Languages are an important component of the matric exams in South Africa, and students are required to study for two languages. They must study for one at the Home Language (HL) level and another as the First Additional Language (FAL) level. These are mandatory requirements.
Additionally, English is also available as a second additional language (SAL), which can be chosen as an elective subject. Students who choose English as an HL or FAL must study for three papers. Picking English as a language helps students understand other subjects and also prepares them for university, where classes are conducted in English
This article provides the 2019 matric English past exam papers from November and June, which students can use to help them prepare for the upcoming exams.
Table of Contents
Overview of Practicing English Past Papers
When learning a language students need to have correct diction, grammar and be able to use the slang terms correctly. The best way to practice any language is by practice, this includes speaking, reading and writing.
The matric exams begin on 21 October 2024 with English Paper 3 as the first exam. Paper 1 is on 28 October 2024 and Paper 2 is on 13 November 2024. These papers cover different aspects of the English language and all carry different marks and duration.
This is why students need to practice past papers, such as the 2019 matric English past exam papers. This can help them understand the scoring breakdown and the topics that are covered in each paper. Therefore, students should attempt all three papers when they get ready to solve the past English matric papers 2019.
Paper 1: This tests the student’s knowledge of the language rules in English. The 2019 matric English paper 1 past paper is an excellent option to test language understanding.
Paper 2: This paper covers novels, dramas, short stories, and poetry and tests students’ comprehension of the text. The 2019 matric English paper 2 past paper can be used to test how well a student understands the deeper meaning of the reading material.
Paper 3: In paper 3, examiners test how well students can write in English, using the techniques and comprehension skills they have gained over the years. The 2019 paper 3, and those of other years, must be written so students can learn to manage time while covering all their ideas.
Read How Are Matric Final Marks Calculated
2019 Matric English Past Papers November with Memos
The best method to improve English skills is to practice regularly. Students should use English to communicate with their teachers, read books in English, and watch movies in English. This exposes students to how English is used in formal and informal settings.
When they are ready, students can test their command of English by solving matric English paper 1 2019 and matric English paper 2 2019. These papers will test the language and literature parts of the curriculum.
Since languages are a core subject for the matric exams, students need to score high to achieve a Bachelor’s Pass.
The table below contains the 2019 Matric English past exam papers 1, 2, and 3 and memos for them in PDF format.
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English Question Papers |
English Memos |
Read more about Bachelor Pass Requirements
2019 Matric English Past Papers May/June with Memos
While the November exams are for current grade 12 students, the May/June matric exams are for those wishing to improve their scores. This is known as the matric rewrite.
The May/June exams cover the same curriculum as the November matric exams and include three papers. When students improve their score during the rewrite, they can request to replace their original matric score.
Students can use the 2019 Matric English past exam papers to improve their overall understanding of the curriculum.
The table below contains the June 2019 matric English past papers and their respective PDF memos.
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English Question Papers |
English Memos |
How to Effectively Use 2019 English Question Papers for Preparation?
Students must score above 30% in the languages to pass the matric and complete high school in South Africa. This makes it all the more important for students to use available resources, such as past matric exams, to clarify their understanding of the subject matter and predict the format of the 2024 matric exam.
The 2019 matric English past exam papers we are providing is one such invaluable resource that can help clarify several details regarding the exams.
These are some benefits of solving the 2019 Matric English past exam papers:
Grasp of the Format
When students solve past matric exams, such as the November 2019 matric English past exam papers, they become aware of what to expect from the English papers. This includes the types of essay topics usually asked or what additional writing skills they need to practice.
- If students are uncomfortable with certain sections of the curriculum, they can spend additional time on it.
- Those who are not strong writers under timed conditions can attempt to write several essays from Paper 3 over the years.
- Students can gain effective time management skills that will enable them to complete their papers on time.
Creating a Timetable
When students prepare for 7 matric subjects, some with multiple papers, they must organise their time efficiently. This helps them to allocate certain dates for each subject, after which students can begin solving past matric exam papers.
The deadline helps to keep students motivated and focused on completing their daily tasks. However, students must also schedule breaks and de-stress regularly.
- The timetable should be created with achievable daily targets to bring a sense of accomplishment.
- The schedule must include breaks where students can step away from their books and play a sport or spend time on their hobby.
- Further, study times should include self-evaluating past papers such as the 2019 Matric so students can point out their weak sections.
Read more on How to Make a Study Timetable
Breaking Down the Marks
Students who understand how an exam will be marked are better prepared for what to expect from their question paper. It becomes easy to identify high-scoring topics when students download and solve papers like the 2019 Matric English past exam papers.
The PDF format memos for each paper make it easy to check answers. They also serve as a guide for students to learn how to improve their thought process, which in turn improves their writing skills. For example, Paper 3 for HL and FAL includes an essay section scored out of 50 marks.
- Dedicate additional time to practice questions that carry high marks.
- Check the criteria examiners are using to mark high-scoring sections and try to incorporate it in the next paper.
- Students who attempt past exams under timed conditions learn to manage time effectively according to the marks allotted for each question.
Identify Repeated Topics
One way to boost confidence before the English papers is by gaining mastery of recurring topics. Examiners deem these topics necessary to judge how well students have grasped English at the HL or FAL level.
The 2019 matric English past exam papers can also be used as a guide to predict important exam topics. When students identify repeating topics, they can:
- Create a paper-wise list of recurring topics.
- Adjust their timetable to spend extra time on these topics.
- Check their answers against the memos to ensure they cover all key elements examiners are searching for.
All the exams and memos of the 2019 matric English past exam papers have been sourced from the Department of Basic Education’s past papers.
Conclusion
It is challenging to gain proficiency in any subject solely through reading textbooks. Students should assess their understanding by tackling question papers from school and external sources. The 2019 Matric English past exam papers are an option available to students as they enter final preparations before the matric exams begin. This allows students to acquaint themselves with the format of the papers and learn how to manage their time effectively.
Check Regenesys’ Reginsights for more information on the matric exams.
FAQs on 2019 Matric English Past Papers
When do the matric English exams take place?
Paper 3 is the first paper for English. It will take place on 21 October 2024 (Paper 3), followed by Paper 1 on 28 October 2024, and Paper 2 on 13 November 2024.
What are the main components of the English matric exams?
The English matric exams consist of three papers: Paper 1 focuses on language and comprehension, Paper 2 covers literature, and Paper 3 assesses writing skills.
Do I need to practice the 2019 matric English home language paper 1 and the 2019 matric English home language paper 2?
Students should practice both since Paper 1 covers language and Paper 2 is focused on literature.
What should students do if they struggle with writing essays?
Identifying weak areas allows students to allocate more study time to those topics. Students should practice writing multiple essays and check against the memos to see if they cover key points.
Is the 2019 matric English FAL paper 1 and 2019 matric English FAL paper 2 similar?
FAL Paper 1 tests students on English grammar, while Paper 2 tests students on assigned reading material
