Phonemic Awareness
Read pages 96 to 98 of 2025 Study Guide (Tutorial 501) and Chapter 12 of any edition (2013-2025) of the prescribed text Wyse and et al, critically and reflectively in order to answer the following Questions. Chapter 12 of the 2013 edition has been provided on the module site and with this assignment for those who do not have the textbook.
a) Use two words to explain the relationship between English sounds (phonemes) and alphabets (graphemes) in relation to spelling. 4 Marks (2 marks for two correct words and 2 marks for plausible explanation.)
b) Explain how phonemic awareness influences the pronunciation of words in English. 2 Marks
c) From your knowledge of phonemic awareness after reading Chapter 12 of any edition of the prescribed text above and pages 96 to 98 of 2025 Study Guide, give two words that you have learned to spell correctly and two words that you have been mispronouncing. 4 Marks
a) Explain your understanding of critical language awareness 2 Marks
b) How does your understanding of the concept critical language awareness help you to interpret the possible meaning that can be derived in the KFC popular catch phrase “Finger Licking Good” 3 Marks
- Genre is a formal concept in language that refers to a particular type or style of literature, art, film, or music, recognisable because of its special features and specific language characteristics. Give three music genres that are popularly known in your indigenous socio-cultural context.
3 Marks - Access this link https://youtu.be/1_u3cpbBGTk?si=99HtybbAE66mQCaU to watch the KFC advertisement. Identify the three multimodal features of human communication found in this advertisement. 3 Marks
- Explain the difference between the following sentences:
a) The Vice Chancellor declared the graduation ceremony closed.
b) The graduation ceremony was declared closed by the Vice Chancellor
2 Marks - Identify the type of verb underlined in the following sentences:
a) The Springbok players appear happy.
b) Closing the classroom, the teacher went home. 2 Marks
Total 25 marks
Section B TEXT
The Rise of Podcasting: How Digital Audio Is Revolutionising Journalism
Suvrat. A. (2024). Al Jazeera Journalism Review. Available at: https://institute.aljazeera.net/en/ajr/article/2710) (Accessed Date: 15 November 2024)
Paragraph 1
When and How Did Podcasts become Popular?
Podcasting has its roots in the early 2000s, with the term “podcast” being coined in 2004, combining “iPod” and “broadcast.” However, it wasn’t until technology became more accessible, with the rapid spread of smartphones and affordable recording equipment, that podcasting started to gain significant attention. Now, almost anyone can create a podcast.
Paragraph 2
But the trend experienced a major surge in the mid-2010s, especially with the success of “Serial” in 2014, an investigative journalism podcast, hosted by journalist Sarah Koenig. The podcast captivated millions of listeners with its real-time investigation and gripping storytelling about the 1999 murder of Hae Min Lee and the subsequent conviction of Adnan Syed. Not only did this podcast bring international attention to the case through merely audio, ultimately leading to Syed’s release from prison, but it also pioneered a new genre of journalism and entertainment, sparking renewed interest in cold cases and criminal justice reform. Since then, podcasting has rapidly gained popularity, becoming a mainstream audio medium for news, entertainment, and education.
Paragraph 3
Who is Listening in?
According to YouGov, an international online research data and analytics technology group, they analysed 47 global markets to demonstrate where people around the world regularly listen to podcasts. It was found that, South Africa is home to the highest proportion of regular podcast listeners of any market surveyed, at 68%. Saudi Arabia is second overall at 59%, marking a significant increase from previous years. Of all consumers polled, 40% say they listen to podcasts for more than an hour per week, with 10% listening for more than 10 hours per week.
Paragraph 4
This growing medium has changed how audiences consume content and how journalists create and share their stories. In a landscape dominated by visual media, podcasts stand out as a compelling alternative, prioritising in-depth storytelling and analysis. With no visuals to distract, listeners engage their imaginations, fostering a deeper connection to the content. Moreover, in an age where trust in traditional media is often questioned, podcasts offer a sense of authenticity and transparency, allowing listeners to hear directly from journalists and experts.
Paragraph 5
Adoption by Major Media Outlets
Major publications such as The Guardian, The New York Times, the BBC, and the Financial Times, have all embraced podcasting, bringing listeners closer to their unique journalistic styles. Featuring journalists as hosts and guests, the podcasts combine the personal storytelling of each journalist with insightful analysis, providing an intimate glimpse into the minds of those who shape our understanding of the world.
Paragraph 6
- The Guardian’s “Today in Focus” is a prime example of this trend. Hosted by journalists Michael Safi and Helen Pidd, the podcast offers a deep dive into a single story each weekday. Recent episodes have covered topics ranging from climate change to political scandals.
Section B Text-Based Questions Question 1
a) Read the first sentence of the first paragraph and identify two obvious features of human language. 2 Marks
b) Justify how you arrived at each one of the two features identified in 1a) by referring to the text in your answer. 4 Marks
Question 2
a) Quote the sentence in paragraph 1 that the phrase “the trend” in the first sentence of Paragraph 2 refers back to. 2 Marks
b) What type of conjunction in the first sentence of paragraph 2 links the first paragraph to the second paragraph. 2 Marks
c) What word in paragraph 2 is in the possessive case. 1 Mark Question 3
The Noun Phrase “an international online research data and analytics technology group” is a good example of a complex noun phrase that can take several modifiers.
a) Identify the head noun in this Noun Phrase. 1 Mark
b) What is the article in the Noun Phrase? 1 Mark
c) List the words that have been used to modify the Head Noun,
6 Marks
d) What function are the words identified in c) performing in the noun phrase?
1 Mark
e) What part of speech do the words listed in 3c) belong to? 1 Mark Question 4
a) What type of sentence is the first sentence of paragraph 4? 1 Mark
b) Explain your answer in 4a). 2 Marks
Question 5
What type of Noun is the major publications mentioned in the first sentence of paragraph 5? 1 Mark
Answers to Above Questions on English
Expert Answer Q1: Phonemes are individual sounds whereas graphemes are written symbols or letter combinations. They are both highly effective in taking into consideration the relationship between English sounds and letters. Each phoneme in English is more or less mapped to one or more graphemes. By having a good understanding of the relationship between Phonemes and Graphemes, it is possible for a learner to understand words in a highly effective way.
The next question is about the ways in which phonemic awareness influences the pronunciation of words in English. To get access to answers of all the questions, connect with our English expert in South Africa.
