NSSCAS Setswana First Language 8196 key terms

The recognised standard form of Setswana used in formal writing, education and examinations, as opposed to regional dialects; candidates are expected to write in it unless a question asks about dialect variation.

Orthography or spelling convention. In Setswana it covers correct use of vowel sequences, the semi-vowel w and y, word division, and the accepted spelling of loanwords; errors here lose marks across all papers.

A lingua franca or shared language used between speakers of different first languages, such as Setswana in much of Botswana; questions may ask you to discuss its social functions and its effect on smaller languages.

The register or level of formality of language, ranging from formal written Setswana to casual spoken forms. Directed writing tasks require you to select a register suited to the audience and purpose.

A formal written text such as an official letter, application or report, which follows fixed conventions: addresses, date, salutation, formal closing and polite impersonal tone. Marks are awarded for layout as well as content.

A business letter written to a company, school or office, usually dealing with an enquiry, complaint, order or application. It demands a formal register, a clear statement of purpose and a courteous closing.

An informal or personal letter to a friend or relative, allowing a relaxed register, direct address and personal detail, while still needing a clear structure and a reason for writing.

A report: a factual, organised account of an event, investigation or meeting, typically with a heading, an introduction stating purpose and scope, findings presented logically, and a conclusion or recommendations.

A summary, or the concluding section of a report or essay that draws the main points together without introducing new material; in summary tasks it names the central idea the details support.

The main idea or central argument of a passage, as distinct from supporting details. Identifying it is the first step in summary writing and in answering comprehension questions on purpose and theme.

An opinion or viewpoint expressed by a writer or speaker, as opposed to a verifiable fact. Comprehension and language questions often ask you to separate the writer's opinions from statements of fact.

A fact or truth that can be verified or supported by evidence, contrasted with opinion. Distinguishing fact from opinion is a recurring skill in comprehension and in evaluating argumentative passages.

Evidence or proof offered in support of a claim, such as statistics, examples, quotations or personal testimony. Questions may ask you to judge whether the evidence given is relevant and sufficient.

The feeling, mood or attitude conveyed by a text or a character, or the emotions a writer stirs in the reader. Identifying tone and mood is central to literary and comprehension answers.

The atmosphere or prevailing mood of a literary work or passage, created through setting, diction and imagery. It differs from the writer's attitude and should be described with textual support.

Figurative language, especially imagery and metaphor, in which one thing is described in terms of another to create a picture. Analysis requires naming the device and explaining its effect, not merely labelling it.

A simile: an explicit comparison using words such as 'jaaka' or 'e kete'. In poetry and prose analysis you must explain what is compared and what the comparison reveals about the subject.

Personification, the device in which an object, animal or abstract idea is given human qualities. Examiners expect you to quote the instance and comment on how it shapes meaning or tone.

Repetition of a word, phrase or structure for emphasis or rhythm. In poetry and persuasive prose, comment on what is repeated, how often, and what effect the repetition produces.

Rhythm or cadence in verse or prose, produced by stress patterns, line length and sound arrangement. Discussing it requires linking rhythm to the poem's subject and emotional movement.

A refrain or repeated line in a poem or song, often marking stanza endings. It carries thematic weight and changes meaning as the poem develops, so track each occurrence rather than quoting once.

A chapter or major division of a prose work, or a stanza-like section of a long poem. Referring to specific chapters shows close knowledge of the prescribed text and strengthens literary answers.

The plot or storyline of a narrative work: the arranged sequence of events, including exposition, rising action, climax and resolution. Plot is distinct from the story's underlying theme.

Narrative technique: the way a story is told, including point of view, order of events, use of flashback, and whether the narrator is first-person, omniscient or limited. Technique shapes how readers judge characters.

A character in a literary work; analysis distinguishes major from minor characters and examines how motivation, conflict and development are revealed through speech, action and the comments of others.

Conflict in literature: person against person, person against society, person against nature, or inner conflict within a character. Naming the type of conflict and tracing its development earns analysis marks.

The theme or central concern of a literary work, such as love, betrayal, tradition versus change, or the abuse of power. Themes are stated as ideas and supported with evidence from several parts of the text.

An event or incident in a narrative, or a happening described in a factual passage. In comprehension answers, distinguishing key events from minor ones helps you answer questions about cause and consequence.

Cause and effect: the relationship between why something happened and what resulted. Comprehension and summary questions frequently ask you to trace causes, consequences or the reasons behind a claim.

The concise restatement of a passage's main points in your own words, within a stated word limit. Irrelevant detail, copied phrases and personal comment are penalised; coverage of all key points is rewarded.

Paraphrasing: expressing the meaning of a text in your own words while keeping the sense intact. It is the core skill of summary and information transfer, and it must avoid lifting long phrases from the source.

Information transfer: converting content from one form into another, for example turning a prose passage into notes, a table or a short message, or completing a form from a text. Accuracy and brevity matter.

An announcement or notice, such as a public notice, advertisement or short message conveying information to a specific audience. It should state who, what, when, where and any action required, clearly and briefly.

The explanation or interpretation of data, such as a graph, table or statistics described in words. You must state the overall trend, quote relevant figures accurately and avoid unsupported conclusions.

Organised or structured speech, including prepared speeches and formal oral presentations. Directed writing may ask for a speech text, requiring an address to the audience, signposting and a memorable conclusion.

A composition or essay written in response to a chosen topic. Marks depend on relevance to the title, coherent paragraphing, varied sentence structure, appropriate vocabulary and control of grammar and spelling.

A descriptive composition that paints a scene, person or experience through sensory detail and figurative language. It should maintain a consistent viewpoint and avoid drifting into bare narration.

An argumentative composition presenting a position on a debatable issue. It needs a clear thesis, logically ordered reasons with evidence, acknowledgement of opposing views, and a firm conclusion.

A narrative composition telling a story, with setting, characters, a complication and a resolution. Effective narratives show rather than tell, use consistent tense and end with a purposeful conclusion.

Grammatical correctness in context: agreement of subject and verb, correct noun class prefixes, tense consistency, pronoun reference and appropriate concord. Language accuracy is assessed across all written papers.