Tshivenda Home Language (HL) Grade 12 Exam Guidelines and Scope for 2026: To achieve top marks in Tshivenda Home Language (HL) for the 2026 academic year, learners must demonstrate high-level linguistic competence, literary insight, and creative expression. While the official 2026 Department of Basic Education (DBE) examination timetable is yet to be released, these Exam Guidelines provide the definitive scope for your preparation.
The Tshivenda HL curriculum is structured into three papers that assess your ability to interpret complex texts, evaluate prescribed literature, and produce professional transactional and creative writing.
Download Tshivenda HL Grade 12 Exam Guidelines (PDF)
Access the official documents to align your study sessions with the 2026 CAPS requirements:
For more support, including past papers and study guides like Mind the Gap, visit the My Courses homepage or explore the Grade 12 Study Resources section.
Paper 1: Language in Context
Duration: 2 Hours | Total Marks: 80
Paper 1 tests your ability to interpret information and apply grammatical rules accurately within a given context.
- Section A: Comprehension (30 Marks) – Analyzing a written prose text and a visual text (such as an advertisement or cartoon).
- Section B: Summary (10 Marks) – Summarizing a text into seven core points (approx. 90 words) while maintaining the original meaning.
- Section C: Language Structures (40 Marks) – Contextual testing of vocabulary, grammar (e.g., madzina, maiti, masasulo), and critical language awareness.
Revision Tip: Practice Section C by using past papers to master common questions on sentence construction and parts of speech in Tshivenda.
Paper 2: Literature
Duration: 2½ Hours | Total Marks: 80
This paper requires an in-depth understanding of your prescribed Tshivenda texts. You must answer questions from three different genres.
- Section A: Poetry (30 Marks) – Analysis of prescribed (seen) and unseen poems. Focus on themes, tone, and figures of speech (zwifanyiso zwa muambo).
- Section B: Novel (25 Marks) – A choice between a literary essay or contextual questions on your prescribed book.
- Section C: Drama (25 Marks) – A choice between a literary essay or contextual questions on your prescribed play.
Key Literary Elements to Study: | Element | Focus Areas | | :— | :— | | Thaluso (Plot) | The sequence of events and conflict resolution. | | Vhabvumbi (Characters) | Protagonist, antagonist, and character development. | | Muvhuso (Setting) | The time and place and how they influence the story. | | Milaedza (Themes) | The central message or moral of the work. |
Paper 3: Writing
Duration: 3 Hours | Total Marks: 100
Paper 3 is your opportunity to demonstrate your creative and professional writing skills in Tshivenda.
- Section A: Essay (50 Marks) – Write one essay (400–450 words) from a choice of creative, descriptive, or discursive topics.
- Section B: Longer Transactional Writing (30 Marks) – Formal/informal letters, speeches, or articles (180–200 words).
- Section C: Shorter Transactional Writing (20 Marks) – Diary entries, advertisements, or invitations (100–120 words).
Conclusion: Strategy for 2026 Success
The Tshivenda Home Language Grade 12 Exam Guidelines for 2026 emphasize that success comes from consistent practice. For Paper 1, read Tshivenda literature and news to broaden your vocabulary. For Paper 2, ensure you can quote and justify your answers using the text. For Paper 3, focus on your “Vhutsila” (creativity) and “Muvhumbe” (structure) to ensure your writing stands out to the markers.
Stay updated on the 2026 matric calendar and find the latest study guides by visiting My Courses.
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