Obituary (Grade 11 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 or online platforms and serves multiple important purposes. The main function of an obituary is to share details about the person who has died, celebrate their life and achievements, and provide practical information about memorial arrangements.

When you write an obituary, you are creating a lasting tribute that honours the deceased person's memory. It gives family members, friends, and the wider community an opportunity to reflect on the person's life and contributions. The obituary also serves a practical purpose by letting people know when and where they can pay their respects or offer support to the family.

Key features of an obituary

Understanding the essential characteristics of an obituary will help you write one effectively. Here are the five key features you must include:

Formal and respectful tone

The writing style must be dignified and sincere throughout. This means using proper language and avoiding casual expressions or slang. You should write with sensitivity and compassion, remembering that the obituary will be read by people who are grieving. The tone should honour the deceased person's memory whilst providing comfort to those left behind.

Concise and informative

An obituary should be brief yet comprehensive. Include all essential details about the deceased person without making the text too lengthy. Focus on the most important information such as their name, age, date of passing, and key life events. Readers should be able to quickly understand who the person was and what made their life meaningful.

Personal tribute

This section highlights the deceased person's achievements, character, and contributions to their family and community. Describe their personality traits, talents, and the positive impact they had on others. This is where you celebrate what made them special and unique. Include information about their values, passions, and the legacy they leave behind.

Funeral details

Always provide clear information about memorial services so that people know how they can participate in honouring the deceased. Specify the date, time, and location of any funeral or memorial service. This practical information helps people make arrangements to attend and show their support.

Contact details

Include information that allows readers to send messages of sympathy and condolence to the family. This might be a physical address, email, or other contact method. Providing this information ensures that people can express their support during the family's difficult time.

Structure of an obituary

An obituary follows a specific structure that helps organize information logically and ensures nothing important is left out. Here are the five main sections:

1. Announcement of death

This opening section begins with a respectful statement that announces the person has passed away. It should include three essential pieces of information: the person's full name, their age at the time of death, and the date of passing. For example, you might write "It is with deep sadness that we announce..." or "The family of... regretfully announces...". This section sets the tone for the entire obituary and immediately informs readers of the sad news.

2. Brief biography

This section provides a summary of the deceased person's life journey. Include information about their education, describing where they went to school or university. Mention their career, explaining what work they did and any significant professional achievements. Discuss their accomplishments, such as awards, recognitions, or important milestones they reached. You should also mention family relationships, hobbies, and personal interests that were important to them. This helps readers understand who the person was beyond just their name and dates.

3. Tribute and personal qualities

Here you focus on describing the person's character and the difference they made in the world. Highlight their character traits – were they kind, generous, patient, or determined? Explain their impact on others – how did they influence their family, friends, colleagues, or community? Describe their contributions – what did they give to others through their actions, work, or presence? This section should paint a picture of the person's personality and help readers remember them fondly.

4. Funeral or memorial details

This practical section provides specific information about how people can honour the deceased's memory. Include the date of the service, the time it will begin, and the location where it will be held. Also explain how people can offer condolences – whether by attending the service, sending cards, or making donations to a chosen charity. Be as clear and specific as possible so that people can make proper arrangements.

5. Closing message

The obituary ends with a meaningful final statement that provides closure. This might be a prayer asking for peace for the deceased, a thank-you note expressing gratitude to those who provided care or support, or a memorable quote that reflects the person's values or beliefs. Some families include a statement about the person's memory living on, which offers comfort and hope.

Steps to writing an obituary

Follow these four steps to create a well-written obituary:

Step 1: Gather information

Before you begin writing, collect all the necessary details. You need to know about the deceased person's life events, including when and where they were born, where they lived, and significant moments in their journey. Document their achievements, such as educational qualifications, career successes, awards, or community involvement. Make a list of family members, including surviving relatives and those who passed away before them. Also confirm the funeral arrangements – date, time, location – and determine how people should send condolences. Having all this information ready will make the writing process much easier.

Step 2: Draft the obituary

Now begin writing the obituary by following the structure outlined above. Start with the announcement of death, clearly stating the person's name, age, and when they passed away. Then write a short biography that highlights the most important moments and accomplishments from their life. Don't try to include everything – focus on what made them special. Add personal tributes that describe their character, values, and how they touched people's lives. Finally, include all relevant funeral or memorial service details so that readers know how to participate.

Step 3: Edit and proofread

Once you have written the first draft, carefully review it to ensure everything is correct. Check for accuracy – are all names, dates, and places spelled correctly? Verify that the tone remains respectful and formal throughout – remove any language that might seem too casual or inappropriate. Look for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors that could distract from the message. It's helpful to ask someone else to read it as well, as they might catch mistakes you missed.

Step 4: Submit for publication

When you are satisfied with the final version, send it to the appropriate outlet. This might be a newspaper (either local or national), an online platform or memorial website, or a funeral programme that will be distributed at the service. Check with the publication about any specific requirements they have for formatting or word count.

Example obituary format

Here is a sample obituary that demonstrates the correct structure and style:

This example shows how all the elements come together in a respectful and informative way. Notice how it:

• Opens with a clear announcement of the death
• Includes a concise biography highlighting his career
• Features a personal tribute to his character
• Provides specific funeral details
• Ends with contact information for condolences

Checklist for a well-written obituary

Use this checklist to ensure your obituary meets all the necessary requirements:

• Does the obituary announce the death respectfully? Check that the opening clearly states who has died and when, using dignified language.

• Is the biography concise and informative? Verify that you have included key life details without making the text too long or including unnecessary information.

• Does it include personal achievements and qualities? Make sure you have highlighted what made the person special and how they contributed to their community.

• Are funeral/memorial details clearly stated? Confirm that all practical information about services is accurate and easy to understand.

• Is the tone formal, respectful, and sincere? Read through the entire text to ensure the language maintains an appropriate level of dignity throughout.

• Are grammar, punctuation, and spelling correct? Carefully proofread to eliminate any errors that could distract from the message.

Exam tips

When writing an obituary in your exam, keep these important points in mind:

Remember!