GAUTENG PROVINCE

BASELINE ASSESSMENT

SUBJECT English First Additional Language

GRADE 08
PAPER Comprehension, Visual literacy, Summary and
Language
YEAR 2025
TASK BASELINE ASSESSMENT
TIME ALLOCATION 1 Hour
MARKS 40

This paper consists of 7 pages.

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

1. This paper consists of FOUR questions.

QUESTION 1 and 2 COMPREHENSION AND LANGUAGE (20)
QUESTION 3: VISUAL LITERACY (05)
QUESTION 4: SUMMARY (10)
QUESTION 4: WRITING (05)

2. Read all the instructions carefully.

3. Answer all the questions unless otherwise specified.
5. Number your questions correctly.
6. Number in the margin of the page.
7. Check spelling and sentence construction carefully.
8. Write neatly and legibly.

GAUTENG PROVINCE BASELINE ASSESSMENT – GRADE 08 ENGLISH FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE

Question 1: Comprehension
TEXT A: NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
Read Text A below and answer the questions that follow.

The Krimly Daily News

Fundraiser with a difference

By Leyla Marvin

1. In a small town in South Africa, a group of

enthusiastic Grade 7 children of Tladi
Primary School organized a fund-raising
event to help the local animal shelter. The
event was initiated by a girl named Emily,
who loved animals and was deeply
concerned about their welfare.

2. With the help of their teachers, the children decided to organize a bake sale
and an auction of artwork that they had created themselves. The children
spent weeks baking delicious treats and creating stunning pieces of art,
which they hoped to sell for a good cause.

3. On the day of the event, the children set up tables in the school hall,
decorated with colourful displays of their baked goods and artwork. The
event started at 10h00, and soon, people began pouring in.

4. People were amazed by the quality of the artwork created by these young
children. Some of the paintings were so beautiful that people were willing
to bid way above their actual worth. There was a painting of a cute little
kitten which went for a whopping R2000!

5. Not only did the baked goods look delicious, but they tasted amazing too.
People kept coming back for more and soon, they were completely sold
out.

6. The children were ecstatic when they found out that they raised a total of
R5,500 for the animal shelter. They presented the cheque to the director of
the animal shelter, who was overwhelmed with joy and appreciation.

7. Their hard work paid off, and they knew that they had made a difference in
the lives of so many animals by contributing towards their welfare. This
event not only raised funds for a good cause, but it also taught these young
children about importance of helping others in need.

Adapted from: AL Chat with ChatGPT

GAUTENG PROVINCE BASELINE ASSESSMENT – GRADE 08 ENGLISH FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE

 1.1 What was special about Emily? (Paragraph 1) (1)

1.2 Briefly explain the purpose of the event. (1)

1.3 The grade 7 learners planned the fund-raising event alone.

State whether the above statement is True or False.

Quote from the TEXT A to justify your answer. (2)

1.5 After reading TEXT A, what can you infer about the grade 7 learners of (2)

Tladi Primary school?

1.6 Describe the reaction of the people to the quality of the artworks. (1)

1.7 ‘The children were ecstatic when they found out that they raised a total of R5
500 for the animal shelter.’

Is the statement above a fact or opinion?

Justify your answer. (2)

1.8 The purpose of TEXT A is to…

A entertain
B encourage
C inform
D participate
1.9 What is the writer’s tone in TEXT A?

A positive
B negative
C indifferent
D humorous
(1)

Total Question 1 (10)

GAUTENG PROVINCE BASELINE ASSESSMENT – GRADE 08 ENGLISH FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE

Question 2: Language structures and conventions
Read the following text (TEXT B) below and answer the set questions.
TEXT B

Why I Love School!

A school is more than just a place to learn; it is a community that shapes who we
are. I love the vibrant atmosphere, filled with laughter, friendship, and endless
possibilities. From exploring new subjects to participating in extra-curricular activities,
school offers a wealth of opportunities to discover our passions and grow as
individuals.
Beyond the academic aspect, school is where I've formed lifelong friendships. The
shared experiences, inside and outside the classroom, have created bonds that will
last a lifetime. I am grateful for the supportive teachers who inspire me to reach my
full potential and the diverse educational body that enriches my learning journey.
[Adapted from ai gemini]

2.1 Give the correct form of the word in brackets:

She (participate) in extra-curricular activities. (1)
2.2 Refer to line 6: write the underlined word in full:
School is where I’ve formed lifelong friendships. (1)
2.3 Rewrite the following sentence in the simple past tense.
I am grateful for the supportive teachers who inspire me to reach my full potential. (2)
2.4 Study the following sentence:
Discovering your passions leads one to grow quickly as individuals.
State the part of speech of the underlined word used in the sentence. (1)
2.5 Rewrite the following sentence in the active voice
A school offers a wealth of opportunities. (1)
2.6 Punctuate the following sentence.
she has created bonds that will last forever (1)

GAUTENG PROVINCE BASELINE ASSESSMENT – GRADE 08 ENGLISH FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE

2.7 Combine the following sentences into a simple sentence:
He got an opportunity to learn new things.
He formed lifelong friendships.
Begin with; While… (2)
2.8 Choose the correct answer and write a letter only.
The underlined word in this sentence has been used…
School offers a wealth of opportunities.
A. literally
B. casually
C. figuratively
D. playfully (1)
Total Question 2: (10)
QUESTION 3: ADVERTISEMENT
Study the advertisement below and answer the questions that follow.
TEXT C

Want to relax?
The beach is the place for you!

3.1 What is the setting of this advertisement? (1)

3.2 Who is the target market for this advertisement? (1)

GAUTENG PROVINCE BASELINE ASSESSMENT – GRADE 08 ENGLISH FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE

3.3 Using visual clues, what was the weather like when this advertisement (1)
was shot?

3.4 Do you agree that this is the appropriate place to relax?

Justify your response. (2)
Total Question 3: (5)

QUESTION 4: SUMMARY

Read the text below and write a summary on SEVEN tips to prepare for a
test.

Remember to:
1.List SEVEN points in full sentences.
2.Number your sentences from 1- 7.
3.Write only ONE point per sentence.
4.Use your own words as far as possible.
5.Your summary should be 40-50 words in length.
6.Indicate the total number of words you have used in
brackets at the end of your summary.
7. You do not require a title for your summary.
TEXT D

GAUTENG PROVINCE BASELINE ASSESSMENT – GRADE 08 ENGLISH FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE

 Preparing for a test? Give yourself the best chance with these study tips. Try not to let
the stress get to you! Remember: you have got this.
Give yourself enough time to study. Set up a timetable for your studying. Write down
how many tests you have and the days on which you have to write them. Then
organize your studying accordingly.

Organize your study space. Make sure you have enough space to spread textbooks
and notes out. Have enough light and a comfortable chair. Put your computer games
away.

One of the most effective ways to prepare for tests is to practice taking past your
versions. This helps you get used to the format of the questions. It can be good
practice for making sure you spend the right amount of time on each question.

Explain your answers to others. Use your parents and little brothers and sisters to
practise. Explain an answer to a question to them. That will help you to get it clear in
your head.

Organize study groups with friends. Get together with friends for a study session. Stay
focused on the topic for an agreed amount of time. This can be one of the most
effective ways to challenge yourself.

Take regular breaks. If you study better in the morning, start early before taking a break
at lunchtime. If you're more productive at night time, take a longer break earlier on so
you're ready to settle down and work in the evening

A final tip, remember that being well hydrated is essential for your brain to work at its
best. Make sure you keep drinking plenty of water throughout your revision, and also
on the day of the test.

Adapted and rearranged from: fundiconnect.co.za

GAUTENG PROVINCE BASELINE ASSESSMENT – GRADE 08 ENGLISH FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE

 Question Five: Writing
Answer the question below. Choose one of the options and write a paragraph of no
more than 50 words on your choice. Remember to use full sentences when
answering.

WOULD YOU RATHER…

Stay without WATER OR Stay without ELECTRICITY?

Total Question 5: (5)

GRAND TOTAL: 40

GAUTENG PROVINCE BASELINE ASSESSMENT – GRADE 08 ENGLISH FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE

GAUTENG PROVINCE BASELINE ASSESSMENT – GRADE 08 ENGLISH FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE