FLT3701
ASSIGNMENT 2
DUE DATE: 1 JULY 2026
,FLT3701 ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
DUE 1 JULY 2026
This assessment comprises short essay and discussion-type questions that require your
active engagement, practical experience, critical thinking, and reflective response
QUESTION 1 (25 Marks)
1.1 Language theories
1.1.1 In your own words, define the term First Additional Language.
1.1.1 Definition of First Additional Language
A First Additional Language (FAL) is a language that is taught and learned in addition to
a learner's home language. In South African schools, it refers to an official language that
learners study as a subject, which is not their mother tongue. According to the
Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), all learners in South Africa are
required to learn at least two official languages, one at home language level and the
other at first additional language level (DBE 2011). The purpose of learning a FAL is to
enable learners to communicate effectively in another language and to prepare them for
using that language as the Language of Learning and Teaching (LoLT) in higher grades
(FLT3701 Study Guide 2026:11-12).
1.1.2 Cummins' Language Proficiency Theories: BICS and CALP Activities
BICS (Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills) Show and Tell
Grade: 2
Theme: My Family
, Learners bring a photo or drawing of their family to class. They sit in a circle and take
turns describing their family members using simple English. The teacher encourages
natural conversation by asking questions like "Who is this?" "What is his/her name?"
"How old is your sister?" Learners are allowed to use short phrases and are not
corrected for minor errors. The focus is on meaningful communication in a social
context.
This activity develops BICS by allowing learners to use English in a natural, social
setting where they talk about something familiar and personal. They practise everyday
conversational language without the pressure of formal academic language.
BICS refers to the language used in everyday social interactions (Bester et al. 2019:15).
In this activity, learners use English to communicate about their families in a relaxed,
informal setting. The language is contextualised and supported by visual aids
(photos/drawings). Learners are encouraged to speak freely without fear of making
mistakes, which builds their confidence in using English for social communication
(FLT3701 Study Guide 2026:85-86).
ASSIGNMENT 2
DUE DATE: 1 JULY 2026
,FLT3701 ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
DUE 1 JULY 2026
This assessment comprises short essay and discussion-type questions that require your
active engagement, practical experience, critical thinking, and reflective response
QUESTION 1 (25 Marks)
1.1 Language theories
1.1.1 In your own words, define the term First Additional Language.
1.1.1 Definition of First Additional Language
A First Additional Language (FAL) is a language that is taught and learned in addition to
a learner's home language. In South African schools, it refers to an official language that
learners study as a subject, which is not their mother tongue. According to the
Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), all learners in South Africa are
required to learn at least two official languages, one at home language level and the
other at first additional language level (DBE 2011). The purpose of learning a FAL is to
enable learners to communicate effectively in another language and to prepare them for
using that language as the Language of Learning and Teaching (LoLT) in higher grades
(FLT3701 Study Guide 2026:11-12).
1.1.2 Cummins' Language Proficiency Theories: BICS and CALP Activities
BICS (Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills) Show and Tell
Grade: 2
Theme: My Family
, Learners bring a photo or drawing of their family to class. They sit in a circle and take
turns describing their family members using simple English. The teacher encourages
natural conversation by asking questions like "Who is this?" "What is his/her name?"
"How old is your sister?" Learners are allowed to use short phrases and are not
corrected for minor errors. The focus is on meaningful communication in a social
context.
This activity develops BICS by allowing learners to use English in a natural, social
setting where they talk about something familiar and personal. They practise everyday
conversational language without the pressure of formal academic language.
BICS refers to the language used in everyday social interactions (Bester et al. 2019:15).
In this activity, learners use English to communicate about their families in a relaxed,
informal setting. The language is contextualised and supported by visual aids
(photos/drawings). Learners are encouraged to speak freely without fear of making
mistakes, which builds their confidence in using English for social communication
(FLT3701 Study Guide 2026:85-86).
