Obituary (Grade 10 NSC Matric English FAL): Revision Notes

Obituary

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a formal written announcement that informs the public about someone's death. It is usually published in newspapers, online platforms, or funeral programmes. The purpose of an obituary is to honour the deceased person by summarising their life story, celebrating their achievements, and sharing details about funeral or memorial arrangements with the community.

Obituaries serve an important social function. They allow family members and friends to publicly acknowledge a loss, pay tribute to the person who has passed away, and provide practical information about how others can show their support through attending services or sending condolences.

Key features of an obituary

When writing an obituary, you need to include certain essential elements that make it effective and appropriate:

Formal and respectful tone

The language throughout the obituary must be dignified and sincere. This is a sensitive text type that requires careful word choice. Avoid casual or informal expressions. Instead, use language that shows respect for the deceased and consideration for those who are grieving. The tone should convey sympathy and honour the person's memory appropriately.

Concise and informative content

An obituary should present essential facts about the deceased person clearly and efficiently. Include important details without making the text too lengthy. Readers need to understand who the person was and what made their life meaningful, but the writing should remain focused and well-organised. Every sentence should serve a purpose in telling the person's story or providing necessary information.

Personal tribute

This element highlights the deceased person's achievements, contributions, and positive impact on others. Share meaningful information about their character, values, accomplishments, and the difference they made in their community or family. This section celebrates what made the person special and worth remembering. It helps readers understand the person's legacy and why they will be missed.

Funeral details

Obituaries must include practical information about memorial services so that people know how they can participate in honouring the deceased. Specify the date, time, and location where services will be held. This allows friends, colleagues, and community members to plan to attend and show their support to the family.

Contact details

Provide information that allows readers to send messages of sympathy and support. This might include family contact details or instructions for sending condolences. This practical element helps maintain social connections during a difficult time and allows people to express their care for the bereaved family.

Structure of an obituary

A well-written obituary follows a clear structure with five main components:

1. Announcement of death

This opening section respectfully informs readers that the person has passed away. Begin with a dignified statement that announces the death. You must include the deceased person's full name, their age at death, and the date of passing. This foundational information immediately tells readers who has died and when the loss occurred.

For example, you might write: "It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of..." This type of opening shows sensitivity while clearly communicating the news.

2. Brief biography

This section provides a summary of the deceased person's life journey. Include information about their education, career path, and major accomplishments. You should also mention family relationships, hobbies, interests, and personal values that defined who they were as a person.

The biography helps readers understand the person's background and what shaped their life. Keep this section focused on the most important and meaningful aspects of their story. Select details that paint a picture of their character and life path without becoming too lengthy.

3. Tribute and personal qualities

Here you highlight the deceased person's character traits, their impact on others, and their contributions to family, work, or community. This is where you celebrate what made them special and memorable. Describe their personality, their relationships with others, and the positive difference they made in people's lives.

This tribute section is the heart of the obituary. It moves beyond basic facts to capture the essence of who the person was and why they mattered to those around them. Use specific examples or characteristics that help readers understand their unique qualities.

4. Funeral or memorial details

Provide clear, specific information about memorial services. State the date, time, and location where the funeral or memorial service will take place. Include any special instructions, such as whether it is a private service or open to all.

Also explain how people can offer their condolences. You might provide family contact information, mention an online condolence book, or indicate where sympathy cards can be sent. This practical information helps the community participate appropriately in mourning and supporting the family.

5. Closing message

End the obituary with a meaningful final statement. This might be a prayer, an expression of gratitude, or a thoughtful reflection. The closing brings the obituary to a respectful conclusion and often provides comfort to readers.

You might thank people for their support, express how the person will be remembered, or share a hopeful message. Keep this section brief but heartfelt.

Steps to writing an obituary

Follow this systematic approach when preparing an obituary:

Step 1: Gather information

Before you begin writing, collect all the necessary details about the deceased person's life, achievements, and family members. Speak with family members to gather accurate information. Make notes about their education, career, hobbies, personality traits, and accomplishments.

Also confirm the funeral arrangements and gather contact details for condolences. Having all this information ready before you start writing will make the process much smoother and ensure you don't miss important details.

Step 2: Draft the obituary

Begin writing by starting with the announcement of death. State clearly who has died and when they passed away.

Next, compose a short biography that highlights the most important moments and aspects of their life. Focus on key achievements, relationships, and experiences that defined them.

Include personal tributes that describe their character and achievements. What were they known for? How did they impact others? What made them special?

Finally, add the funeral or memorial service details so readers know when and where they can pay their respects.

Step 3: Edit and proofread

Once you have a complete draft, carefully review the text. Check that all information is accurate and clear. Verify names, dates, times, and locations.

Ensure you have maintained a respectful and formal tone throughout. The language should be appropriate for this sensitive context.

Thoroughly check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Mistakes in an obituary can be particularly distressing for families, so take time to proofread carefully. Consider asking someone else to review it as well.

Step 4: Submit for publication

Send the final version to a newspaper, online platform, or for inclusion in a funeral programme. Different publications may have specific requirements or word limits, so check these before submitting. Some newspapers charge fees for obituary publication, whilst online platforms may be free.

Example obituary format

Checklist for a well-written obituary

Exam tips

Be factual and respectful whilst highlighting the positive contributions of the deceased. Your obituary should balance providing accurate information with celebrating the person's life in a sensitive, appropriate manner. Focus on their achievements, character, and positive impact rather than any negative aspects.

Remember to maintain the formal tone throughout, organise information logically, and proofread thoroughly. In an exam setting, make sure you include all five structural components and demonstrate the key features of respectful, informative writing.

Remember!