ENG2601
JAN/FEB SUPPLEMENTARY 2026
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 22 JANUARY 2026
, Applied English Language Studies: Further Explorations
Title:
Reading Inequality in South Africa: How Genre, Tone, Audience and Register
Shape the Purpose of the Text
The article “Lack of books in SA’s homes throws spotlight on Pirls shock” by Tamar
Kahn addresses a critical educational crisis in South Africa, namely the severe lack of
reading resources in households with young children and its connection to poor literacy
outcomes. Published in BusinessLive, the text responds to alarming findings from the
Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (Pirls) 2021, which revealed that 81%
of South African Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning. Against this backdrop, the
article draws attention to the role of early childhood exposure to books and storytelling
in shaping literacy development. This essay analyses how the genre, tone, audience
and register of the text work together to establish its primary purpose, which is to inform
the public about the depth of the literacy crisis while persuading policymakers,
caregivers and stakeholders to prioritise early reading interventions.
The genre of the text is a newspaper report with strong features of analytical and
advocacy journalism. As a journalistic article grounded in research evidence, it presents
factual information supported by statistics, expert commentary and institutional findings.
The report draws on data from Unicef and the department of basic education, stating
that “there are no books at all in 43% of SA households with young children, and just
16% of homes contain more than five books.” This reliance on verifiable data situates
the article firmly within an informational genre. However, the inclusion of expert opinions
from figures such as Unicef’s deputy representative Muriel Mafico, economist Nic
Spaull, and Breadline Africa CEO Marion Wagner extends the genre beyond simple
reporting into critical social commentary. By doing so, the text not only reports on a
problem but also evaluates its implications and proposes solutions, such as equipping
early childhood development centres with classroom libraries. The genre therefore
contributes to the purpose by establishing credibility and urgency, positioning the article
as a reliable source that calls for informed action.
JAN/FEB SUPPLEMENTARY 2026
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 22 JANUARY 2026
, Applied English Language Studies: Further Explorations
Title:
Reading Inequality in South Africa: How Genre, Tone, Audience and Register
Shape the Purpose of the Text
The article “Lack of books in SA’s homes throws spotlight on Pirls shock” by Tamar
Kahn addresses a critical educational crisis in South Africa, namely the severe lack of
reading resources in households with young children and its connection to poor literacy
outcomes. Published in BusinessLive, the text responds to alarming findings from the
Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (Pirls) 2021, which revealed that 81%
of South African Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning. Against this backdrop, the
article draws attention to the role of early childhood exposure to books and storytelling
in shaping literacy development. This essay analyses how the genre, tone, audience
and register of the text work together to establish its primary purpose, which is to inform
the public about the depth of the literacy crisis while persuading policymakers,
caregivers and stakeholders to prioritise early reading interventions.
The genre of the text is a newspaper report with strong features of analytical and
advocacy journalism. As a journalistic article grounded in research evidence, it presents
factual information supported by statistics, expert commentary and institutional findings.
The report draws on data from Unicef and the department of basic education, stating
that “there are no books at all in 43% of SA households with young children, and just
16% of homes contain more than five books.” This reliance on verifiable data situates
the article firmly within an informational genre. However, the inclusion of expert opinions
from figures such as Unicef’s deputy representative Muriel Mafico, economist Nic
Spaull, and Breadline Africa CEO Marion Wagner extends the genre beyond simple
reporting into critical social commentary. By doing so, the text not only reports on a
problem but also evaluates its implications and proposes solutions, such as equipping
early childhood development centres with classroom libraries. The genre therefore
contributes to the purpose by establishing credibility and urgency, positioning the article
as a reliable source that calls for informed action.
