ENG1517
ASSIGNMENT 1 2025
UNIQUE NO:
DUE DATE: MAY 2025
, ENG1517
Question 1: Why Dassies Have No Tails
1.1 Age Appropriateness (10 marks)
According to Unit 6 of Tutorial Letter 501, stories for children aged 6 to 9 should align
with their cognitive and emotional development stages. Here's how "Why Dassies Have
No Tails" caters to each age:
Age 6: Children at this age enjoy stories with repetitive structures and clear
sequences. The narrative's straightforward plot, where animals line up for tails,
provides predictability and engagement.
Age 7: Seven-year-olds begin to appreciate character motivations. Dassie's
decision to bask in the sun instead of attending the meeting introduces themes of
choice and consequence, prompting discussions about responsibility.
Nal'ibali+1Jungle Theatre Company+1
Age 8: At this stage, children can grasp cause-and-effect relationships. Dassie's
absence leading to his lack of a tail exemplifies this, reinforcing the idea that
actions have outcomes.Steemit
Age 9: Nine-year-olds are capable of critical thinking and understanding moral
lessons. The story's underlying message about the importance of participation
and attentiveness encourages reflection on personal behavior.
1.2 Pourquoi Tale and Myth (5 marks)
"Why Dassies Have No Tails" functions as both a pourquoi tale and a myth:
Pourquoi Tale: It explains a natural phenomenon—the absence of tails in
dassies—through a fictional narrative. This aligns with the purpose of pourquoi
tales, which provide imaginative explanations for real-world traits.
Myth: The story incorporates elements of mythology, such as anthropomorphic
animals and a communal gathering to receive tails. These aspects reflect cultural
ASSIGNMENT 1 2025
UNIQUE NO:
DUE DATE: MAY 2025
, ENG1517
Question 1: Why Dassies Have No Tails
1.1 Age Appropriateness (10 marks)
According to Unit 6 of Tutorial Letter 501, stories for children aged 6 to 9 should align
with their cognitive and emotional development stages. Here's how "Why Dassies Have
No Tails" caters to each age:
Age 6: Children at this age enjoy stories with repetitive structures and clear
sequences. The narrative's straightforward plot, where animals line up for tails,
provides predictability and engagement.
Age 7: Seven-year-olds begin to appreciate character motivations. Dassie's
decision to bask in the sun instead of attending the meeting introduces themes of
choice and consequence, prompting discussions about responsibility.
Nal'ibali+1Jungle Theatre Company+1
Age 8: At this stage, children can grasp cause-and-effect relationships. Dassie's
absence leading to his lack of a tail exemplifies this, reinforcing the idea that
actions have outcomes.Steemit
Age 9: Nine-year-olds are capable of critical thinking and understanding moral
lessons. The story's underlying message about the importance of participation
and attentiveness encourages reflection on personal behavior.
1.2 Pourquoi Tale and Myth (5 marks)
"Why Dassies Have No Tails" functions as both a pourquoi tale and a myth:
Pourquoi Tale: It explains a natural phenomenon—the absence of tails in
dassies—through a fictional narrative. This aligns with the purpose of pourquoi
tales, which provide imaginative explanations for real-world traits.
Myth: The story incorporates elements of mythology, such as anthropomorphic
animals and a communal gathering to receive tails. These aspects reflect cultural
