Essay Writing is one of 9 topics in the Grade 11 English Home 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. A discursive essay examines an issue by:
Exploring multiple sides in a balanced way, rather than arguing forcefully for one position
Arguing forcefully for a single fixed position throughout
Telling an engaging personal story with a clear plot
Describing a scene using only sensory language
Answer: Exploring multiple sides in a balanced way, rather than arguing forcefully for one position — A discursive essay examines an issue from multiple sides in a balanced, exploratory way, unlike an argumentative essay which defends one fixed position.
Easy
2. How are body paragraphs in a discursive essay often organised, according to this lesson?
By perspective, one paragraph per viewpoint
By colour, alternating warm and cool imagery
Strictly by paragraph length, shortest to longest
Randomly, with no organising principle at all
Answer: By perspective, one paragraph per viewpoint — Discursive essay body paragraphs are often organised by perspective, with each viewpoint given roughly equal weight and genuine consideration.
Medium
3. Which linking phrase would best signal a shift to a different perspective in a discursive essay: "___, critics counter that the policy has serious drawbacks"?
Answer: On the other hand — Phrases such as "on the other hand" or "however" signal a shift between perspectives clearly, guiding the reader through the exploration.
