Mastering Magic: Unraveling the Language Features in Text A

1.1 Refer to paragraph 1. (a) Identify the modal verb used in paragraph 1 and explain its purpose in the context of the text. (2) - The modal verb used in paragraph 1 is "can". Its purpose in the context of the text is to express possibility and potential. It suggests that education has the capability to empower individuals to achieve significant roles and changes in society. (b) There is always a relationship between tone and purpose. Mention the tone used in paragraph 1 and provide a reason why (purpose) the speaker had to use this tone. Support your answer by citing an example from the text to substantiate your response. Pay careful attention to the correct use of language. (2) - The tone used in paragraph 1 is inspirational and motivational. The speaker uses this tone to emphasize the transformative power of education and to inspire the audience to value and pursue education. An example from the text is: "education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world". (c) Identify a proper noun used in paragraph 1 and support your answer by explaining why you think this is a proper noun. (2) - The proper noun used in paragraph 1 is "Nelson Mandela". It is a proper noun because it refers to the specific name of a well-known individual, and proper nouns are used to denote unique entities with specific names. 1.2 Refer to paragraph 2. The underlined word is formed from the root ‘equal’. Discuss the changes that occurred. (2) - The underlined word likely is "equality" (as inferred from the context). The root 'equal' undergoes a morphological change where the addition of the suffix ‘-ity’ turns the adjective 'equal' into the noun 'equality,' which refers to the state or quality of being equal. 1.3 Refer to paragraph 3. When listening to words, over and above the context in which a word has been used, syllabic stress also gives a clue whether a homonym has been used as a noun or a verb. Refer to the sentence “This has not been easy for you, especially given the gap in content knowledge between those who are privileged to have access to data, devices, and internet and those who do not”. (a) State whether the word ‘content’ has been used as a verb or a noun and underline the syllabic stress. (2) - In the sentence, the word ‘content’ has been used as a noun. The syllabic stress is on the first syllable: **'CONtent**. (b) Construct another sentence in which the word ‘content’ shows a different meaning. Underline the syllabic stress and indicate whether the word has been used as a verb, noun or adjective. (3) - Sentence: She tried to **conTENT** herself with a simple life. In this sentence, ‘content’ is used as a verb, and the syllabic stress is on the second syllable: **con'TENT**. Refer to the whole text (TEXT A). Language features used in a text always influence how that text is understood. Show your understanding of the following language features presented in the text by identifying each of them and giving reasons to support your answers. (a) Audience (2) - The audience for this text is likely students and faculty members of Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, as well as prospective students and their families. The text aims to inspire and inform them about the university's values and mission. (b) Setting (2) - The setting of this text is within the educational and institutional context of Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, particularly in the context of their adaptation during the pandemic and their ongoing commitment to education and social justice. 1.5 What listening strategy do you think listeners can use when listening to Text A? Give a reason to support your answer. (2) - Listeners can use the strategy of active listening, which involves paying close attention to the speaker, noting key points, and making mental or written summaries. This strategy is effective because it allows listeners to fully engage with the important messages about education, equality, and the university's mission presented in the text.

1.1 (a) The modal verb used in paragraph 1 is "can". In this context, its purpose is to suggest the ability or potential that education holds in empowering individuals to alter their life circumstances and indeed, the world. (b) The tone used in paragraph 1 is inspirational. The speaker uses this tone to instill hope and motivation by noting the power of education. For instance, the speaker mentions that through education, a child of farm workers can become a president, effectively conveying the transformative possibilities of education. (c) A proper noun used in paragraph 1 is "Nelson Mandela". This is a proper noun because it refers to a specific individual, namely the former president of South Africa. 1.2 The underlined word is 'inequalities'. It is formed from the root 'equal' by adding the prefix 'in-', which denotes 'not', and the suffix '-ities', which turns the root into a plural noun. The word 'inequalities' therefore means 'states of not being equal'. 1.3 (a) In the sentence, 'content' has been used as a noun and its syllabic stress is on the first syllable (CONtent). (b) He was content with the meal he had prepared. Here, 'content' has been used as an adjective, meaning satisfied, with the stress on the second syllable (conTENT). Refer to the whole text: (a) The audience of the text appears to be the students and faculty of Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, as the text discusses the values and challenges of the institution. (b) The setting of this text is likely a speech given at the university, addressing the community about the institution's principles and the effects of the pandemic on its educational delivery. 1.5 A good listening strategy for this text would be active listening. This is because the text includes complex ideas and references to social and philosophical concepts. By actively listening, readers can better understand and process the information being presented.