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PLU411S - PRINCIPLES OF LANGUAGE USE - 2ND OPP - DECEMBER 2025 |
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nAmlBIA unlVERSITY
OF SCIEnCE Ano TECHnOLOGY
FACULTY OF COMMERCE, HUMAN SCIENCE AND EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION AND LANGUAGES
QUALIFICATION : VARIOUS
QUALIFICATION CODE: VARIOUS
COURSE CODE: PLU411S
LEVEL: 4
COURSE NAME: PRINCIPLES OF LANGUAGE USE
SESSION:
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2025 PAPER:
DURATION: 3 HOURS
MARKS:
THEORY
100
EXAMINER(S)
SPECIAL EXAMINATION QUESTION PAPER
Dr E. lthindi
Dr R. Nekongo
Dr R. Muyunda
Ms N. Ashimbuli
Ms V. Verbeeck
MODERATOR: Mr C. Gwasira
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Answer ALL the questions.
2. Write clearly and neatly.
3. Number the answers clearly.
4. Check instructions for each question carefully.
THIS QUESTION PAPER CONSISTS OF _10_ PAGES (Including this front page)
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SECTION 1: READING COMPREHENSION
Read the following passage and answer all the questions below.
[30 marks]
From the rock face to leadership: Mining a path to gender equality
1. Mining has long been dominated by men, but a shift is underway to build a more inclusive
and equitable future. While the presence of women in mining has grown, persistent
challenges such as the gender pay gap, gender-based violence (GBV) and lack of career
advancement opportunities remain. The Minerals Council SA is leading this change with its
Women in Mining (WiM) programme, an initiative designed to break down systemic barriers
and enable a more diverse workforce.
2. The mining industry's physical environment, from equipment to facilities, was originally
designed for male bodies. WiM programme manager at the council Boitumelo Nkomo says
the first priority needs to be to redesign these spaces to support the unique physiological
needs of women, including privacy, hygiene and safety. This includes providing lactation
facilities, a commitment adopted as a key milestone at the 2024 Mine Health and Safety
Summit.
3. A key aspect of this transformation is addressing the culture of the workplace itself.
Outdated beliefs that women are unsuitable for core mining roles have fuelled GBV and
harassment. The council's annual 16 Days of Activism campaign provides critical education on
what GBV is and how to get help. This focus on awareness and support is critical, particularly
as past studies have shown a widespread lack of knowledge and trust in existing reporting
mechanisms.
4. To improve support for survivors of violence, the council partnered with the National
Prosecuting Authority and the GBV Response Fund in 2022. This collaboration aims to expand
the national footprint of Thuthuzela Care Centres. By improving these facilities, the initiative
minimises the risk of secondary victimisation and helps increase prosecution rates for GBV
cases. To date, 13 members of the council have committed approximately R29m to build and
improve these centres.
5. Since the WiM programme began in 2020, the percentage of women in the mining
workforce has increased from 12% to an average of 20%. While this is a positive trend, Nkomo
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says the focus must shift from unskilled and semiskilled recruitment to ensuring women are
represented at all levels, including in top management.
6. The council tracks performance on key metrics, including culture, health and safety, GBV
and career management. This data-driven approach allows the council to monitor progress
and inform policies. For example, the data shows that while the number of women in the
industry is growing, retaining them remains a significant challenge. In 2024, the industry
recruited more than 2,400 African women, but 84% of that number left the sector in the same
year.
7. To address these challenges, the Minerals Council has redefined its WiM strategy with a
more holistic, five-pillar approach. The pillars focus on creating safe and dignified work
environments, promoting inclusive leadership, fostering diverse talent development, ensuring
data-driven accountability and collaborating across the value chain. This new strategy is a clear
signal that the council and its members are committed to attracting, retaining and advancing
women, ensuring they are not just present in the industry but are empowered to thrive and
contribute to its success.
8. Beyond the structural and cultural changes, there is also a growing recognition that
mentorship and role models play a vital role in shaping women's careers in mining. Many
young professionals entering the sector point to the lack of visible female leaders as a barrier
to their own growth . In response, the WiM programme is piloting mentorship networks that
pair experienced women in senior roles with younger entrants, providing guidance,
encouragement and practical advice to help them navigate challenges and build confidence.
9. The global mining community is also watching South Africa's progress closely, as many of
the issues faced locally mirror those in other resource-rich countries. By documenting its
successes and setbacks, the Minerals Council SA hopes to contribute lessons that can be
shared internationally. If the industry succeeds in creating inclusive systems, it not only
benefits women but strengthens the entire sector by drawing on a wider pool of talent,
innovation and leadership. In this sense, gender equality in mining is not simply a moral
imperative. It is also a strategic advantage for the industry's long-term sustainability.
Adapted from Sowetan, 29 August 2025
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1.1 What is the goal behind the Women in Mining initiative?
(2)
1.2.1 What partnerships did the Minerals Council form in 2022 to support survivors of
gender-based violence?
(2)
1.2.2 What were the intended results of these partnerships?
(2)
1.3 Explain what the following phrases mean in simple terms, using your own words.
1.3.1 "An initiative designed to break down systemic barriers" (Paragraph 1)
(1)
1.3.2 "Many of the issues faced locally mirror those in other resource-rich countries"
(Paragraph 9)
(1)
1.4 What do the following highlighted pronouns refer to?
1.4.1 its (Paragraph 7)
(1)
1.4.2 them (Paragraph 8)
(1)
1.5 What unfavourable results emerged from the Minerals Council SA's data driven
approach?
(2)
1.6 Quote a sentence from the passage to justify your answer in Question 1.5. above.
(2)
1.7 Mention any three elements of the five-pillar approach of the redefined Women in
Mining strategy.
(3)
1.8 List down four factors that are summed up in Paragraph 8 as key contributing factors to
the advancement of women in the mining sector.
(4)
1.9 Explain how the expression "the success of one is the success of all" can be applied to
this passage, with insights from the last paragraph.
(2)
1.10 Say whether the statements below are True or False.
1.10.lThe author is of the opinion that the mining industry has been stagnant to adapt its
physical and cultural environment to the needs of women .
(1)
1.10.2 Based on the passage, mining companies are legally required to redesign facilities for
women .
(1)
1.10.3 Networks that pair experienced women in senior roles with younger entrants in the
mining sector are a norm in the South African context.
(1)
1.11 Vocabulary. Find a word in the passage that has the same meaning with the definitions
below.
(4)
1.11.1 Paragraph 6: A way of dealing with a situation or problem
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1.11.2 Paragraph 7: To have completely changed the way something is approached
1.11.3 Paragraph 7: An obligation or willingness to accept responsibility for one's actions
1.11.4 Paragraph 9: Something that causes delay or stops progress.
SECTION 2: GRAMMAR AND LANGUAGE USAGE
Analyse the essay below carefully and answer the questions that follow.
[30 marks]
Qualities of a good student
1. A good student is someone who possesses a variety of qualities that contribute to their
success in academics and beyond. These qualities are not only important for achieving good
grades but also for personal growth and development. Some of the key qualities of a good
student include diligence, curiosity, critical thinking, and resilience.
2. Diligence is regarded as one of the most significant qualities of a successful student and
goes beyond simply putting in hard work. A diligent student is hardworking, dedicated, and
committed to their studies.l. They are willing to put in the time and effort required to succeed,
and they do not give up easily when faced with challenges. For instance, a diligent student
will spend hours revising course materials, practicing problems, or engaging in study groups
to master difficult topics. Also, they are proactive in their approach to learning and take
responsibility for their own education, consistently completing assignments on time and
preparing thoroughly for exams. Their organisational skills allow them to manage their time
effectively, balancing academic responsibilities with other commitments.2. Furthermore,
diligent students often set clear academic goals and create structured plans to achieve them.
Showing a disciplined and focused mindset. This perseverance is critical, especially when they
encounter obstacles such as complex coursework or unexpected setbacks, as they view such
challenges as opportunities for growth rather than reasons to give up. Nowadays university
students are assisted by artificial intelligence {Al) to do better in tests and assignments.
3. In addition, curiosity is a driving force behind deep intellectual engagement.3. A curious
student is eager to learn, explore, and discover new things, because they constantly seek
deeper understanding of the subjects they are studying. Rather than passively absorbing
information, they actively engage with their studies by asking thoughtful questions,
researching beyond what is taught in class, and making connections between different ideas.
For example, a curious student might read additional books or articles on a topic discussed in
a lecture or conduct their own experiments to test a theory. 4. This intrinsic motivation to
learn drives them to seek out new knowledge and take risks in their academic journey,
unafraid of exploring unfamiliar concepts or disciplines. Curiosity also fosters creativity and
innovation, students who are open to new ideas are more likely to think critically about how
they can apply what they learn in real-world situations. By maintaining an inquisitive mindset,
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curious students constantly push the boundaries of their understanding, making their learning
experience richer and more fulfilling.
4. In conclusion, the qualities of a good student - diligence, curiosity, critical thinking, and
resilience - are essential for academic success and personal growth. These attributes not only
help students excel in their studies but also prepare them for the challenges they will face in
their future careers and life. A student who embodies these qualities is well-equipped to
navigate the complexities of education and emerge as a well-rounded, successful individual.
Adapted from: https://essaycurve.com/
2.1 Identify the part of speech of each underlined word in Paragraphs 1 and 2.
(8)
2.1.1 good
2.1.2 someone
2.1.3 but
2.1.4 resilience
2.1.5 diligent
2.1.6 easily
2.1.7 effectively
2.1.8 students
2.2 What verb tense is the sentence below?
(1)
Sentence: Diligence is regarded as one of the most significant qualities of a successful student
and goes beyond simply putting in hard work.
2.3 Write the sentence in question 2 above in the following tenses:
2.3.1 Present perfect simple
(2)
2.3.2 Past perfect continuous
(2)
2.3.3 Future perfect continuous
(2)
2.4. Write the sentence written in bold in Paragraph 1 in the following forms.
Sentence: Some of the key qualities of a good student include diligence, curiosity, critical
thinking, and resilience .
2.4.1 Question form
(2)
2.4.2 Negative form
(2)
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2.5 Subject verb agreement
First, identify and write down the subject and the verb in the following sentence.
Then, indicate whether the subject and the verb agree or disagree.
Sentence: In addition, curiosity is a driving force behind deep intellectual engagement.
Subject:
Verb:
(2)
Agree or Disagree:
(1)
2.6 You were taught 4 different types of sentence structure. Write down the type of
sentence structure of the underlined sentences numbered 1-4 in the passage above. e.g.
simple sentence, compound sentence, etc.
2.6.1. They are willing to put in the time and effort required to succeed, and they do not give
up easily when faced with challenges.
(2)
2.6.2 Furthermore, diligent students often set clear academic goals and create structured
plans to achieve them.
(2)
6.3 A curious student is eager to learn, explore, and discover new things, because they
constantly seek deeper understanding of the subjects they are studying.
(2)
6.4 This intrinsic motivation to learn drives them to seek out new knowledge and take risks in
their academic journey, unafraid of exploring unfamiliar concepts or disciplines.
(2)
SECTION 3: PARAGRAPH AND ESSAY WRITING AND ANALYSIS
[30 marks]
Based on the structure of an academic essay that you were taught in this course, analyse the
essay below and then answer the questions that follow.
The wonders of Namibia's natural landscapes, by Laurel Robbins
1.
A. Being from Canada, I am used to vastness. B. I am used to driving hundreds of
kilometres with only a small village or two along the way. C. In that way, Namibia reminded
me of road trips I have done in Canada, except that it is even more remote! D. There are four
remarkable natural landmarks of Namibia: Kalahari Desert, the Fish River Canyon,
Swakopmund, and Etosha National Park, each revealing the unique beauty and character of
this extraordinary country.
2.
To begin with, the Kalahari Desert stands as a fascinating paradox of nature. While
technically classified as a desert, it contains surprisingly rich ecosystems, such as the Succulent
Karoo. The Succulent Karoo houses over 5,000 plant species, half of which are endemic to
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Namibia. Moreover, the vegetation coverage is so extensive that it defies the conventional
image of a barren desert, offering instead a living mosaic of resilience and diversity. This
unexpected richness demonstrates that deserts are not merely empty wastelands but
complex habitats where plants and animals adapt in extraordinary ways to survive. Also, the
Kalahari is a place where the harshness of the environment meets the ingenuity of life. This
reminds us of nature's power to thrive against all odds. Ultimately, the Kalahari proves that
even in the most unlikely places, life flourishes with astonishing creativity.
3.
In contrast to the Kalahari's quiet richness, the Fish River Canyon reveals the raw force
of geological history. It stretches 160 kilometres and plunges up to 550 meters deep. It is thus
the largest canyon in Africa and the second largest in the world . Furthermore, its rugged cliffs
invite adventurers to explore hiking trails along the rim or deep into the canyon itself. This
presents both danger and beauty in equal measure. The canyon is also a record of time. With
layers of exposed rock telling the silent story of millions of years of erosion. For many visitors,
standing at the rim of the canyon sparks a profound sense of insignificance, as if one were
looking into the very soul of the earth itself. The Kalahari Desert has a complex climatic past
with periods of increased rainfall and drier conditions. Thus, Fish River Canyon is both a
natural wonder and a humbling reminder of earth's ancient power.
4. Another remarkable site is Swakopmund, a coastal city where the Namib Desert
dramatically meets the Atlantic Ocean . This destination offers both adventure and leisure,
from dolphin cruises to sandboarding on towering dunes. The Living Desert Adventures tour
reveals the hidden life of desert creatures, showing how even the harshest conditions foster
remarkable adaptations and survival strategies. Then, for thrill-seekers, the contrast between
struggling up the sandy slopes and then rushing down on a board creates both frustration and
exhilaration, making the experience unforgettable. At the same time, those who look closely
will discover a quieter side of Swakopmund, this is where the resilience of desert animals
demonstrates how life continues to thrive in one of the most challenging environments on
earth . In short, Swakopmund is a place where human adventure and natural endurance blend
seamlessly along Namibia's coast. Tourists who visit the town are targeted by the robbers
sometimes, and it has become a significant concern.
5.
Finally, Etosha National Park stands as Namibia's most celebrated wildlife sanctuary.
Firstly, it is dominated by a vast salt pan visible from space. The park becomes a gathering
ground for elephants, rhinos, giraffes, and hundreds of bird species during the dry season.
Additionally, the park's waterholes provide visitors with unparalleled opportunities to observe
wildlife interactions, as predators and prey cautiously share the same life-giving resource
under nature's silent rhythm . Watching a herd of elephants approach the waterhole, only to
be followed later by giraffes and antelopes, gives the impression of nature moving to its own
invisible clock. Beyond the spectacle of animals, Etosha teaches patience as hours of quiet
observation often leads to moments of breathtaking encounters. This makes Etosha not only
a destination but also an education in the rhythms of the wild. Therefore, Etosha National Park
stands as a living sanctuary that captures the very essence of Africa's untamed spirit.
6. A. In conclusion, Namibia's landscapes reveal a harmony of contrasts that few places
on earth can match. B.The living paradox of the Kalahari Desert, the geological grandeur of
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the Fish River Canyon, and the fiery beauty of Sossusvlei, together with the vibrant coast of
Swakopmund and the wildlife haven of Etosha National Park, illustrate the richness of this
land. C. Ultimately, these natural wonders not only delight the eye they also deepen our
respect for the resilience and magnificence of the natural world.
3.1 Among the types of essays you were taught, in wh ich category does this essay belong?(l)
3.1.1 Motivate your answer in Question 3.1 above.
(1)
3.2 Which ofthe sentences numbered A to Dis the thesis statement of the essay above?
(2)
3.3 Analyse Paragraph 3 carefully and identify three points for supporting details or evidence
by choosing three letters of the correct answers from the options below.
(3)
A. The Kalahari Desert stands as a fascinating paradox of nature
B. It contains surprisingly rich ecosystems
C. The vegetation coverage is so extensive
D. Succulent Karoo houses over 5,000 plant species
E. Is a place where the harshness of the environment meets the ingenuity of life
F. Deserts are not merely empty wastelands
3.4 Identify and write down the second point presented as supporting evidence for
Paragraph 3 main idea.
(2)
3.5 Analyse Paragraphs 3 and 4 carefully and answer the following questions.
3.5.1 Identify and write down an irrelevant sentence in Paragraph 3.
(2)
3.5.2 Identify and write down an irrelevant sentence in Paragraph 4.
(2)
3.5.3 Identify and write down a sentence fragment in Paragraph 3.
(2)
3.5.3 Identify and write down a comma splice sentence in Paragraph 4.
(2)
3.6 Write down the topic sentence in Paragraph 5.
(1)
3.6.1 Identify and write down the topic of the topic sentence mentioned in Question 3.6. (2)
3.6.2 Identify the controlling idea of the topic sentence you wrote down in Question 3.6 and
write it down.
(2)
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3.7.1 Identify and write down a run-on sentence in Paragraph 6.
(2)
3.7.2 Rewrite the run-on sentence mentioned in Question 3.7.1 correctly.
(2)
3.8 List down any three transitional words or phrases that are used to link the body
paragraphs to each other.
(3)
3.9 Choose the sentence that best summarises the main ideas presented in the essay from
the sentences numbered A to C in Paragraph 6. Write down only the letter of the correct
answer.
(1)
SECTION 4: PARAGRAPH WRITING
[10 marks]
Choose any one of the prompts or topics hereunder and write a body paragraph of not more
than 100 words to demonstrate your understanding of the structure of an academic
paragraph. Pay attention to structure, coherence, punctuation, and language usage.
1. Digital currency reshapes finance by reducing bank reliance.
2. Online shopping grows rapidly by offering convenience.
3. Electric cars expand markets by lowering carbon emissions.
4. Smartphones affect relationships by encouraging constant connectivity.
5. Global migration rises due to economic and climate pressures.
END OF QUESTION PAPER
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