being able to write an obituary that is used everyday

learning how to wrote an obituary

1. English First Additional Language Term 3 lesson 3 Presented by : Mam Diale

2. Let’s think!! If you HAD to tell the world about someone’s life in 150 words what would you say?

3. Today we’re going to learn how to write something that is short, respectful, and lasting — an obituary .

4. What is an obituary??

5. Fill in the missing words!!

6. . Why do we Write Obituaries ?? Inform readers of a death. Celebrate a person’s life. Provide funeral or memorial details. Offer closure to community members

7. ] Announcement What it is: The opening statement that tells people who has passed away, and when/where it happened. It’s short, respectful, and gives the essential facts immediately Tips: Include the person’s full name (and nickname if relevant). State the date and place of death. Keep the tone factual, not overly emotional here. Example: We are deeply saddened to announce that Mrs. Elizabeth “Liz” Mokoena, aged 82, passed away peacefully on 10 August 2025 at her home in Polokwane .

8. Biographical Sketch What it is: A short summary of the person’s life — where they were born, major life events, career, achievements, and community contributions. This part honours the life they lived. Tips : Mention birthplace and birthdate. Include education, career, hobbies, and community work. Focus on facts, but you can make it warm. Example: Born on 5 March 1943 in Thaba Nchu , Liz was the eldest of five children. She attended St. Mary’s High School before becoming a teacher for over 40 years. Her passion for education touched the lives of countless learners, and she volunteered at the local library even after retirement.

9. Surviving or Predeceased Family What it is: This lists family members who are still alive (surviving) and those who passed away earlier (predeceased). It helps readers understand the family connections. Tips: List close relatives: spouse, children, siblings, grandchildren. Use “survived by” and “predeceased by” for clarity. Example: " She is survived by her three children, Michael, Thandi, and Lerato, and six grandchildren. Liz was predeceased by her husband, Jacob Mokoena, in 2010."

10. Service/Memorial Details What it is: Information about the funeral, memorial service, or any remembrance events so people know how to pay their respects . Tips: Include date, time, and location. Mention if it’s private or open to all. Add livestream details if applicable . Example: " A memorial service will be held on Saturday, 16 August 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Community Church, Polokwane. All friends and family are welcome to attend."

11. Personal Touches (Anecdote or Tribute) What it is: This is the heartfelt part — sharing a story, memory, or quote that captures the person’s spirit. Tips: Choose one or two meaningful memories. it respectful but personal Can include favourite sayings, hobbies, or special qualities. Example: "Liz was known for her warm laugh, her love of gardening, and her belief that ‘every child has a bright future.’ Her kitchen was always open, and many remember her delicious homemade vetkoek shared over stories and laughter. "If you want, I can now turn this into a 15–20 slide PowerPoint where each component gets its own example, with visuals and a step-by-step guide for learners. Would you like me to do that next?

12. Group Writing Task In small groups, write a 4–5 sentence obituary using the structure Include reminder frames for each structural element (announcement, biography, family, etc.).

13. Group-Assessment Checklist Did I include all key elements? Is the tone respectful and informative? Is it clear, accurate, and well-proofread? Is length appropriate?

14. Lesson Conclusion Summarize how the you have learned to write obituaries that inform and honor lives.

15. The End

16. REFERENCE LIST : Ramsout , S. (2022). Presentation on how to write an obituary [PowerPoint slides]. Google Slides. https://share.google/QcuN5OMEsea44dZpA Accessed on 12 August 2025 Eastern Cape Department of Education. (n.d.). English HL and FAL resources . EC Curriculum. https://www.eccurriculum.co.za/FET%20Vanaf%2022%20Apr%202020/12/ENGLISH%20HL%20AND%20FAL%20-%20 . Accessed on 12 August 2025 WJEC. (2017). Obituary notes presentation (teacher notes) . WJEC. https://resource.download.wjec.co.uk/vtc/2016-17/16-17_3-23/pdf/obituary/obituary-extracts-teacher-notes.pdf . Accessed on 12 August 2025 Makhaye, C. (2021). Writing of an obituary [PowerPoint slides]. Scribd. https://www.scribd.com/presentation/859406723/Writing-of-an-Obituary . Accessed on 12 August 2025 Chaudhry, A. (2018). Obituary writing [PowerPoint slides]. SlideShare. https://www.slideshare.net/AnkitChaudhry1/obituary-writing Accessed on 12 August 2025

17. Pictures: Sample obituary layout [Photograph]. (n.d.). Microsoft Bing Images . https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=pqI1aFLG&id=5F813DA33E59532D3E58DB8B479803E10EC7A4F4&thid= Sample obituary template [Illustration]. (n.d.). Microsoft Bing . https://th.bing.com/th/id/R.18878f5b6b287784ea3ba55679b46246?rik=uFmWT5yjOQEnYQ&r Obituary template [Illustration]. (n.d.). DailyLifeDocs . https://www.dailylifedocs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/obituary-template-33389607.jpg Obituary layout image [Image]. (n.d.). Pinterest . https://pin.it/3vk8ZdB2n