ENG2613
Assignment 3 2025
Unique #:172594
Due Date: 4 August 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, 3 ESSAYS PROVIDED
Evaluating the Appropriateness of Two Texts for an Intermediate Phase FAL
South African Classroom
Introduction
In Intermediate Phase classrooms, the choice of reading material plays a critical role
in shaping learners’ moral understanding, language development, emotional literacy,
and worldview. This phase includes learners aged 9 to 12, who are developing
cognitively, emotionally, and socially. Therefore, any text used must be both age-
appropriate and educationally enriching. This essay evaluates two texts—The
Robin’s Lament by Amy Gozelski and Why the Bat Flies at Night by Kgosi Kgosi—
based on four essential aspects: age appropriateness in terms of style and themes,
moral and ethical learning, emotional and mental development, and the promotion of
inclusivity. The essay argues that while Why the Bat Flies at Night is highly suitable
for an Intermediate Phase FAL classroom, The Robin’s Lament is largely
inappropriate due to its complex language, emotional intensity, and culturally specific
context.
1. Age Appropriateness in Terms of Style and Themes
The first factor in evaluating a text for Intermediate Phase learners is whether the
story’s style, vocabulary, and themes are age-appropriate.
Why the Bat Flies at Night uses a clear and simple narrative style. Its structure is
linear, vocabulary is accessible, and sentence construction supports early reading
comprehension. The story contains elements of folklore, personified animals, and a
lesson-driven plot—features that align well with the narrative traditions and
developmental stages of Intermediate Phase learners. Furthermore, the theme of
jealousy and its consequences is familiar and understandable for children in this age
group, making it a relatable and safe learning opportunity.
In contrast, The Robin’s Lament uses highly emotive language, abstract reflections,
and a sophisticated narrative voice. The theme of terminal illness and the emotional
unraveling of a parent due to a spouse’s impending death is far too mature and
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
Assignment 3 2025
Unique #:172594
Due Date: 4 August 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, 3 ESSAYS PROVIDED
Evaluating the Appropriateness of Two Texts for an Intermediate Phase FAL
South African Classroom
Introduction
In Intermediate Phase classrooms, the choice of reading material plays a critical role
in shaping learners’ moral understanding, language development, emotional literacy,
and worldview. This phase includes learners aged 9 to 12, who are developing
cognitively, emotionally, and socially. Therefore, any text used must be both age-
appropriate and educationally enriching. This essay evaluates two texts—The
Robin’s Lament by Amy Gozelski and Why the Bat Flies at Night by Kgosi Kgosi—
based on four essential aspects: age appropriateness in terms of style and themes,
moral and ethical learning, emotional and mental development, and the promotion of
inclusivity. The essay argues that while Why the Bat Flies at Night is highly suitable
for an Intermediate Phase FAL classroom, The Robin’s Lament is largely
inappropriate due to its complex language, emotional intensity, and culturally specific
context.
1. Age Appropriateness in Terms of Style and Themes
The first factor in evaluating a text for Intermediate Phase learners is whether the
story’s style, vocabulary, and themes are age-appropriate.
Why the Bat Flies at Night uses a clear and simple narrative style. Its structure is
linear, vocabulary is accessible, and sentence construction supports early reading
comprehension. The story contains elements of folklore, personified animals, and a
lesson-driven plot—features that align well with the narrative traditions and
developmental stages of Intermediate Phase learners. Furthermore, the theme of
jealousy and its consequences is familiar and understandable for children in this age
group, making it a relatable and safe learning opportunity.
In contrast, The Robin’s Lament uses highly emotive language, abstract reflections,
and a sophisticated narrative voice. The theme of terminal illness and the emotional
unraveling of a parent due to a spouse’s impending death is far too mature and
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
