The Cambridge International AS Level Afrikaans Language (8679)

The Cambridge International AS Level Afrikaans Language (8679) syllabus is designed for learners who have a good command of Afrikaans and focuses on enhancing their ability to communicate effectively in both spoken and written forms of the language. The course places emphasis on understanding and analyzing various texts, improving writing skills, and fostering clear, coherent communication.

Key Components of the Syllabus:

The AS Level Afrikaans Language syllabus focuses on three main areas: Writing, Reading Comprehension, and Language Analysis.

1. Writing (Skryfvaardigheid)

  • Candidates are required to write extended essays in Afrikaans on a variety of topics, showing the ability to present arguments, explain ideas, or express opinions effectively. This section tests the ability to use accurate grammar, appropriate vocabulary, and structured writing.
  • Topics often include contemporary social, cultural, and environmental issues. The writing can be narrative, descriptive, discursive, or argumentative.

2. Comprehension (Leesbegrip)

  • This section tests the candidates' ability to read and understand written Afrikaans texts, which can be from different genres like articles, reports, formal letters, and descriptive passages.
  • The comprehension questions focus on identifying main ideas, understanding details, inferring meaning, and interpreting the writer's intent. Candidates need to demonstrate a clear understanding of the text, including its tone, structure, and key points.

3. Language Tasks (Taalaktiwiteite)

  • This section assesses the understanding of grammatical structures and vocabulary. Candidates may be required to rewrite sentences using different structures, correct errors, or transform sentences while retaining the meaning.
  • Understanding nuances in Afrikaans grammar and sentence construction is key to performing well in this section.

Skills Developed:

  • Advanced Writing: Crafting structured, coherent, and grammatically accurate essays that demonstrate clear argumentation and fluency in Afrikaans.
  • Reading and Interpretation: Gaining the ability to read a variety of texts critically, analyze their content, and interpret meaning, tone, and style.
  • Language Mastery: Improving command over Afrikaans grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, as well as understanding idiomatic expressions and linguistic subtleties.

Assessment Structure:

The AS Level Afrikaans Language (8679) consists of two papers:

  1. Paper 1: Writing and Language (Skryf en Taal) (2 hours)

    • Section A: Candidates are required to write an extended essay on a given topic, demonstrating their ability to communicate effectively and organize their ideas coherently. Essay types may include argumentative, discursive, narrative, or descriptive writing.
    • Section B: Language tasks that focus on grammatical accuracy, sentence restructuring, and vocabulary usage. This section tests understanding of different sentence structures and forms.

  2. Paper 2: Reading Comprehension (Leesbegrip) (2 hours)

    • This paper consists of a comprehension task based on a reading passage. Candidates are asked questions to assess their understanding of the text, their ability to extract information, and their ability to interpret the language used by the author.

Recommended Resources:

  • Afrikaans Language Textbooks: Use textbooks that are specifically designed to improve language and comprehension skills in Afrikaans, particularly those endorsed by Cambridge.
  • Past Exam Papers: Working through previous exam papers will familiarize you with the types of questions asked and help you improve your time management and understanding of the exam format.
  • Afrikaans Newspapers and Magazines: Reading current news articles, reports, and opinion pieces in Afrikaans will help you improve your comprehension skills and get accustomed to contemporary Afrikaans vocabulary and expressions.

Tips for Success:

  • Practice Writing Essays: Regularly write essays on a wide variety of topics, making sure to focus on structure, argument development, and language accuracy.
  • Enhance Your Vocabulary: Build a strong vocabulary by reading diverse Afrikaans texts and noting unfamiliar words. This will help you express yourself more effectively.
  • Focus on Grammar: Regularly practice Afrikaans grammar exercises to strengthen your understanding of sentence structure, verb conjugations, and common linguistic patterns.
  • Read Regularly: Engage with a wide variety of Afrikaans texts, both literary and non-literary, to sharpen your comprehension skills. Pay attention to how writers structure their arguments and use language.

This course prepares students to communicate clearly and effectively in Afrikaans, equipping them with the linguistic skills needed for further studies or professional environments where Afrikaans is used.

If you need assistance with any specific part of the syllabus or exam preparation, feel free to ask!

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