ENG1515 ASSIGNMENT 3 2026
DUE 30 AUGUST 2026
QUESTION 1: ESSAY – ENGLISH PROFICIENCY AND EMPLOYABILITY IN SOUTH
AFRICA
The graph from Statista shows that unemployment in South Africa differs greatly
between population groups. In the last quarter of 2025, the unemployment rate among
Black South Africans was above 35 percent, compared with only eight percent among
white South Africans. This difference shows that access to employment is not equal for
everyone. English language skills may be one factor that contributes to these differences
because English is widely used in business, government and higher education. People
who are confident in English may have more opportunities to apply for and succeed in
certain jobs. However, people from rural and poorer communities may have fewer
opportunities to develop strong English skills because of limited access to quality
education and resources. As a result, English proficiency can affect employability and
may place people from disadvantaged communities at a greater disadvantage when
looking for work.
, English as a Language of Power and Opportunity
English has become a powerful language around the world because of history, politics,
technology, and trade. In South Africa, English is used in government, courts, schools,
and business. Most job advertisements are written in English. Interviews are often
conducted in English. To get a good job, a person usually needs to be able to read,
write, and speak English well. This means that people who are fluent in English have
more chances to find work and move up in their careers. People who struggle with
English may be limited to jobs that do not pay well or offer little chance for growth.
The tutorial letter (Tut 501, section 1.4.1.2) explains that English has become "a
powerful medium of communication for middle and upper-class urbanites". This means
that people who live in cities and have money are more likely to be fluent in English.
They have access to good schools, books, the internet, and other resources that help
them learn the language. On the other hand, people who live in rural areas or poor
communities may not have these same resources. They may attend schools where
English is not taught well, or they may not have books or computers at home. As a
result, they may not develop the same level of English proficiency.
The Disadvantage of Rural and Poor Communities
The tutorial letter (Tut 501, section 1.4.1.2) points out that "members of rural and poorer
communities, who do not have access to global resources, may display less fluency in
English and be disadvantaged because of this". This is a serious problem. When people
cannot speak English well, they cannot compete for good jobs. They may not be able to
fill out job applications correctly. They may struggle in interviews. They may not
understand instructions at work. This can lead to them being passed over for
promotions or even losing their jobs.
DUE 30 AUGUST 2026
QUESTION 1: ESSAY – ENGLISH PROFICIENCY AND EMPLOYABILITY IN SOUTH
AFRICA
The graph from Statista shows that unemployment in South Africa differs greatly
between population groups. In the last quarter of 2025, the unemployment rate among
Black South Africans was above 35 percent, compared with only eight percent among
white South Africans. This difference shows that access to employment is not equal for
everyone. English language skills may be one factor that contributes to these differences
because English is widely used in business, government and higher education. People
who are confident in English may have more opportunities to apply for and succeed in
certain jobs. However, people from rural and poorer communities may have fewer
opportunities to develop strong English skills because of limited access to quality
education and resources. As a result, English proficiency can affect employability and
may place people from disadvantaged communities at a greater disadvantage when
looking for work.
, English as a Language of Power and Opportunity
English has become a powerful language around the world because of history, politics,
technology, and trade. In South Africa, English is used in government, courts, schools,
and business. Most job advertisements are written in English. Interviews are often
conducted in English. To get a good job, a person usually needs to be able to read,
write, and speak English well. This means that people who are fluent in English have
more chances to find work and move up in their careers. People who struggle with
English may be limited to jobs that do not pay well or offer little chance for growth.
The tutorial letter (Tut 501, section 1.4.1.2) explains that English has become "a
powerful medium of communication for middle and upper-class urbanites". This means
that people who live in cities and have money are more likely to be fluent in English.
They have access to good schools, books, the internet, and other resources that help
them learn the language. On the other hand, people who live in rural areas or poor
communities may not have these same resources. They may attend schools where
English is not taught well, or they may not have books or computers at home. As a
result, they may not develop the same level of English proficiency.
The Disadvantage of Rural and Poor Communities
The tutorial letter (Tut 501, section 1.4.1.2) points out that "members of rural and poorer
communities, who do not have access to global resources, may display less fluency in
English and be disadvantaged because of this". This is a serious problem. When people
cannot speak English well, they cannot compete for good jobs. They may not be able to
fill out job applications correctly. They may struggle in interviews. They may not
understand instructions at work. This can lead to them being passed over for
promotions or even losing their jobs.
