Transactional Writing is one of 9 topics in the Grade 12 English 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. When the recipient of a formal letter is unknown, the correct salutation is:
Dear Sir/Madam
Dear Friend
Hi there
To Whom This May Reach
Answer: Dear Sir/Madam — When the recipient's name is unknown, the correct formal salutation is "Dear Sir/Madam," paired with the closing "Yours faithfully."
Easy
2. Which closing pairs correctly with a formal letter where the recipient's name IS known ("Dear Mr Khumalo,")?
Yours sincerely
Yours faithfully
Love
See you soon
Answer: Yours sincerely — When the recipient's name is known, the salutation "Dear Mr/Ms [Surname]" is paired with the closing "Yours sincerely."
Medium
3. Rewrite this sentence to remove the informal contraction, appropriate for a formal letter: "I don't agree with the decision."
Answer: I do not agree with the decision. — Formal letters avoid contractions, so "don't" should be written in full as "do not."
