ENG2611
JANUARY /FE BRUARY
2026 (UNISA )
APPLIED ENGLISH LANGUAGE FOR FOUNDATION AND INTERMEDIATE PHASE-FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE
SUPPLEMENTARY EXAMINATION
, SECTION A
ENG2611
January/February 2026
QUESTIONS
1. When engaging in critical reading, we follow certain steps in order to make
meaning of a literary text. Identify two pre-reading exercises we can use when
we read a text for the first time and provide a brief explanation of each
element. Do not simply duplicate the information in your study guide – your
explanations should be phrased in your own words and demonstrate your own
understanding of the concepts.
(8 marks)
Two useful pre-reading exercises when approaching a literary text for the first
time are examining the title and activating prior knowledge. These steps help
readers anticipate meaning, set expectations, and connect the text to their
own context, which makes deeper critical reading more effective.
1. Examining the Title
One of the simplest but most powerful pre-reading strategies is to study the
title of the text carefully. A title often provides clues about the subject matter,
tone, or central theme. For example, a title like The Silent Spring immediately
suggests ideas of nature, silence, and possibly environmental concerns. By
reflecting on the title before reading, you begin to form hypotheses about what
the text might cover. This mental preparation allows you to enter the reading
process with a framework in mind, which makes it easier to identify key ideas
and evaluate whether the text confirms or challenges your expectations. In this
way, the title acts as a doorway into the text, guiding your first impressions and
sharpening your focus.
2. Activating Prior Knowledge
Another important pre-reading exercise is to draw on your own background
knowledge and experiences related to the topic. Before reading, you can ask
yourself: What do I already know about this subject? Have I encountered
similar themes in other texts? This process helps you connect the new material
to existing knowledge, which improves comprehension and retention. For
instance, if you are about to read a novel set during apartheid in South Africa,
recalling historical facts or personal stories you have heard about that period
will enrich your understanding of the narrative. Activating prior knowledge also
JANUARY /FE BRUARY
2026 (UNISA )
APPLIED ENGLISH LANGUAGE FOR FOUNDATION AND INTERMEDIATE PHASE-FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE
SUPPLEMENTARY EXAMINATION
, SECTION A
ENG2611
January/February 2026
QUESTIONS
1. When engaging in critical reading, we follow certain steps in order to make
meaning of a literary text. Identify two pre-reading exercises we can use when
we read a text for the first time and provide a brief explanation of each
element. Do not simply duplicate the information in your study guide – your
explanations should be phrased in your own words and demonstrate your own
understanding of the concepts.
(8 marks)
Two useful pre-reading exercises when approaching a literary text for the first
time are examining the title and activating prior knowledge. These steps help
readers anticipate meaning, set expectations, and connect the text to their
own context, which makes deeper critical reading more effective.
1. Examining the Title
One of the simplest but most powerful pre-reading strategies is to study the
title of the text carefully. A title often provides clues about the subject matter,
tone, or central theme. For example, a title like The Silent Spring immediately
suggests ideas of nature, silence, and possibly environmental concerns. By
reflecting on the title before reading, you begin to form hypotheses about what
the text might cover. This mental preparation allows you to enter the reading
process with a framework in mind, which makes it easier to identify key ideas
and evaluate whether the text confirms or challenges your expectations. In this
way, the title acts as a doorway into the text, guiding your first impressions and
sharpening your focus.
2. Activating Prior Knowledge
Another important pre-reading exercise is to draw on your own background
knowledge and experiences related to the topic. Before reading, you can ask
yourself: What do I already know about this subject? Have I encountered
similar themes in other texts? This process helps you connect the new material
to existing knowledge, which improves comprehension and retention. For
instance, if you are about to read a novel set during apartheid in South Africa,
recalling historical facts or personal stories you have heard about that period
will enrich your understanding of the narrative. Activating prior knowledge also
