Grade 10 English FAL enters the FET Phase with increased demands on reading, writing and language accuracy. Learners engage with more complex texts including literary extracts, write extended essays and transactional texts, and develop comprehensive command of English grammar. The focus shifts from building basic literacy to using English independently and accurately across a range of formal contexts.
- Read literary extracts and longer texts — literal, inferential, evaluative, critical questions
- Complex sentence structures: multiple subordinate clauses
- All tenses revision including perfect and pluperfect forms
- Direct and indirect speech — all tenses, full conversion practice
- Write a multi-paragraph essay (narrative or descriptive) — 200–250 words
- Vocabulary: register, connotation, context clues, idioms
- Figurative language: extended metaphor, paradox, irony, antithesis
- Oral: prepared talk on a contemporary South African topic
- Read formal texts — letters, reports, advertisements, articles
- Passive voice: all tenses — formation and conversion
- All four conditional sentence types
- Formal letter and email — layout and register
- Report writing — structure, tone, factual language
- Concord: subject-verb agreement in complex sentences
- Vocabulary: synonyms, antonyms, homonyms, word families
- Oral: formal speech with persuasive intent
- Read argumentative texts — identify claim, evidence, counter-argument, fallacies
- Write a short argumentative essay — thesis, body, rebuttal, conclusion
- Poetry: imagery, tone, mood, theme, figurative language
- Compare two poems in a structured paragraph response
- Relative clauses and nominal clauses — extended use in own writing
- Revision of all grammar covered in Grades 7–10
- Visual texts: analyse purpose, audience, layout, technique
- Oral: argue a point of view or present a visual analysis
- Unseen comprehension — apply all reading skills to unfamiliar texts
- Summary writing: identify main points, paraphrase, write concisely
- Revision of all writing formats: letter, essay, report, summary, paragraph
- Grammar consolidation: all tenses, voice, speech, concord, clauses
- Examination techniques: reading questions, time management
- Oral: final prepared speech or dramatic reading
- Vocabulary revision: build and review personal word list
- Reflect on growth and set goals for Grade 11 English FAL
Formal letter format is always examined. Address, date, reference, salutation, body, closing. Learn it once, never lose those format marks.
Passive voice in all tenses. The letter is written / was written / will be written / has been written. Know all forms.
Figurative language: name, quote, explain. Three steps every time. Never just say 'there is a metaphor'.
FET grammar is cumulative. Everything from Grades 7–9 is still examinable. Review old work in Term 4.
Five new words daily. Strong vocabulary is the biggest differentiator in English FAL exams.