HOPEACADEMY
ENG2612
OCT-NOV 2023 PAST EXAM
EXAM PREP:EXAM DATE 22 JAN 2026
2026
QUESTION 1
Write an essay of approximately 1000 words in which you analyse the
writers’ use of style, and linguistic features to convey the meaning,
context, and purpose in EXTRACT A above.
0 7 6 4 0 3 1 229
, ENG2612 OCT/NOV 2023
EXAM DATE:22 JANUARY 2026
QUESTION 1
Write an essay of approximately 1000 words in which you analyse the
writers’ use of style, and linguistic features to convey the meaning,
context, and purpose in EXTRACT A above.
An analysis of style and linguistic features in EXTRACT A
The text in EXTRACT A is a satirical opinion piece that critically interrogates
the failures of South Africa’s justice and correctional systems through the
high-profile case of Thabo Bester. The writer adopts an informal yet
rhetorically sophisticated style to expose state incompetence, question
accountability, and call for systemic reform. Through humour, metaphor,
direct address, and vivid imagery, the writer successfully conveys meaning,
context, and purpose while engaging a broad South African readership. This
essay argues that the writer’s deliberate use of satire, figurative language,
conversational structure, and rhetorical devices strengthens the persuasive
impact of the text by simultaneously entertaining and provoking critical
reflection.
To begin with, the target audience and context of the text are central to
understanding the writer’s stylistic choices. The piece is addressed directly
to “Mr President,” indicating that the primary symbolic audience is the head
of state, while the actual audience consists of South African citizens who are
familiar with the Thabo Bester saga, load shedding, corruption, and failures
in governance. The reference to “Eskom load shedding,” “biltong stick,” and
“jar of pickled fish” situates the text firmly within a South African socio-
political context. These culturally specific references suggest that the writer
ENG2612
OCT-NOV 2023 PAST EXAM
EXAM PREP:EXAM DATE 22 JAN 2026
2026
QUESTION 1
Write an essay of approximately 1000 words in which you analyse the
writers’ use of style, and linguistic features to convey the meaning,
context, and purpose in EXTRACT A above.
0 7 6 4 0 3 1 229
, ENG2612 OCT/NOV 2023
EXAM DATE:22 JANUARY 2026
QUESTION 1
Write an essay of approximately 1000 words in which you analyse the
writers’ use of style, and linguistic features to convey the meaning,
context, and purpose in EXTRACT A above.
An analysis of style and linguistic features in EXTRACT A
The text in EXTRACT A is a satirical opinion piece that critically interrogates
the failures of South Africa’s justice and correctional systems through the
high-profile case of Thabo Bester. The writer adopts an informal yet
rhetorically sophisticated style to expose state incompetence, question
accountability, and call for systemic reform. Through humour, metaphor,
direct address, and vivid imagery, the writer successfully conveys meaning,
context, and purpose while engaging a broad South African readership. This
essay argues that the writer’s deliberate use of satire, figurative language,
conversational structure, and rhetorical devices strengthens the persuasive
impact of the text by simultaneously entertaining and provoking critical
reflection.
To begin with, the target audience and context of the text are central to
understanding the writer’s stylistic choices. The piece is addressed directly
to “Mr President,” indicating that the primary symbolic audience is the head
of state, while the actual audience consists of South African citizens who are
familiar with the Thabo Bester saga, load shedding, corruption, and failures
in governance. The reference to “Eskom load shedding,” “biltong stick,” and
“jar of pickled fish” situates the text firmly within a South African socio-
political context. These culturally specific references suggest that the writer
