‘Easy’ English paper gives Tsebo matriculants hope

By Libuseng Nyaka

QWAQWA – Grade 12 learners at Tsebo Secondary School were upbeat after writing their first English paper on Wednesday, which marked the start of the 2021 matric final examinations.

They enthused that the trial examinations which they wrote recently were more challenging, and had prepared them for the real exams.

One of the leaners, Teba Rapaleng who wrote the English first additional language paper, says the paper was less difficult, compared to the trial she wrote in September.

“I am sure I scored something not less than 70 out of the 80 marks at stake; I am going to nail my next papers,” Rapeleng said excitedly.

Another grade 12 learner, Paballo Maitse, had this to say:

“Today we wrote English first additional English language paper one. I think I aced it and I am expecting between 65 and 70 out of 80. I was able to answer all questions, including the challenging ones in which I think I made a slight mistake.”

Almost 900 000 students are sitting for the exams across the country. The exams  kicked-off with the language papers, with the first sitting for English Home Language, English First Additional Language and English Second Additional Language.

Meanwhile, the Free State Department of Education told the SABC it was all systems go at about 353 centres, where the pupils will be writing their exams.

“We’ll be having more than 2 400 markers, including chief markers and deputy chief markers. So, we are indeed ready.

“On Friday, the minister was in the province. All our learners in the province signed a pledge, committing to conduct themselves in a manner that is legal,” department spokesperson Howard Ndaba told the public broadcaster on Monday.