, Short Questions
These questions are mostly recall questions:
- They come directly from the story.
- Usually 1 mark each.
- You must answer short, direct, factual and get straight to the point (no story-telling, no essays).
Think of them like this:
The examiner wants the correct fact, not your feelings.
General IEB Exam Rules (directly from the marking guidelines):
Rule What it means for you
BUT if the question specifically asks the name of an
Names may be spelled slightly wrong
important character, you must spell it correctly.
English words allowed only if used in the Don’t randomly answer in English. Stick to the language of
book the novel.
You don’t lose marks for grammar As long as the meaning is clear. If meaning changes → 0
mistakes marks.
If Part A is wrong, you can still get Part B Except in opinion questions.
If you misunderstood the question but the You can still get the mark. The marking is generous but
second part gives the correct fact requires sense.
How to Approach These Questions
1. Read the question carefully
- Look for WHO, WHERE, WHY, WHEN.
- Only answer what the question asks.
2. Answer in ONE clear sentence
No need for explanation unless the question says Motivate / Verduidelik.
3. Stick to the facts of the novel
Don’t guess wildly.
If you’re unsure: say the simplest truthful version.
4. Opinion/Motivation Questions (e.g., “Dink jy…?”)
These are YES/NO + REASON.
Your reason must match your answer.
Example:
Dink jy Greg gaan Chris Owen vertrou? Motiveer.
Ja, want hy verlang steeds na ’n verhouding met sy pa.
Ja, want die Baker is gevaarlik. (makes no sense)
How to Spot the Type of Question
Type of Question Clue Words How to Answer
Recall / detail Wie, Waar, Wat, Wanneer Give 1 fact. Keep it short.
“Kies die korrekte
Multiple choice Read all options. Remove the “obvious wrong” ones.
antwoord”
Explain / Motiveer “Hoekom” / “Waarom” Very short reason (1 sentence).
True/False + State Waar OR Onwaar + 1 reason from the novel, not your
Waar / Onwaar + rede
Motiveer opinion.
These questions are mostly recall questions:
- They come directly from the story.
- Usually 1 mark each.
- You must answer short, direct, factual and get straight to the point (no story-telling, no essays).
Think of them like this:
The examiner wants the correct fact, not your feelings.
General IEB Exam Rules (directly from the marking guidelines):
Rule What it means for you
BUT if the question specifically asks the name of an
Names may be spelled slightly wrong
important character, you must spell it correctly.
English words allowed only if used in the Don’t randomly answer in English. Stick to the language of
book the novel.
You don’t lose marks for grammar As long as the meaning is clear. If meaning changes → 0
mistakes marks.
If Part A is wrong, you can still get Part B Except in opinion questions.
If you misunderstood the question but the You can still get the mark. The marking is generous but
second part gives the correct fact requires sense.
How to Approach These Questions
1. Read the question carefully
- Look for WHO, WHERE, WHY, WHEN.
- Only answer what the question asks.
2. Answer in ONE clear sentence
No need for explanation unless the question says Motivate / Verduidelik.
3. Stick to the facts of the novel
Don’t guess wildly.
If you’re unsure: say the simplest truthful version.
4. Opinion/Motivation Questions (e.g., “Dink jy…?”)
These are YES/NO + REASON.
Your reason must match your answer.
Example:
Dink jy Greg gaan Chris Owen vertrou? Motiveer.
Ja, want hy verlang steeds na ’n verhouding met sy pa.
Ja, want die Baker is gevaarlik. (makes no sense)
How to Spot the Type of Question
Type of Question Clue Words How to Answer
Recall / detail Wie, Waar, Wat, Wanneer Give 1 fact. Keep it short.
“Kies die korrekte
Multiple choice Read all options. Remove the “obvious wrong” ones.
antwoord”
Explain / Motiveer “Hoekom” / “Waarom” Very short reason (1 sentence).
True/False + State Waar OR Onwaar + 1 reason from the novel, not your
Waar / Onwaar + rede
Motiveer opinion.
