OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2024
PORTFOLIO EXAM ANSWERS
ENG2611
APPLIED ENGLISH LANGUAGE FOR FOUNDATION AND
INTERMEDIATE PHASE - FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE
ALL ANSWERS ARE AVAILABLE IN THIS DOCUMENT
NO AI WAS USED TO WRITE THE PORTFOLIO
A 90% PASS IS GUARANTEED
SECTION A
Question 1
1.1 According to Leland et al. (2013), we need to understand that texts often
embrace cultural ideas and, therefore, we should be sensitive to the ideas
associated with specific cultures when reading. How can being sensitive to the
cultural context of a text help readers avoid misunderstandings or
misinterpretations of its themes and characters?
Being sensitive to the cultural context of a text helps readers avoid
misunderstandings by enabling them to interpret characters' actions, language, and
traditions correctly. Diverse cultures have diverse ways of expressing values, norms,
and ideas. Without understanding the cultural background, a reader might impose
their own cultural standards onto the text, leading to misinterpretation of themes or
actions. For instance, a character’s behaviour, which may seem strange or
inappropriate to one culture, might be completely normal in another. This sensitivity
, ensures that readers approach texts with an open mind, leading to better
comprehension and appreciation of the deeper meanings of the story.
1.2 ‘Fan fiction is a genre of writing usually on the internet where people add,
extend or create new storylines to existing narratives’ (Leland et al., 2013: 54).
Consider the above quote from Leland et al. and discuss how fan fiction allows
for the exploration of themes, characters, or perspectives that may be
underrepresented or marginalised in the original works? What cultural
significance does this hold?
Fan fiction gives writers the freedom to explore different themes and ideas that may
not be fully developed or included in the original works. For example, fan fiction often
explores marginalised perspectives, such as characters from racial, gender, or
sexual minorities, which may not have been given much attention in the original text.
It allows writers to challenge the dominant narratives and present alternative
viewpoints. This has cultural significance because it opens space for more inclusive
storytelling. It empowers readers and writers from underrepresented communities to
see themselves reflected in these new narratives, helping to diversify the cultural
landscape of literature. Additionally, fan fiction provides a platform for discussion and
debate about how certain issues are portrayed in the original texts, encouraging
critical thinking.
Question 2
Study the extract below (Text A) from ‘Eight Days: A Story of Haiti’ by Edwidge
Danticat (2010:4) and answer the questions that follow.
PORTFOLIO EXAM ANSWERS
ENG2611
APPLIED ENGLISH LANGUAGE FOR FOUNDATION AND
INTERMEDIATE PHASE - FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE
ALL ANSWERS ARE AVAILABLE IN THIS DOCUMENT
NO AI WAS USED TO WRITE THE PORTFOLIO
A 90% PASS IS GUARANTEED
SECTION A
Question 1
1.1 According to Leland et al. (2013), we need to understand that texts often
embrace cultural ideas and, therefore, we should be sensitive to the ideas
associated with specific cultures when reading. How can being sensitive to the
cultural context of a text help readers avoid misunderstandings or
misinterpretations of its themes and characters?
Being sensitive to the cultural context of a text helps readers avoid
misunderstandings by enabling them to interpret characters' actions, language, and
traditions correctly. Diverse cultures have diverse ways of expressing values, norms,
and ideas. Without understanding the cultural background, a reader might impose
their own cultural standards onto the text, leading to misinterpretation of themes or
actions. For instance, a character’s behaviour, which may seem strange or
inappropriate to one culture, might be completely normal in another. This sensitivity
, ensures that readers approach texts with an open mind, leading to better
comprehension and appreciation of the deeper meanings of the story.
1.2 ‘Fan fiction is a genre of writing usually on the internet where people add,
extend or create new storylines to existing narratives’ (Leland et al., 2013: 54).
Consider the above quote from Leland et al. and discuss how fan fiction allows
for the exploration of themes, characters, or perspectives that may be
underrepresented or marginalised in the original works? What cultural
significance does this hold?
Fan fiction gives writers the freedom to explore different themes and ideas that may
not be fully developed or included in the original works. For example, fan fiction often
explores marginalised perspectives, such as characters from racial, gender, or
sexual minorities, which may not have been given much attention in the original text.
It allows writers to challenge the dominant narratives and present alternative
viewpoints. This has cultural significance because it opens space for more inclusive
storytelling. It empowers readers and writers from underrepresented communities to
see themselves reflected in these new narratives, helping to diversify the cultural
landscape of literature. Additionally, fan fiction provides a platform for discussion and
debate about how certain issues are portrayed in the original texts, encouraging
critical thinking.
Question 2
Study the extract below (Text A) from ‘Eight Days: A Story of Haiti’ by Edwidge
Danticat (2010:4) and answer the questions that follow.
