🎯FOS Prüfung Englisch 2026

Young people in present-day South Africa face the challenge that a rising number of them are unable to find a job. Many are without access to proper education and therefore receive very little or no schooling at all. Inequality and racism still have an impact on their lives even though they were born after apartheid ended. The government and the opposition parties do not do enough for the good of the country, and all politicians should work together. Many suffer from poor and harsh living conditions when growing up in townships. The rate for serious and violent crime in their country is among the highest around the world. Their country does not offer them sufficient chances to improve their lives.

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Introduction:

The bar chart, published by BBC and based on data from Statistics South Africa (Q4 2018), illustrates how unemployment rates have changed between 1994 and 2018 across four racial groups in South Africa: Black African, Coloured (mixed race), Indian/Asian, and White.

Description:

The most striking feature is that unemployment has risen across all groups since the end of apartheid in 1994. Black Africans are the most affected, with unemployment increasing from 24.7% to 30.4%. The Coloured population saw a significant rise from 17.6% to 21.6%. Indian/Asian unemployment grew slightly from 10.2% to 12.4%, while White South Africans experienced the smallest but still notable increase from 3% to 7.6%.

Despite these across-the-board increases, there is a clear racial hierarchy in employment opportunities. Black Africans face unemployment rates four times higher than White South Africans. This gap has persisted even decades after the official end of apartheid.

Relation to Text A:

These figures clearly support the claims made in Text A, where the author describes how inequality and racism still have a significant impact on the lives of young South Africans, even though they were born after apartheid ended. The text mentions that many young people are unable to find jobs — the chart provides concrete evidence for this, showing that nearly one in three Black Africans is unemployed. Furthermore, the text states that the country does not offer sufficient chances to improve their lives, which is reflected in the persistent unemployment gap between racial groups.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the chart and the text together paint a picture of a country where the legacy of apartheid continues to shape economic opportunities. Despite political change, structural inequality remains deeply embedded in South African society.

Description:

The black-and-white photograph, published on the blog "thetimeisnowsayit" in October 2013, shows a group of young South African children standing together. They are wearing school uniforms and each child is holding up a small blackboard. Together, the signs read "I CAN CHANGE THE WORLD." The children appear to be happy, laughing, and full of energy. The setting seems to be a school environment.

Interpretation:

The photograph conveys a powerful message of hope and empowerment. Despite what are likely challenging circumstances — the simple school environment, the use of basic blackboards rather than modern technology — these children express optimism and belief in their ability to make a difference. The words "I can change the world" symbolise the determination and resilience of South Africa's younger generation. The black-and-white format adds a timeless quality, suggesting that this message transcends any single moment.

Relation to Text A:

This photograph provides a hopeful counterpoint to the challenges described in Text A. While the text paints a picture of unemployment, inequality, and limited opportunities for young South Africans, the children in the photo refuse to be defined by these obstacles. The text mentions that the country does not offer sufficient chances to improve their lives, yet these children clearly believe otherwise. The image suggests that education — even under difficult conditions — can be a pathway to change, which contrasts with the text's description of many young people being without access to proper education.

In conclusion, while Text A focuses on the problems facing South African youth, the photograph reminds us that hope and determination persist even in the face of adversity. Together, the text and the photograph provide a balanced view of the country's reality.

The legacy of apartheid is a topic that continues to shape South Africa more than three decades after its official end. In Text A, Kara Meiring states that "what happened during apartheid still affects us as youths" and expresses anger that people were not seen as equal. In the following, I will comment on this statement using my knowledge about South Africa's history and present-day situation.

I strongly agree with Meiring's statement. The effects of apartheid are still deeply visible in South African society today, despite the country's transition to democracy in 1994.

First of all, economic inequality along racial lines remains a major problem. As the unemployment chart (Text B) clearly shows, Black Africans face unemployment rates of over 30%, compared to just 7.6% for White South Africans. This enormous gap is a direct result of apartheid-era policies that denied Black South Africans access to quality education, land ownership, and economic opportunities. Decades of systematic discrimination cannot be undone in a single generation.

Furthermore, the education system still reflects apartheid's legacy. Many schools in townships lack basic resources such as functioning laboratories, libraries, or even enough classrooms. Young people growing up in these areas have significantly fewer opportunities than those in wealthier, predominantly white neighbourhoods. This perpetuates the cycle of poverty and inequality that apartheid created.

Moreover, the psychological impact of apartheid cannot be underestimated. As Meiring mentions, the wounds have not completely healed. Many young South Africans experience racism and discrimination in their daily lives, even though they were born after 1994. The sense of injustice and frustration is passed down through families and communities.

Some might argue that enough time has passed and that young South Africans should focus on the future rather than the past. However, this view fails to consider that the structural inequalities created by apartheid were intentionally designed to last for generations. Simply ending a racist system does not automatically create equality — active measures such as improved education, job creation, and land reform are needed.

In conclusion, Kara Meiring's statement is both accurate and important. The effects of apartheid continue to shape the lives of young South Africans through economic inequality, educational disadvantage, and ongoing racism. Taking everything into account, true equality will only be achieved when the government, civil society, and all South Africans work together to actively dismantle the structures that apartheid left behind. Until then, the wounds of the past will continue to affect the present.

Beyond Pink and Blue: Why Gender Equality Matters to Our Generation

When was the last time someone told you that something was "not for girls" or "not for boys"? If you are like most students at our school, the answer is probably: not long ago. Despite living in 2026, gender stereotypes continue to shape our daily lives — from the toys we played with as children to the careers we are expected to pursue.

As a student here in Berlin, I have noticed how deeply these stereotypes are embedded in our society. My friend Sarah, for example, was discouraged from taking advanced IT classes because "that's more of a boy's thing." Meanwhile, my classmate Tom was teased for joining the school's drama club because acting was "too feminine." These may seem like small examples, but they reflect a much larger problem.

The numbers speak for themselves. According to the UN, women still earn approximately 20% less than men for the same work globally. In politics, women hold only about 26% of parliamentary seats worldwide. Even in Germany, a country that has had a female chancellor for 16 years, gender inequality persists in many areas of life.

Social media has added a new dimension to this issue. On one hand, platforms like Instagram and TikTok have given rise to movements like #MeToo and body positivity campaigns that challenge traditional gender norms. On the other hand, they have also popularised harmful trends like the "tradwife" movement, which glorifies traditional gender roles, and "alpha male" content that promotes toxic masculinity.

But here is the good news: our generation is more aware of these issues than any before us. We are questioning old assumptions, supporting each other regardless of gender, and demanding change. Whether it is using gender-neutral pronouns to respect non-binary identities, or simply calling out sexist comments when we hear them — every small action matters.

It is up to us to build a future where no one is limited by their gender. As the children in the photograph remind us: we can change the world. And it starts right here, in our school, in our community, in our daily choices. So the next time someone says "that's not for you" — prove them wrong.