You are Gilbert. You have just informed Dinorego that you are going to marry Maria and he has sent her to Mma-Millipede to arrange the wedding. Write your thoughts.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2010). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [25] There are certain characteristics of Gilbert that candidates should be conscious of in trying to create and authentic voice: he is 'practical', 'down-to-earth', his mind is like 'one gigantic storage house of facts' and 'like a stop watch' and he prides himself on being well-informed'.
2. [25] Maria has been cooking for him during the period that he has been giving Tswana and English lessons and a relationship has obviously developed since Makhaya is conscious of some hostility from Maria when he eats with them, presumably because she feels the intrusion.
3. [25] Gilbert seems rather oblivious to this though it is clear that he and Maria enjoy a lively and communicative relationship.
4. [25] He will have been conscious that Maria leaves him and Makhaya alone and obviously misses her on these occasions.
5. [25] On the evening that they have their discussion about the thornbush seeds he reveals that he is in love with Maria and asks Makhaya whether he is too.
6. [25] In the absence of an answer, he is spurred into action and goes to ask Dinorego for Maria's hand, so he has obviously been afraid of losing her.
7. [25] He will be reflecting on what has happened and on Dinorego's and Maria's responses and also on the fact that the marriage is to be the next day.
8. [25] He may also be speculating on the future.
9. [25] Refer to the band descriptors in arriving at your mark.