Obituary Format Grade 12
Guide: Writing an Obituary for Grade 12
Writing an obituary is a sensitive and important task that requires careful attention to detail, especially in an educational setting like a Grade 12 examination. An obituary serves as a final tribute to the deceased, highlighting their life, achievements, and the impact they had on those around them. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of crafting a well-structured obituary, from the initial draft to the final version, using a basic template and providing step-by-step instructions.
Basic Obituary Format Template for Grade 12
Heading:
- Name and Surname of the Deceased
- Year of Birth and Year of Death
Body of the Obituary:
- Introduction:
- [Name and Surname], age [age], passed away on [date] at [place].
- Cause of death (if known and appropriate to include).
- Early Life:
- Born in [town/city], [Name] was the son/daughter of [parents’ names].
- [He/She] attended [school] and graduated from [university/college].
- Career and Achievements:
- [He/She] was employed at [place of work] and worked as [job title].
- [He/She] was a member of [church/organisations/groups/committees/RCL].
- Personal Life:
- [He/She] enjoyed [hobbies/activities].
- [He/She] will be remembered for [personal traits/things].
- Survived By:
- [He/She] is survived by [spouse, children, grandchildren, etc.]. (Be accurate when determining this information.)
- Funeral Details:
- The funeral service will be held on [date] at [time] at [place and address].
Steps to Writing an Obituary: Grade 12
Step 1: Choose the Text and Topic
- In an exam setting, selecting the text type (obituary) and understanding the topic is crucial. You must carefully read the question to determine the specific requirements, such as the person you are writing about, their background, and any particular achievements or traits that should be highlighted.
Step 2: Brainstorm and Plan
- Identify key information that needs to be included, such as the deceased’s name, age, date of death, place of death, and other relevant details. Use the keywords from the question to brainstorm ideas. For example, if the obituary is for a famous South African celebrity, think about their career milestones, contributions to society, and personal characteristics that endeared them to the public.
Step 3: Draft the Obituary
- Start by writing a draft using the template provided. This draft should include all the necessary information but does not have to be perfect. Focus on getting the structure right, and make sure you cover all the points required by the question.
Step 4: Edit and Revise
- Review your draft for any grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Ensure that the format is correct and that the information flows logically from one point to the next. Editing is crucial to ensure clarity and respectfulness, especially given the sensitive nature of an obituary.
Step 5: Write the Final Version
- Once you’ve polished your draft, write the final version of the obituary. This should be neatly written or typed, depending on the exam requirements. Pay close attention to the length—typically, obituaries for an exam should be concise, falling within the 120-150 word limit.
Checklist for Writing an Obituary
After writing your response, complete the following checklist:
- Have you included all necessary details?
- Name, date of death, place of death, etc.
- Is the information accurate?
- Double-check names, dates, and facts.
- Is the obituary respectful and appropriate?
- Ensure that the tone is respectful and that the content honours the deceased.
- Have you checked for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors?
- Review your work for any mistakes.
- Does the obituary flow logically?
- Ensure that the structure is clear and that each section leads naturally into the next.
By following this guide, you can write an obituary that is both meaningful and meets the requirements of your Grade 12 examination. Remember, an obituary is more than just a notice of death; it is a celebration of life, and your writing should reflect that.