NSC English FAL Comprehension: One often hears about generation

Question

One often hears about generations and the differences between one generation and another. However, what is a generation? There are no precise dates when a generation starts or ends but researchers have come up with estimated dates. Dr Jean Twenge, the author of Generation Me, defines a generation as people born around the same time who are shaped by social events that occur during that period. While these individuals share historical and cultural environments, they also shape culture in their own way.

The generation that grew up during the Great Depression and World War II was known as the Traditionalists. Some famous faces of this generation are Martin Luther King, Marilyn Monroe, Muhammad Ali and Miriam Makeba. The hardships of this era encouraged teamwork in order to overcome challenges and make progress.

From 1946 to 1964 there was an increase in the post-World War II birth rate. Those born during this period became known as the Baby Boomers. Michael Jackson, Steve Biko, Brenda Fassie and Barak Obama belong to this generation, also known as the Rock 'n Roll generation. It was during this era that television was first introduced to the masses of the world.

Then came Generation X from 1965 to 1976. This short period gave rise to a career-driven and street-smart group like Charlize Theron, Somizi Mhlongo and Jay-Z.

They were followed by Generation Y or the Millennials. Mark Zuckerberg, Beyonce, Bonang Matheba and Chad le Clos characterize this generation. Millennials are born between 1980 and 1994 and grew up in an era of self-focus and optimism.

The generation after the Millennials, born between 1995 and 2012, were the first generation to grow up with smartphones. They are known as Generation Z, Gen Z, or iGen. This generation is characterized by their heavy reliance on technology and the internet.

Dr Sethulego Matebesi, head of the Sociology Department at the University of the Free State, says: 'They are the #hashtag generation' and in South Africa we also call them the born frees.' They were born after 1994 and the notion of this generation is that they have a global view of life.

One often hears about generations and the differences between one generation and another - NSC English FAL - Question 1 - 2017 - Paper 1

Worked Solution & Example Answer:One often hears about generations and the differences between one generation and another - NSC English FAL - Question 1 - 2017 - Paper 1

1.1. What is a generation?

1.2. Characteristics of Traditionalists

1.3. Increase in Birth Rate

1.4. Generation X Characteristics

1.5. Generation Y or Millennials

1.6. Generation Z

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