Afrikaans First Additional Language · Grade 12 CAPS
Essay Writing
Essay Writing is one of 9 topics in the Grade 12 Afrikaans First Additional Language CAPS syllabus, covered across 3 lessons on Study Vault. Below are real practice questions from this topic with full worked answers.
Sample practice questions
Easy
1. Which Afrikaans essay type tells a story with a clear beginning, middle and end, built around characters and events?
Verhalende opstel (narrative essay)
Beskrywende opstel (descriptive essay)
Argumenterende opstel (argumentative essay)
Bespiegelende opstel (reflective essay)
Answer: Verhalende opstel (narrative essay) — A "verhalende opstel" (narrative essay) tells a story with a clear beginning, middle and end, often including a turning point or conflict resolved by the end.
Easy
2. Which Afrikaans essay type focuses on painting a vivid picture of a person, place or object using sensory detail, rather than telling a story with a plot?
Beskrywende opstel (descriptive essay)
Verhalende opstel (narrative essay)
Argumenterende opstel (argumentative essay)
Beredeneerde opstel (discursive essay)
Answer: Beskrywende opstel (descriptive essay) — A "beskrywende opstel" (descriptive essay) uses rich sensory detail to paint a vivid picture, rather than following a narrative plot.
Medium
3. Name the Afrikaans essay type that takes a clear, single position on a debatable topic and persuades the reader toward that position only.
Answer: Argumenterende opstel — An "argumenterende opstel" (argumentative essay) argues for one clear position only, using logical reasoning and structured arguments.
