecting it undermines efforts to convey sophistication. Pay attention to your
personal grooming to cultivate a polished and refined image. Body language, though
often underestimated, contributes significantly to a classy impression. Maintain good
posture, as standing tall with shoulders squared not only conveys confidence, but also
gives an impression of grace.

In today's digitally driven and increasingly informal communication landscape, refining

our communication skills is key to preserving a sense of class and professionalism.
Effective communication is more than mere words; it helps you to communicate ideas
with clarity and purposefulness. Organise your thoughts logically to express yourself

Grade 9 English HL 16
 fluently; in that way you can ensure that your message is conveyed effectively and
taken seriously.

Active listening is the essence of class and elegance in communication. When

engaging with others, give undivided attention and maintain steady eye contact to
demonstrate genuine involvement in the conversation.

To show that you are listening and engaging with the speaker, use non-verbal cues,
such as nods and affirming gestures. Once these behaviours become habits, making
a good, lasting impression will not be as difficult as you may think.
Adapted from: https://www.betterup.com/blog/how-to-better-yourself

[10]

Grade 9 English HL 17
Question 4: Language Structures and Conventions
Read the text below and answer the questions set.

The Story of Hachiko

Once Upon a Time, There Was a Dog Named Hachiko

1 Hachiko was born on a farm in Akita, Japan.

Hidesaburo Ueno, a professor at the University of
Tokyo in Japan (UTJ), had long wanted a pure-bred
Japanese Akita dog, so he bought Hachiko from the
farmer.

2 The farmer sent Hachiko by train and the trip took 20 hours. When Hachiko finally
arrived at Professor Ueno’s house, the puppy was in such bad shape that Ueno
thought he was dead. Professor Ueno nursed him back to health and they developed
an amazing relationship.

3 Hachiko would see his owner off to work in the morning at the Shibuya Train Station
in central Tokyo. In the afternoon he would go to meet his buddy, Professor Ueno at
the station when he returned from work and his tail wagged excitedly as soon as he
saw Professor Ueno exit the subway.

4 One afternoon, two years later, Hachiko was sitting at the exit of Shibuya Train Station
waiting, as usual, for his dear best friend, Professor Ueno, but he never showed up.
Sadly, Professor Ueno had died suddenly and unexpectedly while at work.

5 Professor Ueno’s gardener said, “I adopted poor Hachiko after the professor’s death.
However, he kept going to the Shibuya Train Station every afternoon precisely when
the train was due to enter the station. He would sit there for hours, waiting patiently,
and in vain for the return of his beloved owner, who never came back.”

6 One day a newspaper reporter noticed him there and wrote about him, making
Hachiko a celebrity all over Japan. The story of the dog that never gave up also
gained attention in international media, inspiring many people from all over the world

Grade 9 English HL 18
 to visit Hachiko at Shibuya Train Station to offer him treats. When Hachiko died at the
age of 11, a statue was erected in front of Shibuya Station to honour the faithful dog.
Adapted from: https://nerdnomads.com/hachiko_the_dog

4.1 ‘Hachiko was born on a farm.’ (Paragraph 1)

What type of noun is ‘Hachiko’ in the above sentence?

A abstract noun
B proper noun
C concrete noun
D common noun (1)

4.2 ‘Professor Ueno nursed him back to health and they developed an amazing
relationship.’ (Paragraph 2)

What type of sentence is the above sentence?

A complex
B compound
C simple
D interrogative (1)

4.3 ‘… kept going to the Shibuya Train Station every afternoon precisely when the
train was due to enter the station.’ (Paragraph 5)
Which word means the same as ‘precisely’ as used in the sentence?

A faultlessly
B roughly
C exactly
D evenly (1)

Grade 9 English HL 19
 4.4 The professor made sure that Hachiko was the (health) dog in Tokyo.
Which is the correct form of the word within brackets?

A healthiest
B healthier
C healthy
D healthily (1)

4.5 Which of the following is a phrase?

A he never showed up
B when he returned from work
C his tail wagged excitedly
D in front of the station (1)

4.6 Choose the most appropriate conjunction to combine the sentences below.
Hachiko was in bad shape. The train trip took 20 hours.

A although
B because
C therefore
D unless (1)

4.7 ‘The puppy was in such bad shape that Ueno thought he was dead.’
(Paragraph 2)
What is the function of the word ‘bad’ in the sentence above?

A to modify the verb

B to modify the adjective
C to describe the adverb
D to describe the noun (1)

Grade 9 English HL 20
 4.8 ‘He would sit there for hours, waiting patiently and in vain for the return of his
beloved owner.’ (Paragraph 5)
Identify the adverb in the above sentence.

A patiently
B return
C beloved
D waiting (1)

4.9 Professor Ueno nursed Hachiko back to health.

Identify the sentence written correctly in the passive voice.

A Hachiko has been nursed back to health by the professor.

B Hachiko was nursed back to health by the professor.
C Hachiko is nursed back to health by the professor.
D Hachiko is being nursed back to health by the professor. (1)

4.10 Hachiko knew the … to the station and he never got lost.
Choose the correct word to complete the above sentence.

A rote
B rout
C route
D root (1)

4.11 Identify the sentence that contains redundancy.

A One day a newspaper reporter noticed him there and wrote about him.
B Hidesaburo Ueno had long wanted a purebred Japanese Akita dog.
C Professor Ueno had died suddenly and unexpectedly while at work.
D The puppy was in such bad shape that Ueno thought he was dead. (1)

Grade 9 English HL 21
 4.12 ‘… at the University of Tokyo in Japan (UTJ) …’ (Paragraph 1)
What type of abbreviation is UTJ?

A acronym
B initialism
C truncation
D portmanteau (1)

4.13 Identify the function of the apostrophe in the following sentence.

‘Hachiko finally arrived at Professor Ueno’s house.’ (Paragraph 2)

A omission
B contraction
C possession
D abbreviation (1)

4.14 ‘… he kept going to the Shibuya Train Station every afternoon.’ (Paragraph 5)
What type of pronoun is ‘he’ in the above sentence?

A relative
B personal
C possessive
D demonstrative (1)

4.15 Identify the correctly spelled plural form of the word celebrity.

A celebritys
B celebrities
C celebrity’s
D celebrities’ (1)

Grade 9 English HL 22
 4.16 Hachiko sees his owner off at the train station.
Choose the sentence below that is written correctly in the past perfect tense.

A Hachiko had seen his owner off at the train station.

B Hachiko will see his owner off at the train station.
C Hachiko saw his owner off at the train station.
D Hachiko has seen his owner off at the train station. (1)

4.17 Professor Ueno’s gardener said, “I adopted poor Hachiko after the professor’s
death.”
Identify the statement that is correctly written in reported speech.

A Professor Ueno’s gardener said that “he adopted Hachiko after the
professor’s death.”
B Professor Ueno’s gardener said that I adopted Hachiko after the
professor’s death.
C Professor Ueno’s gardener said, “I adopted Hachiko after the
professor’s death.”
D Professor Ueno’s gardener said that he had adopted Hachiko after (1)
the professor’s death.

4.18 Which of the following sentences is emotive?

A Hachiko was born on a farm in Akita, Japan.

B Hachiko was sitting by the exit of Shibuya Train Station.
C I adopted poor Hachiko after the professor’s death.
D One day a newspaper reporter noticed him. (1)

Grade 9 English HL 23
 4.19 What function does Paragraph 1 serve in the text?

A It concludes the text.

B It introduces the story.
C It gives additional information.
D It focuses on the main conflict. (1)

4.20 Hachiko was devastated when his buddy, Professor Ueno suddenly passed on.
What does the word ’buddy’ in the above sentence imply?

A They were strangers.

B They disliked each other.
C They liked each other.
D They helped people. (1)
[20]

End of test

Grade 9 English HL 24
Grade 9 English HL 25