English Pamphlet (One Sicho) Senior G10-G12

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The English Language pamphlet was the great idea initiated by the Kitwe District
Education Board Secretary, Mr. Allan Kaoma. This was done with the view to improving
examination results in Kitwe District. It was not an easy project, as there were
challenges experienced in terms of time, adequate research, resources and material.
However, this end product will help prepare the learners to practice English Language
skills, be able to use the language and apply the similar knowledge in the Examinations.
It is in this vein that we would like to thank the people who participated in this project
which will in no doubt help learners as second Language learners. English Language
teaching and learning has always been a challenge. It is for this reason that this
Pamphlet will directly benefit the learners and enhance good results.
In this regard, this pamphlet may be of help to the subject teachers to effectively impart
relevant knowledge and skills of English Language.
We sincerely thank the administrators in particular, Mr. G. Hamusonde- Kitwe Boys

Secondary School, Mrs.G.M.Funga- Helen Kaunda Secondary school and Mr. F.
Nkutika – Wusakile Secondary School for facilitating in terms of hosting and printing of
the material.
We would like to thank all the Heads of Department and teachers of Language from
various schools for their time and contribution to this project.
Authors
Mr. Z. Kazoka – HOD Languages Wusakile Secondary School
Ms. R. Musonda – HOD Languages Chobote Girls Secondary School
Mrs. M. Mwila – HOD Languanges Kitwe Boys Secondary School
Ms. P. Tembo – HOD Languages Ndeke Secondary School
Mr. P. Mulomba – A/HOD Languages Kawama Secondary School
Mrs. B. P. Banda – A/HOD Languages Helen Kaunda Secondary
Mr. Banda M. – A/HOD Languages St. Francis Secondary School
Mrs. Banda B.B. – A/HOD Languages Matete Secondary School
Mrs. Kamfuli – A/HOD Languages Malela Secondary School
Mrs. KakumbI - G.Z – A/HOD Languages Nkana Secondary School
1 Kitwe District English Language Senior Pamphlet

Table of Contents
Composition
Hints on Composition Writing………………………………………………………………...04
Narrative Composition ………………………………………………………………………..08
Descriptive Composition ……………………………………………………………………..11
Argumentative Composition ………………………………………………………………….15
Discursive Composition ………………………………………………………………………17
Expository Composition …………………………………………………………… ……… 19
Letter Writing ………………………………………………………………………………….21
Reference Letter ………………………………………………………………………………22
Application Letter ……………………………………………………………………………. 27
Speech Writing ………………………………………………………………………………..28
Speech of Introduction ……………………………………………………………................32
Vote of Thanks ………………………………………………………………………………...34
Report Writing …………………………………………………………………………………37
Narrative Report ………………………………………………………………………………39
Investigative Report …………………………………………………………………………..43
Profile …………………………………………………………………………………………..48
Article Writing ………………………………………………………………………………….52
Letter to the Editor …………………………………………………………………………….53
Feature Article ………………………………………………………………………..............58
Structure
Relative Clauses ………………………………………………………………………………62
Time …………………………………………………………………………………………….73
Contrast
…………………………………………………………………………………………………...77

Condition ……………………………………………………………………………………….80
Direct and Indirect Speech …………………………………………………………………..88
Reason …………………………………………………………………………………………95
Phrasal Verb ……………………………………………………………………………..........98
Subject – Verb Agreement ………………………………………………………………….103
Inversion ……………………………………………………………………………………...107
Comprehension
Guidelines on Handling of Comprehension ………………………………………………114
Passage 1 ………………………………………………………………………………........115
Passage 2 …………………………………………………………………………………....118
Passage 3 ……………………………………………………………………………………121
Passage 4 …………………………………………………………………………………….123
Passage 5 …………………………………………………………………………………….126
Passage 6 …………………………………………………………………………………….129
Summary
Hints on Summary Writing ………………………………………………………………….133
Passage 1 …………………………………………………………………………………….134
Passage 2 …………………………………………………………………………………....136
Answers …………………………………………………………………………………......138

COMPOSITION WRITING
I
f there is any challenging component in an O level Certificate English examination, it
is a composition. Many candidates, the enlightened ones inclusive do not do well in
this part of the examination owing to various factors. Knowledge of the error
markers can not only reverse the trait but have also proved valuable in assisting many
candidates to score good grades in compositions.
COMPOSITION WRITING HINTS
1. Read all the questions carefully but do not needlessly spend so much time on
choosing the question you will perfectly write on. Do not start writing your composition
until you are fully sure of what is expected of you. It would greatly help if you chose the
question which appeals to your experience or interests or you have vast knowledge on.
2. Do not under or over write. Stick to the required number of words- between 250 and
350 words. Avoid writing freak essays [too short essays].
3. Balance your points-never write too much on one point. The time to show how much
you know is in history, geography or science. A composition is a test on how much you
can communicate. You are writing to communicate thus if nothing is understood then
nothing has been achieved.
4. Observe coherence and cohesion in both sentences and paragraphs. Let each
sentence or paragraph flow naturally from the one before and lead naturally to the one
after.
5. Avoid roundabout way of expressing oneself [circumlocution]. e.g. The sister to my

father[aunt]. The mother to my mother [grandmother]
6. Observe grammar. Strictly follow the rules of the language. Do not leave essential
elements of the sentence such as the subject and verb.

7. Use simple language- characterized by simple words and sparingly usage of over-
flowery language. Never use serious sounding words in an attempt to impress the
examiners when a simpler word[s] would be more suitable in the particular context.
For example, Grade 12 girls displayed their culinary prowess. Instead of: Grade 12 girls
showed how well they could cook.
8. Use formal language unless in rare cases i.e. informal letters. Formal language is the
acceptable form of English used in official reports, texts and references while informal
language is one not officially acceptable. Vulgar language on the other is substandard-
one which expresses pomposity and is ill suited.
e.g Dick got sloshed at our do. [Sloshed-drunk/ do-party]
We transported Robert after he got drunk. [Transported-took]
Formal informal
-Psychotic -insane
-Incarcerated -in jail
-Recline - lie/eat
9. British and American words or spellings may be used but with consistence.
British American
Colour color
Labour labor
Pavement side walk
Chemist drug store
Pub bar
Lift elevator

Traffic lights robots
10. Pay attention to spellings, punctuations, and capitalisation.
11. Do not use abbreviations unless otherwise.
12. Do not write numbers in digits except for dates, addresses, telephone numbers and
other conventional figures
13. Avoid using long-winding sentences lest the examiner loses his way in them.
14. Never leave your reader in suspense. Say what you want to say and not what you
meant to say.
e.g Peggy told Mary that she had seen her teacher. (Whose teacher was seen?).
15. Avoid using ambiguous sentences- sentences with many meanings.
e.g Patrick agreed with Paul that he should not go. [Who should not go between the
two?]
16. Use a variety of sentence starters, sequence indicators and connectors.

Sentence starters and connectors enhance cohesion-linking parts together i.e.
sentences and paragraphs. In other words sentence starters and connectors hold the
whole composition together thereby making it interesting and meaningful.
In the table below are some examples of the same;
RELATIONSHIP SENTENCE IDEA

BETWEEN CLAUSES CONNECTORS CONNECTORS
Addition- similar ideas And Worse still, moreover,
furthermore, in addition,
similarly
Contrast– opposed ideas but However, nevertheless,
yet even so, nonetheless,
although

Cause and effect Because, for, as, so Therefore, thus, hence,
consequently, as a result
QUALITIES OF A GOOD COMPOSITION
It has easy to read handwriting-legibility.
It has correct spellings, punctuation, tenses, etc
It has complete sentences.
It has short and long sentences.
It has indebted paragraphs.
It has coherently written sentences and paragraphs.
It has a variety of structures
ADVICE
Introduction
In the introductory paragraph, aim to arouse the reader’s interest always. You may
define vital terms, give striking examples, make quotations, ask provocative questions
or contrast the past with the present.
Main body
Answer the question in a balanced manner. Do not leave room for your reader to get
astray. Be convincing. Support your claim with facts.
Conclusion
Restate the main ideas. Draw a conclusion. Consider what might happen in the future.
Give your personal point of view. Use appropriate quotations. Restate the main ideals.

Draw a conclusion. Consider what might happen in the future or if your line of thought is
not followed.
The compositions in this paper will be discussed in accordance to the structure of the
English Language School Certificate Examination of the Examination Council of
Zambia(ECZ). The current format of the English Language Paper One (1121/1) consists
of two sections.
SECTION 1
This section consists of six questions on the unguided type of composition and the
candidate is expected to select one essay of her/ his choice. The candidate should read
through all the questions and then choose the topic with which she or he is most familiar
so that she or he will answer with minimum challenges. The major types of composition
that are usually tested in this section are: Narrative, Descriptive, Argumentative,
Discursive and Expository. The different types of the letter are tested in this section as
well as in section 2.
1. NARRATIVE COMPOSITION
To narrate is to tell a story. A narrative composition therefore is one which describes an

action or series of actions or presents an orderly account of events. This is the easiest
type of composition because it has a character or characters, be they human or animal
and takes place in a known place and in a certain period of time.

Example of Narrative Composition
The New Teacher
Timidly, the new teacher entered the classroom and immediately introduced the
topic for the day. Everybody was impressed by his deep understanding of
Chemistry. As he left the class at the end of the double period, the pupils said to
each other “with this teacher, we will certainly do well in Chemistry”.
Since this was his last class for the day, the new teacher decided to take a walk
around the school to familiarise himself with the surroundings. Satisfied that he
had seen everything which was important, he decided to rest in the staff room
before leaving for home.
However, no sooner had he sat down than the Sciences Head of Department
asked him to stand in for Mr. Kangwa who was reportedly unwell. Afraid that a
refusal would be interpreted as a sign of uncooperativeness, the new teacher
hastily picked up his books and pieces of chalk and immediately left for Grade
eleven G.
Everybody in that class was surprised to see him in their class and for a moment
they wondered whether their experienced teacher had been taken away from
them. The new teacher explained the arrangement and the class sighed with
relief. At the end of the lesson, many pupils felt that the new teacher was not a
bad one at all.
After this lesson, the teacher felt extremely tired. Not wanting to risk being asked
to stand in for somebody else, he quickly said bye to his Head of Department for
home. As he walked, his mind flashed the day’s events before him. He
alternately smiled or grinned depending on weather the scene before him was
pleasant or not. People in the streets stopped to look at him but they were not
different from trees to him. He took no notice of them.

The smiles dominated as he walked on. He knew that it had been a very
successful day and as he approached his house, he felt his career prospects as
a teacher were very bright. Entering his house, the new teacher burst into a loud
laugh of delight.
This essay has been written in chronological order that is, following the order in
which the events occurred staring with events that happened first.
Sample Questions
1. Write a story with one of the following titles:
a. Nobody thought it could be done
b. There is time for everything (2008)

a. There is no smoke without fire
b. Still waters run deep (2015)
3. Write a story with the ending “…justice finally prevailed” (2014)
a. Make hay while the sun still shines
b. He was as much to blame as I was (2016)

2. DESCRIPTIVE COMPOSITION
This is a composition which skillfully describes somebody or something. It gives

a picture of what somebody or something looks like or feels like. This type of
composition is best written using adjectives and adverb.
An adjective is a word that indicates a quality of a person or thing referred to by a noun,

for instance….funny doctor, rotten mangoes and so on.
An adverb is a word that adds more information about a place, time, circumstance
manner, cause, degree and so on; to a verb, an adjective, a phrase or another adverb:
slowly. She walked away, highly intelligent, awkwardly done, too lazy….
Things to consider when writing a Descriptive Composition.
 To describe is to paint a picture of someone or something with words so that one

can easily visualize them in one’s mind or identify them when one comes across
them.
 A descriptive composition gives an idea of what a person; place or thing is like or
used to be like.
 The description should appeal to the mind’s eye and all the five senses.
 Use adjectives and adverbs, this will convey a vivid impression, both of what you
are writing about and your own feelings.
A. Description of a Person
Paragraph 1: Introduction – name, sex, age and nationally. Duration of
acquaintance. Professional if known mention religious/ political affiliation
Paragraph 2: Physical features, any peculiarity (bald, hairy…) or deformity (scar, hump,
lame, crippled) or mental retardation.
Paragraph 3: Academic qualifications and professional experience.
Paragraph 4: General conduct.

Paragraph 5: Conclusion – express personal wish or give readers details by which to
identify him/ her through mannerism or etiquette.
B. Description of a Place
Paragraph1: Introduction – name of place, geographical location, background, activities
of place.
Paragraph 2: Foreground – fence if any.
Paragraph 3: Middle ground - building in any direction upon entering the gate.
Paragraph 4: Back ground- the interior of the main building.
Paragraph 5: Conclusion – mention unforgettable aspects of the place and express

own view on or not you would mind revisiting.
C. Description of an Object
Paragraph 1: Introduction – name, age, place, of origin, size, shape weight, colour, and
aesthetic of object (relating to the appreciation of beauty or art).
Paragraph 2: Mode of operation.
Paragraph 3: Function of object.
Paragraph 4: Caution.
Paragraph 5: Conclusion- express- personal wish or view on the object.
D. Description of an Animal.
Paragraph 1: Introduction- name, color, age, species, natural, habit, weight.
Paragraph 2: Tamed or wild, diet, emotions in various situations.
Paragraph 3: Usefulness in nature, gestation period, reproduction, growth to

adulthood.
Paragraph 4: Natural friend or foe, behavior, longevity (long life).
Paragraph 5: Conclusion – express personal wish or view on the animal.

E. Describing an Event.
When describing an event, you are usually told to write a story about what took place in
the order in which it happened i.e. chronological order. In doing this, you are likely to
write brief description of people and place as well.
Things to consider when writing a Descriptive Composition.
 It has the writers point of view- a clear theme i.e. it has a basis. The writer should
make the readers see the event he/ she sees it. The theme can also be expressed
by the choice of words(vocabulary).
 It makes use of the senses, i.e. it does more than tell a story. The senses are used
to describe what was seen, heard felt or touched, smelt and tested.
 It is set in a place which the writer knows very well and about people and things that
are familiar to him or her.
SAMPLE EXAM QUESTIONS
1. Describe an occasion when someone you know abused his or her authority and
what the end result was (2008)
2. Describe an occasion when you disagreed with someone very close to you by
clearly stating what caused the disagreement and how you resolved it. (2015)
3. Describe some of the things you would do if you were the President of your country.
(2014)
4. Describe an occasion when success by either a husband or a wife brought problems
to their family (2011)
5. Describe a specific animal or insect
An example of a Descriptive Composition
Question: Describe An Accident In Which You Were Involved
“Watch out” screamed somebody from the front seat of the mini Bus. The
wonderful reveries into which I had lapsed abruptly came to an end. Before I fully came
to my senses, I was tossed out through the window and landed on the road with a

thump, face up. I rolled on the road in agony until slowly my mind began to recollect
what had happened, as loud a shout of pain reached my ears. I had been involved in a
terrible road accident.
It was a Christmas day I will never forget, not because it was a Christmas day but
because of that fatal accident which occurred ten kilometers from Mufulira at a place
called Kansuswa. I was on my way to Kitwe to spend Christmas Day with my parents
when the dreadful happened.
As the Mini Bus in which I was travelling slowed down to pick up a Commander
at Kansuswa Bus Station, a truck that was following behind tried to overtake.
Unfortunately, from the corner of the road, about twenty metres away emerged a bus
travelling at high speed. Hooters sounded and brakes screeched but all in vain. And
then came what everyone had feared. Trying to get back into his lane, the truck driver
hit into the back of the Mini Bus. It swerved right into the path of the on-coming bus. As
it did so, I was flung out of a window onto the road with the force of a volcano.
I tried to stand without success. Tears freely flowed down my checks. After the
initial shock was over, I felt an excruciating pain in my head which threatened to rip my
head apart. Soon the pain spread to the entire body. Two metres away a woman
screamed as if in labour. A cold chill ran down my spine. I felt helpless and shut my
eyes.
Soon afterwards, I reopened them as someone touched my left arm. The people
of Kansuswa had come to our aid. Before long, I was on my way to Kamuchanga
Hospital. Christmas Day had turned into a nightmare.
Sample Exam Questions
6. Describe an occasion when someone you know abused his or her authority and
what the end result was (2008)
7. Describe an occasion when you disagreed with someone very close to you by
clearly stating what caused the disagreement and how you resolved it. (2015)

8. Describe some of the things you would do if you were the President of your country.
(2014)
9. Describe an occasion when success by either a husband or a wife brought problems
to their family (2011)
3. ARGUMENTATIVE COMPOSITION
As the title implies, this is a composition that is centred on an argument. As

opposed to the Narrative and Descriptive Compositions which are about people,
objects, actions, events and so on, an argumentative composition is about ideas. It
involves the presentation of a problem around which an argument is logically
developed. The author tries to persuade the reader to his (author’s) line of thought or
opinion. Hence, it is also called a PERSUASIVE COMPOSITION. It mostly deals with
controversial materials. The writer puts up facts, reasons and examples to what he
writes and relates incidents that render support to the argument he is putting up so that
one could follow his line of thought and agree with what he suggests.
An example of Argumentative Composition
Question: “Abortion should be legalised” write an essay either agreeing or

disagreeing with the above statement.
Before you begin answering this question, you must choose the side, whether or not
you will agree with the statement. You cannot be neutral when writing an argumentative
composition. Even if you do not like both sides of the argument, you will still have to
choose a side for the sake of the marks involved.
Here is a plan for this composition.
Paragraph 1 What is abortion?
Paragraph 2 Abortion is anti-Christian, it’s murder.

Paragraph 3 Abortion is a health risk to human race.
Paragraph 4 Abortion encourages prostitution
Paragraph 5 Conclusion: Abortion must not be legalised.
Answer
Abortion is the deliberate termination of a pregnancy. In my view, abortion should

be defined as the ruthless, cold-blooded murder of an innocent human being. To
legalise abortion therefore would be to legalise murder which must not be.
As a gospel preaching Christian, I believe life starts at conception. Therefore,

anyone who aborts destroys life and becomes a murder. Abortion poses a great risk to
the lives of both the mother and the child. In many cases, attempts to abort have ended
in double tragedies; both the mother and the child have perished. According to
statistics, three out of every five women who try to abort die in the process while one out
of every three of those who survive the operation dies three months later. Worse still,
ninety eight percent become barren for life. Clearly abortion is a threat to the human
race and must be opposed by all pro-life citizens.
Most women who commit abortion are prostitutes who do not care about family
life. They abort today and go back to prostitution the next day. Legalizing abortion would
therefore be an indirect way of promoting prostitution, which like murder, is anti-
Christian.
The argument that a woman should have the right to abort is illogical. A woman
intending to terminate her pregnancy should realize that the child within her also has an
equal right to life as she does herself. How can a woman ask for the right to abort? This
is indirectly asking for the right to trample on other people rights, specifically the right to
live.
Abortion is ruthlessness, insensitivity and animal like behaviour and must not be
allowed, especially in a Christian nation. Indeed as the late Paul Ngozi “Nyirongo sang”.
If a dog can look after its young ones, why can’t a human being”?

Notice that I have supplied a few statistics to give support to my argument. Apart from
statistics, you may even quote an authority (e.g. hospital official or magazine). However,
always keep statistics and quotations to the barest minimum.
The writer of an argumentative essay aims at persuading the reader to agree with his
(writer’s) opinion hence it is also called a Persuasive Essay. The above essay is
written starting from the most important to the least important point (in the author’s view)
Sample Questions
1. The more beautiful or handsome you are; the more problems you face. Argue for or
against. (2015)
2. “Girls and women are being favoured too much in this country”. Argue for or against
this statement. (2008)
3. Gender equality has brought more harm than good. Argue for or against this
statement (2011)
4. Rural-urban migration has resulted in rapid increase in crime in urban areas. Argue
for or against this statement. (2014)
4. DISCURSIVE COMPOSITION
Discursive composition deals with two or more ideas at once. These ideas maybe
discussed as the title implies or they may be supported or indeed merely explained. The
author of a discursive composition may not give his opinion, if for instance he is simply
explaining the different ideas on a topic like AIDS. “It informs and helps the reader
understand a particular topic by answering the questions who? what? where? and how?
Examples, definitions comparisons and explanations are logically presented for the
reader to have a clear picture of what the writer intends to put across.”
An example of Discursive Composition.
Question: Should Shanty Compounds Be Demolished or not? Discuss.
It is crucial to understand from the onset that shanty compounds refer to all
compounds that are built without the permission of the authorities responsible, namely
the council. Whether or not to demolish such compounds, however, is an extremely

controversial issue, which requires to be handled with a high degree of level-
headedness. The starting point in resolving this problem is to examine reasons behind
the mushrooming of these shanty compounds.
Although it takes many faces, the problem of shanty compounds has its roots in
the economic difficulties the nation is facing. More and more rural people are flocking to
town to secure jobs. Unable for some reason or another to continue living with their
relatives, they decide to construct their own houses. These are joined by the growing
number of retirees and retrenchees who prefer the bright lights of the city to the
potentially hostile rural settings.
Young adults who are unable to secure either admission to higher institutions of
learning or jobs soon realize that their guardians cannot endlessly continue to look after
them. These too opt for shanty compounds.
Basing their argument on the unfortunate circumstance of these people, the

church and other concerned citizens have advocated the improvement rather than the
demolition of shanty compounds to make them more habitable.
Others, led by economists strongly feel that shanty dwellers are just an economic
liability, adding that shanty compounds are breeding grounds and hideouts for
dangerous criminals. As such this group strongly advocates the immediate razing down
of all such dwelling places.
While advocating the demolition of shanty compounds, other people insist that
the government must first fulfill its obligation of providing decent shelter to its entire
people including shanty dwellers before it can pull down such compounds.
While the finger pointing as to who is to blame continues and as the debate
rages on, more and more such compounds are emerging surrounding virtually each and
every Zambian town. Since it agreed by all including the shanty dwellers themselves
that these compounds are undesirable, everybody concerned should put their heads
together and find a solution once and for all to this socio-economic cancer.

Take note that the writer has given his view or opinion and then gives other peoples’
opinions. The opposing view is what distinguishes a discursive essay from an
argumentative essay (which gives a one sided view of a topic). Your views though must
not dominate. In the conclusion, you have yet another opportunity to reinforce your
opinion
1. Teachers deserve much more than what they currently get. Discuss (2015)
2. Write on the advantages and disadvantages of the rainy season. (2008)
3. Growing up with a single parent is hard. Discuss. (2016)
4. Women should be allowed to wear anything they like. Discuss. (2014)
5. EXPOSITORY COMPOSITION
This type of composition is used to explain a process (how something is done), give
directions, give instructions, compare one thing to another or explain a new term.
Exposition writing involves detailed description, explanation or interpretation of a
problem, an issue, a thing or a process.
The main purpose of writing to explain is to make something clear to the reader and to
convey this information as effectively as possible. An explanation helps the reader to
understand a particular topic by answering the ’wh’ questions (what? how? and ‘why?)
and provides answers to the reader. For example: ‘How do you cook
nsima?’However, there are variations in the way explanations do this depending on the
purpose of the explanation. A good explanation must be accurate and carefully
arranged. What is being explained must be stated in the first sentence and the
information is given in the subsequent sentences in an order which will enable the
reader to follow. There are three basic kinds of exposition.

(i) Explanation of a Process
Process writing involves describing how something is done or comes into being- a
series of actions that are done for a particular purpose. In exposing a process or
activity, the author is trying to get his or her readers well informed about the process or
activity and understand how it is conducted. Consider the following:
 Use step-by-step organisation to explain how something happens, works or is

done
 In order to keep the essay lively, use the active voice rather than the passive
voice, for example, ‘ Make a fire’ ( active) rather than ‘A fire must made.’
(passive).
 Each stage in the process must lead to the one that follows.
(ii) Explanation of an Idea
In this kind of exposition the author tries to say why something is done or what the belief
of certain people on something is. For example, ‘What is the belief of Christians
about life after death?’ In order to write a good explanation of an idea the following
must be noted:
 Make sure you what you want to write about and arrange the ideas in a logical order
so that there is a logical sequence of thought in order for the reader to understand
what you are writing about.
 Use link words to present the idea in a logical sequence, contrast or cause and
effect, for example, ‘nevertheless’, ‘moreover’, ‘similarly’, ‘consequently’ and others
(ii) Giving Instruction or Direction
This kind of exposition is used to give direction, information or instruction to someone.

In order for the person following the instruction not to make a mistake, the following
points should be observed:
 Assume that your reader knows nothing about what you are writing about in
order to make your direction, information or instruction clear for the other person
to understand what you are trying to put across.

 Put yourself in the reader’s position and imagine what information heor she
would have in order to understand you.
 Instructions should be logically presented for the reader to follow them.
 Each important point should form a paragraph which should be linked to the
subsequent ones
 There is no need for an introduction or conclusion in this type of essay: Begin
with the first and end with the last piece of information you have.
 Use simple, straight-forward language and be selective in the choice of word
An Example of Expository Composition
Question: How does the climate affect the distribution of plants and animals?
Answer
The Effect of the Climate on the Distribution of Plants and Animals
Climate is an important factor in the distribution of plants and animals. In Polar

Regions, there is little plant life because the ground is frozen or snow covered. Only
animals which adapt themselves to intense cold can live there.
In the desert, too, both flora and fauna are limited. The only plant found there are
those which can found there are those which can store water and withstand the
extremes of heat or cold. Similarly, the animals and insects that can survive in the
desert are those which have learnt to adapt to harsh condition such as lack of water,
scarcity of food and extremes of temperatures.
In Tropical areas, on the other hand, conditions generally favour the growth of
plants. There is strong sunlight and abundant rainfalls, so vegetation is luxuriant and
varied. As a result, food supplies for animals, birds and insects are usually plentiful, and
many species are found there.
1. A lot happens before one marries. Citing any culture, write about a complete process
leading to a marriage (2013)

6. LETTER WRITING
There are three main types of letters and we should know how to do each type
correctly.
a. Informal
b. Semi-formal
c. Formal or business letters
(1) Informal Letter
These are letters which we write to friends or people our own age. In these letters we
use the kind of English we use when we are speaking to our friends. However it must be
correct and acceptable.
Layout of the Informal Letter
1. (a) The senders address is written at the top on the right hand side of the page.
15 Ibis Crescent,
Kamenza Town/ship,
Chililabombwe.
5th June, 2017

(b)There is no senders name above the address.
(c)There is a comma at the end of each line in the address except for the last
item (the town of the country) which is followed by a full stop.
2. (a) There is a line space between the address and the date.
(b) The date is written in full, with a comma between the month and the year
3. (a) There is line space between the date and the salutation. e g Dear Chibwe,.
(b) The salutation begins close or next to the left hand margin line and is
followed by a comma.
4. The first paragraph begins just below the middle of the salutation. The first word
begins with a capital letter.
5. The letter is divided into paragraphs. Each paragraph is indented.
6. The ‘farewell’ begins about half-way across the page. It starts with a capital letter
and ends with a comma. The second words do not begin with a capital letter.

7. The writers name is written just below the ‘farewell’.
(2) Semi-Formal Letter
Semi-formal letters are letters we write to people whom you know but who are not close
to you (e.g. a friend of your father, a priest or your class teacher. In such a letter you
would not use the same register that you would use when writing to a friend or a person
of your own age.
Layout of a Semi- Formal Letter
1) The senders address is written at the top on the right hand side of the page.
No senders name above the address.
2) There is a line space between the address and the date.
3) Salutation it is generally Dear Mr…, Dear Mrs…., Dear Uncle…. Etc
4) The beginning of the letter states the purpose of the letter.
5) The main body
6) The ending is generally ‘ yours sincerely,’
Example of a semi-formal letter
(3) Formal (or Business) Letters
These are written to people in their official capacities. They also include replies from
such officials to the people who have written to them. Very often, we do not know these
people well or we do not know them at all. These letters are very ‘business like’. We
only write what is really necessary.
Layout of a Formal Letter
1) The senders address, which is written in the top right corner of a page.
2) Date
St. Francis Secondary School,
P.O. Box 20111,
Kitwe.
5 th June, 2017.

3) Title and address of the person you are writing to.
4) Salutation
If you know the surname of the person you are writing to, you may use dear
followed by the name/ e.g. Dear Mr. Soko. If you do not know the person’s name
you should use dear Sir, or Dear Madam. If you are not sure whether the person
is a man or woman you may write Dear Sir or Madam.
5) Heading
This is usually written in capital letters. This sums up the content of a letter. It
must be written below the salutation and should be brief and precisely stated.
6) Opening paragraph
This states what the letter is about. Note that it does not include greetings of an
enquiry about the health of the official to whom you are writing.
7) Main body
Use of courteous and professional tone
Use formal Standard English. Avoid contractions, abbreviations and slang.
Indicate the purpose for writing the letter.
If a letter requires a response, give the necessary information to get the
appropriate response.
8) Ending
This is usually yours faithfully, yours sincerely.
9) Your full names and position (if only). Your name must be written in capital
letters.

Samples of Formal Letters
Reference Letter
Kitwe Boys Secondary School,

P.O Box 2005,
Parkland,
Kitwe.
17th June, 2017
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN (Open) OR
The Principal,
Kitwe College of Education,
P.O Box 2000,
Kitwe.
Dear sir or Madam, (Open) OR

Dear Mr. Banda,
REFERENCE: LOMBE TUMELO ( MALE)
Having taught LombeTumelo for the past five years since 2012, I hereby wish to
report on his academic skills, extra –curricular activities, talents as well as his general
conduct.
Academically speaking, Tumelo can he rightfully be reported as an all-rounder.
He was gifted in almost all the subjects but more especially in Accounts, Mathematics,
Biology, Physics and English. As his teacher of English, I can confirm that he was
exceptionally creative in composition writing, Reading Comprehension and
Transformation of sentence structures.

This year he has written his Grade 12 examinations and I am sure that he will do
well in almost every subject.
Tumelo was a prefect in his last two years of secondary education, before he
also served as a very reliable class monitor.
In extracurricular activities, he excelled in more than one discipline. He was very
good at football, very good swimmer and athletics.
As for his general conduct, Tumelo was a devout Christian, very respectful to
both the teachers and his fellow students. I therefore recommend Tumelo to your
reputable institution without any reservations that his skills and abilities can reach new
heights for benefit of the nation in general.
Yours faithfully,
M.Moono
MOONO M.
CLASS TEACHER
NOTE:
For the Open Reference Letter, include ‘TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN’ as the
receiver’s address and ‘Dear sir or Madam’ as the salutation. The Closed Reference
Letter has definite receivers’ address and salutation.

Application Letter
House Number 20,

Parklands,
Kitwe.
27th September 2017
The Manager,
Shoprite Checkers,
P.O. Box 20398,
Kitwe.
Dear Sir or Madam,

REF: APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT AS A TILL ATTENDANT
With reference to the advertisement that that has been running on television
since Monday , the 15th of May, 2017, I would like to apply for employment.
I am twenty years of age. I just sat my Grade Twelve examination last year 2016
and waiting for the results. I sat seven subjects which also included Business Studies,
Mathematics and English and I hope to pass in all of them.
Honestly speaking, I do not have the experience as stated in the advertisement,
however, I have basic experience in handling cash because while at school I helped
selling in the School Tuck shop. I am confident that I can still do the job to your
expectations.
If you want more information about me, please contact my Grade teacher, Mr.
Denize Zulu at my former school; Kitwe Boys’ Secondary School on Cell Phone number
096412345. I will be ready for the interview whenever you may call up on me.
Yours faithfully,
M. Mwila

MWILA MANDY
SECTION 2
This section of paper1 ECZ examination comprises only one (1) compulsory
question. The general principle (rule) behind situational (guided) compositions is the
candidate’s ability to SELECT the RELEVANT information and ARRANGE it in a
suitable order and AMPLIFY the selected information. The candidate’s linguistic ability
is also examined in this section.
A situation and the subject matter (information) in form of notes are given on a
particular subject and the candidate is required to use the material to answer the
question asked. The candidate should select those notes which contribute to production
of a good composition. The main types and forms of composition that feature in this
section are: Reports, Article, Speeches, profiles and letters.
1. SPEECH WRITING
1. DEFINITION: A Speech is a prepared piece of writing or information on a given topic.

A Speech is anything spoken for an audience to listen. It is basically a formal address to
a group of listeners.
2. TYPES OF SPEECHES
There are three main types of Speeches:
(i) introductory speech
(ii) speech of thanks/ vote of thanks
(iii) key note speech or main speech

3. FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN WRITING A SPEECH
Type of audience
Speeches are made for live audience. Decide on whether the speech is intended for
adults, children, diplomats or journalists, businessmen and women or sophisticated
class of people e.g. Lawyers, Doctors, Politicians etc.
The purpose of the speech
Decide on whether the speech is to inform, to persuade, to entertain, to appease , to

incite, to reprimand , or a combination of these. This will determine the use of
appropriate language.
The subject matter (or topic)
Ascertain whether the topic is familiar to the audience or not and determine how much
information to give and hold back. Also ascertain whether the topic is ‘technical’ in
nature and determine how to tackle it.
The situation
Ascertain whether the situation (or occasion) is a solemn one (mourning), a business
meeting(where people are only interested in results), after dinner speech(humorous), or
a tense situation. The situation and the audience also determine the language.
4. PREPARATION OF THE SPEECH
Once you have a topic, allow yourself time to think about it is part of your preparation

 Gather all necessary ideas and information on the topic given.
 Arrange the material (ideas and information) in appropriate order and then plan
the form of presentation.
 Planning
A speech must have a structure and a sense of direction. Note down all the main
points you should cover:
-what the aim of the speech is
-what the audience may hope to learn
 Review your list, grouping them under headings and assembling these in a
logical order.
 Whatever the topic , you will need a striking way of opening and closing your
speech.
Opening:
Should be original and interesting (enough to make people want to hear what
you have to say)
Apart from giving the aim and the outline of the talk:
 Ask a question
 Tell a story
 Use a quotation.
Closing
 You should finish positively

 The standard approach is a summary
 Give the audience chance to participate by inviting them to comment, if
necessary.
5. FORMAT A OF SPEECH
A Speech can be written in the following format:
1. Title:
The title should have the following items:

(a) The giver of the speech
(b) The occasion when the speech is delivered
(c) The venue
(d) The date
2. Salutation
Here you greet the people present in order of importance. The set out can either be
vertically or horizontally.
3. Appreciation
This comes after the salutation and can be written in the same paragraph as
salutations. Here you thank the Chairperson or organiser for the opportunity to address
the gathering.
4. Main body
This is where the details are developed. Do not beat about the bush. Go straight into
discussing the points you have gathered.
5. Conclusion.
End with a statement that restates the purpose and follow the order of salutations.
Thank the audience for paying attention.
6. LANGUAGE AND STYLE
(i) Use the tense you would use when speaking to the audience (Present tense)
(ii) Salute people in attendance according to seniority (order of hierarchy)
(iii) Repeat forms of address like sir, ladies and gentlemen, the guest of honour, etc. to
capture interest
(iv)Paragraphs are usually short as speeches take a spoken form of language
(v) End with courtesy to the audience

(vi) A good speech needs to have some humour in order to attract attention and avoid
boring the audience.
THE SPEECH OF INTRODUCTION
This is a speech given when introducing the main speaker.
Introduction
Address the people in attendance in descending order and thank the main speaker for
sparing time for the occasion
Main body
Give a brief account or background of the speaker which should include:
(i) Mention briefly the subject to be discussed by the main speaker
(ii) Mention his/her occupation, professional qualifications( if any), experience and if

necessary his/her family life.
THE MAIN SPEECH OR KEY NOTE SPEECH
This is a speech given by the main speaker or the guest of honour at a given occasion
after the speech of introduction
Introduction
Members present are addressed in descending order of social ranking(salutation).
Main Body
-the speaker to thank the organisers for giving him or her chance to address the
meeting
- briefly introduce the topic at hand. If possible, define the subject
- gives details of the subject/title to be discussed- outline the your details coupled

With relevant examples
Conclusion
-in concluding remarks, the speaker thanks the audience for listening
Sample Exam Question (2006)
You are the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education. Your Minister has asked
you to prepare a speech for him to be presented in Parliament on the problems his
Ministry is facing and provide solutions. Below are some of the points you have been
given to prepare the speech.
- Inadequate classroom furniture

- teachers marrying early
- increase teacher’s salaries
- immigration officers are weak
- revive Physical Education (PE)
- low salaries
- construct more schools
- no serious teaching going on
- independence Stadium needs renovation
- lack of teaching and le3arning materials
- employ more teachers
- one class was broken into
- shortage of teachers
- more funding
- lack of Physical Education(PE)
- remunerate teachers
- more supervision required

- migration of teachers seeking greener pastures
- improve conditions of service for teachers
- lack of qualified teachers
Using the relevant points only and presented in a logical order, write a speech to be
delivered in Parliament by your Minister of Education
THE SPEECH OF THANKS/VOTE OF THANKS
This is a speech which is delivered at the end of a guest’s address. The format is as
follows;
Introduction
Here you thank the guest for his wonderful message out of courtesy.
Main Body
Summarise main points of the guest’s speech.
Show how guest’s speech has broadened audience’s scope of knowledge on the theme
discussed.
Conclusion
Express wish either to invite the guest again, put guest’s theories into practice to
improve performance or make any personal requests to guest. Again thank him
wholeheartedly for sparing some of his precious schedule
SAMPLE
Question (2011)

You are a teacher of English at Wawa High School and you have been assigned to
write a speech for your Headteacher to be read at an Awards Giving Ceremony at your
school. The guest of honour is the Minister of Education. Below are some points you
have been given to write the speech.
- school certificate results are very good

- six streams each grade
- cows graze near school
- proud- minister is a lady
- most teachers not accommodated
- Bursar’s office broken into
- teachers and pupils very hard working
- text books and desks not enough
- Deputy Headteacher married to two wives
- pupils fetch water from the stream
- generator old-constantly breaking down
- very few beds
- two computers whole school
- P.T.A. Executive very hardworking
- thirty pupils got six points
- women stopped selling foodstuffs
- critical shortage of Mathematics and Science teachers
- most pupils come from poor families
- bars near school
- some former pupils hold key positions in government and society
Using the relevant points only and presented in a logical order, write a speech for the
Headteacher. The length of your speech should be between 250 and 350 words. Any
words beyond the word limit will be cancelled.
Answer
SPEECH TO BE DELIVERED AT AN AWARDS GIVING CEREMONY BY THE

HEADTEACHER AT WAWA HIGH SCHOOL ON 24.09.2015 AT 14:00HRS

The Guest of Honour, Permanent Secretary, and Provincial Education Officers
present, District Education Board Secretaries, Education Standard Officers,
Headteachers, Heads of Department, all teachers present, Ladies and Gentlemen.
It is a rare privilege to welcome you all to this awards giving ceremony. For many
years, our school has been performing very well but we have never had an opportunity
like this to award them. Therefore, with the support of the school board, we sat and
came up with prizes to give to the immediate past Grade 12s for their performance.
The Guest of Honour, Madam, Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to thank the PTA
executive who are a very hardworking team, the teachers and the pupils who have
equally worked hard to ensure our school keeps on producing good results.
Guest of Honour, Madam, Ladies and Gentlemen, last year we recorded an

increase in our pass rate. This is because we had thirty pupils who got six points. A
great achievement Indeed! This entails these pupils are all going to Universities across
the country. This also means that these pupils will join our former pupils holding key
positions in the government. What a great honour to have such hard working pupils!
Madam Minister, the girl child at our school is proud of having you in that office
as you are a role model to them. They are motivated further to work extra hard to be like
you.
Ladies and gentlemen, even when our school has been doing well it does not
mean all is well .The school has its challenges. For example, most of our teachers are
not accommodated, hence they live far from our school which makes it difficult for them
to arrive for work on time. Apart from that, we have a critical shortage of text books and
desks which makes learning and teaching a bit difficult. Moreover, the school has only
two computers and we appeal to you, madam, to come to our aid.
Madam, Ladies and Gentlemen, we also have a critical shortage of teachers

especially in Mathematics and Science, we therefore urge you, madam, to send more
teachers in those subjects to mitigate the shortage.
In conclusion, I would like to thank you most sincerely madam, for having taken
time off from your busy schedule to come and grace this occasion. This should continue

so that we can present our grievances directly to you and also to see how we are doing
academically and professionally.
I thank you all for your attention and may God bless you.
NOTE. Speeches could also be made in the form of debates. Such speeches thus
become an argumentative form of composition. The speaker has to present his or her
case either for or against a motion, as convincingly and as forcefully as possible .
2. REPORT WRITING
A report is a written or spoken account of something witnessed, heard, seen, done,

studied or work carried out or of an investigation. It may be an informal report about an
accident or a lost item or a formal report about the activities of an institution such as a
school or a club or an annual report of a business firm. The following questions are
answered when writing a report:
-what happened?
-when did it happen?
-where did it happen?
-who was involved?
-how did it happen?
-why did it happen?
PURPOSE
The basic function of a report is to inform people about events that have taken place. A
report gives a detailed account or description of a speech, events, experiences or
happenings that occur in our daily lives. These might be on social, political and

economical and so on. For example, we read these reports in newspapers or listen to
them on radio or television.
FORMAT
There are many types of reports but we shall look at the basic features of a report.
Examples of reports include: police report, narrative report, medical report, investigative
report, project report, book report, news report, medical report, newspaper report, sports
report and many more. In a report the following points should be taken into account:
(i) heading / title – must be brief and say what the report is all about. Some
reports have subheadings in order to make it easy for one to understand,
(ii) introduction – the opening sentences of a report sums up the major facts
of the event
-indicating what the report is all about by answering ‘wh’questions( i.e. what
What happened?, when…. ? where …? Who..?)
(iii) main body- must give details of the report in paragraphs ( each paragraph to
deal with one main idea), the information must be precise clear and relevant.
(iv)conclusion-the last event serves as a conclusion when one is merely

reporting an incident such as ‘a tour of the national park’ or the writer can make a
concluding remark. However, a report for a project or a survey usually includes
conclusions derived from the study.
(v) recommendation – a recommendation is included in an investigative report,
project report or any other. A recommendation gives suggestions for future
action.

Language and Style
 A report should be factual and to the point (only important points should be
included). It should not contain opinions although your views or comments may
be
useful as a conclusion.
 Use the past tense with a lot of bias in the use of reported speech though
direct speech can be used to quote striking information
 Reports can be written mainly from two points of view:
(a) Personal point of view, for example a report by an eye witness on the scene
of a
a crime, the author of the report will use the pronoun ‘I’.
(b) Detached point of view; this is how most professional reports are written-
the third person (i.e. he, she, they) is used.
 Language must be formal, simple and straight forward.
 If a written report is to be of any use, the information it conveys must be clearly
thought out and well ordered. When writing a report of a road accident, for
example, work out precisely where you were in relation to the vehicles, what you
saw and heard, and why you think the accident happened might be a concluding
remark.
 Points can be numbered if the report has subtitles
 The author of the report should be identified- it should be signed for and position
of responsibility indicated
SAMPLES
(A) NARRATIVE REPORT
You are the head boy or head girl at your school and you attended a meeting for all
headboys, headgirls and their deputies from all secondary schools in Zambia. The
meeting was officially opened by the permanent secretary; you are expected to write a
report of the meeting for the headteacher, You took down some points to help you write
the report.

- Attendance: 200 headboys, 210 headgirls and corresponding number of their
deputies
- Prefects should have bigger say in appointment of their successors
- Headteachers asked prefects to spy on teachers
- Money from user fees and APU not properly use
- lacked basic necessities in schools
- Headteachers dress like kings and queen and drive expensive cars
- Independent auditors should visit schools
- Prefects work long hours
- Prefects attend to matters that be handled by teachers during lesson time
- Ministry of Education to appoint to task force to look into the matter
- Otherwise prefects to continue being victims of unfair system
Using the points provided and presented in a logical order, write a report. The length of
your speech should be between 250 and 350 words. Any words beyond the word
limit will be cancelled.
Answer
REPORT OF HEAD PREFECTS’ MEETING
The meeting was held at David Kaunda Technical Secondary School in Lusaka
from9.00 hours to 12.00 hours on Wednesday the 15 th of January,1997.It was officially
opened by the permanent secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr Muswema .Participants
were head boys, head girls and their deputies drawn from all Senior Secondary Schools
in the country and numbered 200 head boys, 210 head girls and a corresponding
number of deputy head girls and deputy head boys.
Various issues were discussed. Prominent among them was the feeling that
head prefects should have a bigger say in the appointment of their successors as
opposed to the prevailing scenario where their views are not given much thought by
teachers
The head prefects lamented that the behaviour of head teachers (Headmasters
and Headmistresses) who constantly exerted pressure on them to spy on their teachers.

Because of this, they lived in daily fear of retaliation from the affected teachers once
discovered.
It was overwhelmingly agreed that funds realised from user fees and the
Academic production Unit (APU) are not being properly utilised. Schools continued to
lack basic necessities like stationery while head teachers were observed to have
suddenly started dressing like kings and queens. Others unaccountably bought
themselves vehicles. The head prefects felt that independent auditors should
occasionally be called in to probe the financial management of schools.
Most important of all the participants decried the long hours they were required to
work. They said they were expected to be the first to arrive at school and had to stay
long hours after school hours, adding that more often than not they left school at the
same time as the headteacher. As if this was not enough they were pulled out of
classes to attend to matters that could be better handled by teachers. All this affected
their studies. One participant disclosed that at his school no head prefect had attained a
division one in the past five years.
The head prefects felt that there was need for the Minister of Education to
appoint a task force to look into the above issues. Otherwise; head prefects would
continue to be victims of an unfair system that seemed to benefit headteachers only.
MWANSA CHIBALE
HEADBOY
KASAMA SECONDARY SCHOOL
KASAMA
(B)A POLICE REPORT
Question
In the Police force, the duty officer is expected to give a report to the Officer-in- Charge
on all the major occurrences. You are a police officer and was on duty on the night
when villagers from a nearby village reported a murder case. You rush to the scene of

the incident with your college and interviewed an eye witness to establish how the man
was killed. You took down the following notes to help you write a report:
- murder case reported at 23.00 hours
- eye witness- Annie Mwengwe
- deceased, Jackson Mulwila was drinking ‘ kachasu’ at witness’ house
- he was in a group of friends
- they started quarelling
- MusengeMwansa stood up and pushed Jackson violently
- Lackson moved unsteadily few step backwards
-he failed to balance and fell head first
- landed on a stump in the structure they were drinking from
- he was rushed to Chitambo Mission Hospital
-was pronounced on arrival by the doctor
- death was caused by severe brain hemoharrge and fractured skull
- key suspect: MusengeMwansa30,Kalufumo Mwape 29 and Chilambwe Musuma 28,

all of Chibale village were arrested.
Using the points provided and presented in a logical order, write a report to the officer-
in-charge. The length of your speech should be between 250 and 350 words. Any
Answer
From: Constable Mwape Grevazio
To: The Officer- In- Charge

Mambilima Police Station, Serenje
Date: 22nd June, 2017
SUBJECT: REPORT ON THE MURDER CASE IN CHIBALE VILLAGE
I received a report yesterday around 23.00 hours about a murder case in Chibale
village. In the company of Constable Mwansa Chilombo, Idrove to the scene of the
incident and carried out an investigation. It was discovered that, the deceased, Jackson
Mulwila, was in a group of friends drinking a local illicit brew commonly known as
Kachasu at the house of Annie Mwengwe.
Annie Mwengwe said that initially she heard Jackson and his friends quarrelling
and little did she know that their continuous arguments could lead to such a fatal
ending. Since Annie Mwenge did not follow the discussion, she only remembered
seeing Musenge Mwansa standing up and grabbed Jackson Mwilwila by the collar of his
shirt and pushed him violently.
She went on to say that the deceased moved unsteadily few steps backwards.
The effect of the brew could not let his body hold the ground. He went down head first,
and landed heavily on a stump a short distance away that acted as a stool in the
dilapidated structure they were drinking in.
Basing on the information gathered from the witness, we arrested the three key
suspects all male; Musege Mwansa 30,KalufumoMwape29 and Chilambwe Musuma 28,
all of Chibale village.
I immediately put the three co-accused into police custody awaiting other course
of action and investigation.
A good Samaritan offered to rush the deceased to Chitambo Mission Hospital.

However, upon arrival the deceased was examined and certified dead by the Doctor on
call. In his report the Doctor said that Jackson Mulwila died because of severe brain
Hemorrhage and fractured skull.
NOTE: A narrative report can also be written in the traditional format of an essay with
just a title and signed at the end (not the memorandum format).

(C) AN INVESTIGATIVE REPORT
Question
Many letters have been received by the chairman of the United Transport and Taxis
Association of Zambia complaining about various aspects of poor service. Imagine you
are the secretary in the association and the chairman has asked you to submit a report
to him after a thorough investigation. After travelling on the buses on a number of
routes, you made notes in your dairy.
-the number of buses on certain routes are inadequate.
-low income group areas can do with twice the present number
-some buses to be replaced
-some have head rails for passengers to hold on.
-during the morning and evening rush hour, small buses are more suitable on busy
routes.
-an up- to- date statistical information about the number of people traveling on various
routes required to get true picture of the transport needs of the public.
- buses behind schedule on certain routes
-no toilets and shelters at the bus stop.
-this is an inconvenience especially during the rainy season

-some bus conductors are rude
- drivers, conductors and traffic officers not properly trained to deal with the public
- roads are in bad state especially in rural areas
Using the points listed above write a comprehensive report to be presented to the
chairman.
Answer
REPORT ON THE COMMUTERS COMPLAINT ABOUT POOR BUS SERVICES

OFFERED BY UNITED TRANSPORT AND TAXIS ASSOCIATION (UTTA)
Introduction
An Investigation into various complaints of poor services offered by United Transport

and Taxis Association of Zambia (UTTA) was carried out by the secretary between 25th
March 2017 and 30th April 2017. Many routes both in urban and rural areas were
covered and a number of regular travelers were interviewed.
Inadequate number of buses
Most regular bus travelers were of the opinion that the number of buses on certain
routes is inadequate. The low income group area, for instance could do with the present
number as very few people have transport of their own. Furthermore, these areas are
more densely populated than high income areas.
State of Buses
A number of buses should not be allowed on the road as they are in bad state of
disrepair. There are some which literally have no overhead rails for standing
passengers to hold on which may one day lead to fatal accident s.

Bus Schedule
The majority of buses do not keep to time, which is an inconvenience to the passengers
who have to reach their working places at a given time. In addition, there are no shelters
and toilets at bus stops. As a result, people get soaked during the rainy season and the
nearby bushes are used to answer the call of nature.
Crew Attitude
The drivers and conductors tend to be very rude to the passengers, partly because they
are not trained to deal with passengers. They have to be instructed to treat the public
with courtesy; otherwise the association will lose business in this competitive era.
State of Roads
The state of most roads is so bad that drivers dread travelling along them. On certain
routes there are big gullies on the roads, especially, in rural areas such that passengers
have to alight from the buses for their own safety till they have by passed the bad spot.
It is this bad state of roads that has contributed greatly to the poor condition of buses.
Conclusion
Generally, the bus services offered by UTTA are below expected standards as the
association is failing to meet commuters’ demands. The number of buses on most
routes is inadequate and the few buses running are in poor condition due to wear and
tear caused by the bad state of road. In certain areas, there are no shelters and toilets
at bus stops and such a situation is a huge health hazard.
Recommendations
The following are the recommendations
1. In urban areas, during morning and evening rush hours, small buses are more
suitable on busy routes.
2. An up- to- date statistical information about the number of people travelling on
various routes is required to get a true picture of the transport needs on the public.
3. Bus shelters and toilets must be constructed where necessary .

4. Short courses should be introduced for drivers and bus conductors.
5. The Association must impress upon the government and the councils the need to
repair bad roads.
John Mwendalubi
SECRETARY
UNITED TRANSPORT AND TAXIS ASSOCIATION
Sample of Exam Question (2004)
Last Friday night whilst you were relaxing with your family at home, you suddenly heard
a police message on the radio about a stolen vehicle during the day in Lusaka. The
stolen vehicle was a Toyota Vanette with the registration number ADA 155 and blue in
colour.
The following morning, while waiting for a bus in Kitwe, a Toyota Vanette pulls up and
stops to offer you a lift. As you are in a hurry, you jump in and find two other passengers
there.
Suddenly, you remember last night’s police message over the radio. You notice that the
colour of the vanette is blue as previously reported. Furthermore, you notice that the
driver does not use a key to start the vehicle but connects wires; nor does he want to go
through police road blocks.
On your arrival in Kitwe, you decide to report the matter to the police. And the police
welcome your initiative but ask you to write are port on your observations.
Before you write the report, you write down some notes to guide you in writing the
report.
YOUR NOTES

-Driver dodged road blocks
- decided to observe more closely if my suspicions were justified.
- registration number read ADA 155 with part of one chipped off.
- decided to inform police for investigation.
- on leaving the vanette looked to see number.
- Vanette was parked outside Chimwemwe bar.
- driver had alarge scar on his head and wearing a large black jacket.
- remembered last night’s police report on radio.
- driver’s front rotten and mouth smelling.
- Offered a lift in a blue vanette on way to Kitwe.
- fears justified because driver connected wires to start vehicle.
Using the points listed above and some of your own and presented in a logical order,
write a report. The length of your report should be between 250 and 350 words. Any
3. PROFILE WRITING
A profile is an account of someone’s life history. There are two types of profiles. These
are:
(i) A Biography
This is a record of someone’s life written by another person. It is a record of what one
has done, experienced, achieved or failed to achieve. Only important events (situations)
are mentioned. It presents one’s life as one lived it.
(ii) An Autobiography
In this type of writing, the author gives an account of his or her own life( an account
about oneself)
A profile must comprise the following:
(i) Title
- the name of the person being described
(ii)Introduction (Early life)
-date and place of birth
- gender, religion (if any),occupation
- family background (i.e. parents, number of brothers and sisters)
- early childhood
(iii) Main Body
(a) Education background
-where and when the subject attended school, i.e. primary,
secondary and tertiary education,
-if possible mention famous teachers
- co-curricular activities,
(b)Career
-professional life (job or jobs done and positions held and qualifications, special
skills acquired)
(c) Achievements
-personal successes
(d) Character (personality)

- interaction at personal level
- dislikes
- hobbies
(iv) Conclusion
-future prospects and lessons that can be learnt from the person’s fruitful life.
Note: If a biography is written posthumously, the most suitable tense to be applied in

the conclusion will be the past tense
Sample profile
Question
The editor of your school magazine has decided to produce a special issue of the
magazine in which articles and reports about the past and present history of the school
will claim most space. One section called ‘Biographies’ will contain authentic reports on
famous ‘’old girls and or boys of the school. One of the ex- pupils of your school, who
has now become a minister, is a distant relation of yours. You decide to contribute to
the ‘biographies’ section. After some research, you collect the following facts about your
relation’s career.
- Born in a remote area

- As a growing boy, tended father’s cattle, fetched water and collected firewood
- Did primary education in place of birth.
- Secondary education at large missionary school
- Worked as clerk in remote council
- Did not like job
- Trained as primary school teacher for two years.
- Obtained scholarship to study for Arts degree- interested in Economics and
Political Science
- Graduated with a distinction in Economics. Went to the states – pursued PhD in
Economics.
- Became lecturer at UNZA, Lusaka for two years.

- Entered politics in 1978. Elected MP for home constituency in first general election
- Became cabinet minister in 1984.
- Held a number of portfolios.
- Successful in each.
- Private life: simple, charming, plain speaking.
- Humorous in tone ,efficient ,man of action, eloquent in speech,
- Married to nurse, four children who are independent and working.
Using the points listed above and some of your own and presented in a logical order,
write a biography. The length of your report should be between 250 and 350 words.
Any words beyond the word limit will be cancelled
Answer
MR. ALICK MWANZA
Mr.Alick Mwanza was born in 1952 in Malama Village in Chief Jumbe’s area. He is a
Christian and Catholic by faith. He comes from a very poor family, He is the second
born in a family of nine and the only boy to Mr. and Mrs.Mwanza. When he was a child,
he did not attend pre-school but tended his father’s cattle, fetched water and collected
firewood for domestic use. His dedication to duty made his parents very proud.
Alick started his primary education at the age of nine at Mutenguleni Primary School
where he completed his grade seven. He then went to Petauke Boarding School for his
secondary education and performed very well in the school certificate examinations.
Upon completion of his secondary school education, he joined Chama District Council
where he worked as a clerk. Unfortunately, he did not like the job and resigned after
working for six months only. After leaving the council, he went to train as a primary
school teacher at Chipata Teachers’ Training College.
Before he could complete his two year teacher training programme, he was offered a
scholarship to go and pursue a Bachelor of Arts with Economics and Political Science at
the University of Zambia (UNZA). He completed his studies four years later and
graduated with a distinction in Economics. This achievement opened doors for him to

pursue further studies in the United States of America where he obtained a Masters of
Arts and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Economics. He came back to Zambia and worked
for two years as a lecturer at UNZA in Lusaka.
In 1978, he realised that there was need to improve the livelihood of people in his home
area and this prompted him to leave lecturing and join politics. He was elected Member
of Parliament (MP)for his home constituency in Malama Village. He was later appointed
cabinet minister and held a number of portfolios, in all of which, he was successful.
During his term of office as MP, he attended many international meetings and this
exposed him to many parts of the world.
Alick is a simple, plain speaking and charming man with high ideals. He also has a
forceful personality which makes him do his work effectively with minimum supervision.
In addition, he is very energetic, efficient and believes in getting things done, no wonder
people refer to him as ‘the man of action’. Other virtues worth noting are his eloquence
in speech and humorous tone.
He is a happy family man, married to Gloria, a nurse by profession with whom he has
four children who are all independent and working. He also has two grandchildren. His
future aspirations are to become Republican President of Zambia and improve the living
standards of the poor people.
Alick’s fruitful life has inspired many people, especially the youth. He has clearly
demonstrated that hard work and being focused on one’s set goals is key to success.
4. ARTICLEWRITING
Articles are one of the topics in composition that are covered both at junior and senior
levels of Secondary school. They can take any of the forms (types) of composition:
narrative, descriptive, discursive, expository or explanatory.
By definition, an article is a piece of writing written by an individual on a subject matter

of common interest. Articles are contributed to a journal or newspaper. As such articles
must amass a good command of language.
TYPES ARTICLES

There are four main types of articles namely news, feature, editorial and letter to the
editor article: Our interest however is on the Letter to the Editor as the other articles are
rarely examinable at O’level English.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
A letter to the editor is an article written by members of the public contributed to a

newspaper or journal. Since the editor of a Newspaper or magazines receives more
articles than be he can publish, letters to the editor should deal with a subject matter of
common interest.
The letter should be addressed to the editor. Being an official letter, it should contain
two addresses, salutation and title or reference.
Introduction
The article’s introductory paragraph should highlight the aim of your letter. The first
paragraph is extremely important because it covers in a gist, almost everything. Hence
the upside down pyramid approach i.e. from the general to the particular should be
used. Common phrases used in the introduction may include;
 Will you allow me space in your newspaper to add my voice on this (the) matter
[“spiritual murders”] of great concern.
 I would like to air my views on the controversial question of examination
leakages in Zambian schools.
 Allow me to express my concern through your paper …
Main body

The articles’ main body will be the follow up to your introductory words. You will now do
the things you highlighted in the opening paragraph i.e. expressing your concerns,
educating or warning the public etc. The body of an article, like any other piece of
writing; amplifies what is highlighted in the introductory paragraph, it sustains the
reader’s interest e.g. through suspense. The points in this part of your composition
should advance your reasons for or against your concerns.
Conclusion
The conclusion of your letter should be an enforcement of the points raised in the main
body.
You may use the following or any similar expressions;
 In view of what I have written above, I ……….

 In the light of the foregoing observation, I wish ……..
 With these concerns (pieces of advice), I hope to ……..
The letter to the editor should end with; yours faithfully, name, signature and capacity in
which you wrote it.
NB: If you don’t want your address and name to be published, write a postscript
instructing the editor to withhold your particulars.

Sample Letter to the Editor
Chitokoloki Day secondary school,

P.o. box 21222,
Kabompo.
23rd June, 2017.
The Editor,
Times of Zambia.
Dear editor,
Re:Abortion—Not a Trouble-Free Solution
Kindly allow me to add my voice on the moral issue captioned above. I have
been following the debates in your newspaper which have been running for two months
now on the critical subject of abortion. True, diverse views on this subject matter have
been advanced by many Zambians but I wish to educate youths and women in my own
terms.

Many youths have grown up to believe that abortion is a serious sin, tantamount
to murder. But this firm stance is often softened when this issue becomes personal.
When youths became pregnant, they feel they cannot face the commitment of marriage
and parenthood. This makes them to quickly opt for what they term as “the convenient
solution,” which is abortion.
What these youths call a convenient solution to an unplanned and unwanted

pregnancy is not uncommon and restricted to the Zambian scenario alone. A 2007
global study reported that in 2003 there were an estimated 42 million induced abortions
worldwide. What is more striking is that women who have abortions come from every
race and nationality, from a variety of religious backgrounds, and from every level of
income, education, and age between puberty and menopause. But the key questions
are, “Why do so many choose abortion? Is abortion the key to unplanned pregnancy?”
Through this article, we educate youths and parents alike on the dangers of
abortion. It ought to be mentioned that women seek abortions for a variety of reasons,
ranging from financial problems to a failed, perhaps abusive, relationship that results in
their not wanting any further ties with the man. Or the pregnancy may simply not fit into
the plans of the woman or the couple.
At times, abortion is chosen to protect a reputation. Such is true of the cases

reported on by Dr. Susan Wicklund in her book This Common Secret—My Journey as
an Abortion Doctor. In her book, this doctor reports of one confession of her patient who
was seeking an abortion. She reports that this patient’s reason for seeking abortion was
that her parents were very religious and could not bear to see their daughter have a
baby out of wedlock, it would be a mark on their standing in society. It would say to all
their friends that their daughter had sinned.” Thus, according to this person, abortion,
though a serious sin is less evil if kept a secret than tarnishing a family reputation.
However, regardless of the situation, usually the decision to terminate a pregnancy

deliberately is not an easy one. It is often intensely painful. Consider the
Consequences. A 2004 research study of 331 Russian and 217 American women who
had an induced abortion revealed that about half of both groups felt bad after the
abortion. Nearly 50 percent of the Russians and almost 80 percent of the Americans felt

“guilt” over the procedure. More than 60 percent of the American women were ‘unable
to forgive themselves.’ Since guilt is such a pervasive problem—even among those who
do not consider themselves religious—why do so many young women still have
abortions?
They often come under intense pressure to have an abortion. Parents, a mate, or
well-meaning friends may encourage abortion as a lesser of two evils. This can lead to
a hasty, ill-informed decision. “However, after the stressfulness of the decision and the
procedure have ended,” explained Dr. Priscilla Coleman, an expert on the mental-health
risks of abortion, “women’s cognitive abilities return to normal, often ushering in feelings
of pronounced guilt, sadness, and regret.”
This regret often centers on the question: Did the abortion terminate a life that
already existed? It is worth noting that many pregnant women considering an abortion
“were misled into thinking that nothing but ‘tissue’ was being removed, and relate that
they would not have had an abortion if they were told the truth.”
After an evaluation of the “stunning and heart-wrenching testimony” of women who

had abortions, the study shows that many of these women are angered by grief at the
loss of a child they were told never existed. Some still have to often face the devastating
psychological harm of knowing they killed their child.
Going forward, my views on abortion should be respected as they represent the views
of the whole country. I rest my case.
Yours faithfully,
M.Banda
MISHAEL BANDA
Question samples

You are a concerned grade 12 pupil over examination leakages in Zambia. Write an
article (letter to the editor) Times of Zambia to forward your concerns and advice to
parents and your fellow grade 12 pupils.
Write a letter to the editor, Zambia Daily Mail, on the issue of Vandalism of Public
Property in the country.
PLAIN ARTICLE
Like a letter to the editor, an article is written or contributed to a Newspaper or

magazine. An article is a personal expression on certain issues or an analysis of the
problem. Articles discuss specific matters from a cross section of life based on personal
points of view or one’s opinion.
Introduction: The introductory paragraph is usually the summary of the whole article.
The Main Body: This includes facts that can convince readers to follow the writer’s line
of thought without difficulties.
After concluding, it is expected that the writer will write the name, place of residence
and capacity in which he or she writes the article.
NB: The article normally begins with topic sentences in all its new paragraphs.
Some expressions you may use
About HIV/AIDS
One of the most insolvable problems in most countries on earth is HIV/AIDS...
It is an undisputable fact that HIV/AIDS has caused …….
What is most disturbing about this disease is the fact that the youths who are usually
innocent get their share of the bitter pill ….

About TB
While HIV/AIDS is grabbing all headlines in leading Newspapers, TB is donatiating all

footnotes in the same turbothoids.
In a nutshell, I am saying that HIV/AIDS and TB are intertwined.
Child Discipline
The question of child discipline bothers many parents ….
There are many parents who regard the old English proverb ‘spare the rod, spoil the
child’ as necessary and sufficient guide to good parenthood.
Dr.Change run, a specialist in child discipline has argued that lack of love in childhood
can make a child delinquent and that over permissiveness or strictness is not the real
issue.
Research has shown that …. and it goes without saying that ….
SAMPLE OF A FEATURE ARTICLE
CHOOSING A CAREER
Perhaps this is an issue that most occupies the minds of many a senior
secondary school pupil. This has become more crucial and increasingly strenuous now
more than ever before because of the unfavourable economic climate prevailing in the
country.
Top on considerations for choosing a particular career is the remuneration that a

career promises to its disciples.A survey conducted by the National Development
Committee (NDC) last year revealed that ninety five percent of school leavers put
remuneration as priority number one in the choice of career.

One’s aptitude in a given area is another criterion. If a pupil does not hope to
pass his ‘O’ level Mathematics, for instance, it is pure folly for such a pupil to consider a
career in engineering. Similarly a pupil who is always struggling to construct a good
English sentence should do well to forget about becoming a journalist, at least for a
media that employs English as a medium of communication.
There is also the question of prestige. Certain careers attract widespread envy
and respect. Many young people unfortunately consider status as a matter of great
importance. Closely linked to this is the pressure families, relatives and friends exert on
individuals to pursue this or that career. Some parents have been known to pressurise
their children to become medical doctors.
In spite of this there are still a small segment of our society that appreciates the
joy that lies in choosing a career through which one can best express and offer thei God
given abilities in a particular area. This category considers a career a vacation and will
do everything possible and ignore all obstacles to ensure they pursue that career to the
best of their ability. Such people normally perform their work with deep sense of joy and
satisfaction that others cannot understand. May the nation of Zambia have more of this
type of employees.
Sample of examination Question (2013)
You are advised to spend about 50 minutes on this section.
Your school magazine is carrying out feature articles on Career Choice for the grade
twelves (12).
For the next edition, you have been asked to write about the jobs of Accounts Manager
and Social Worker. To make your task easy, you have been given the following notes to
use to write your article:

ACCOUNTS MANAGER
- No job security
- Very well paying
- Travel local and abroad
- Opportunities to make more money

- No weekends
- Very motivating
- Own accommodation
- Visit different financial institutions
- Rarely home with family
- Long working hours
- Minimum supervision
- Short leave, maximum 30 days per year
SOCIAL WORKER
- Job security
- Not well paying
- Same work environment
- Opportunities further studies and promotion
- Weekends no work
- Self-satisfying
- Free accommodation
- More of service to others i.e. vocation rather than job
- A lot of time with family
- Normal working hours
- Much supervision
- Long leave up to 120 days per year

Using the relevant notes, write the article which has been started for you below. The
length of your article should be between 250 and 350 words. Any words beyond
the word limit will be cancelled.
The job of Accounts Manager ______________________________________
Structure
In this section of the pamphlet, key topics in structure of the revised syllabus have been
considered. Detailed rule explanations as well as examination type questions have
been covered under each topic.
Relative Clauses
Relative clauses are usually introduced by relative pronouns such as that, who, or which
and are used to provide useful information about someone or something just mentioned.
Examples:
1. The girl who lives next door has travelled to Lusaka.

2. These shoes, which my aunt gave me, do not wear out easily.
3. The sermon that the pastor preached last Sunday was uplifting.
4. The girl whose father won the lottery has transferred to a private school.
In the examples above, the parts of the sentences in bold are relative clauses and give
us information on the nouns that precede them.
There are two types of relative clauses: defining and non-defining relative clauses.

a) Defining Relative Clauses.
In a defining relative clause, the information given by the clause identifies the
person or thing preceding it. Without this information, the meaning of the
sentence would be incomplete.
Examples:
1. The girl who lives next door has travelled to Lusaka.
2. The sermon that the pastor preached last week was uplifting.
In the above examples, if the relative clauses are omitted, one would be left
asking: Which girl? Or Which sermon? The defining relative clauses are,
therefore, necessary in identifying the particular girl or sermon being talked
about.
b) Non-defining Relative Clauses

In non-defining relative clauses, the information given is simply addition
information without which the meaning of the sentence would still be complete.
Examples:
1. These shoes, which my aunt gave me, do not wear out easily.
2. Our teacher of English, who joined the teaching staff last year, has been
awarded for being hard working.
In the above examples, these shoes and our teacher of English would still be
identified or known even if the relative clauses are omitted. Therefore, though the
information given by the clauses may be essential, its omission does not affect
the identification of the nouns or pronouns preceding them.
Note: Non-defining clauses are set off from the rest of the sentence by commas.
Relative Pronouns:
Who, whom, which, that, whose
Word Usage Example

Who 1. When referring to people 1. I have a friend. He lives in
and not things or animals. Chamboli.
 I have a friend who lives in

Chamboli. (Defining)
2. John has been demoted as

class monitor. He was found
stealing.
 John, who was found
stealing, has been demoted
as class monitor. ( Non-
defining)
Whom 1. As the object of the relative 1. We chose the girl. She is
when talking about people. Mary’s cousin.
 The girl whom we chose is
Mary’s cousin. (Defining)
2. Sharon is my classmate. You

probably met her yesterday.
 Sharon, whom you
probably met yesterday, is
my classmate. (Non-
defining)
3. I borrowed the book from the

boy. He lives here.
 The boy from whom I
borrowed the book lives
here. (whom can be
preceded by a preposition
but not who)
Which 1. When referring to things or 1. Her new shoes are nice.

animals They seem rather
comfortable.
 Her new shoes, which seem
rather comfortable, are
nice. (Non-defining)
2. The book belongs to John. It

is lying on the table.
 The book which is lying on
the table belongs to John.
( Defining)
3. We travelled in the bus. It

was very fast.
 The bus in which we
travelled was very fast.
Note: Which is also used to refer (Defining)
to a group of people when

considered as a single unit. 4. We were in the team which
won the cup.
Whose 1. To show possession, 1. I know the girl. Her brother

ownership or the relation won the championship.
between people  I know the girl whose
brother won the
championship.
2. This is the man. His house

has been burnt down.
 This is the man whose
house has been burnt
down.
That 1. Can be used in place of 1. I know the boy who got six
who in defining relative points.
clauses  I know the boy that got six
points.
2. The book which is lying on

2. Can be used in place of the table belongs to John.
which in defining relative  The book that is on lying on
clauses the table belongs to John.
3. Her new shoes, which seem

comfortable, are nice
Note: That is not used in non- Wrong: Her new shoes, that seem
defining clause comfortable, are nice.
4. The bus in which we

travelled was very fast.
Note: That is not used after a Wrong: The bus in that we
preposition. travelled
was very fast.
Correct: The bus that we travelled
in
was very fast.
Adverbs as relatives: when, where and why

When, where and why are used in the same way as relative pronouns.
Examples:
1. Saturday is the day when we meet for fellowship.

2. This is the school where the camp meeting took place.
3. He did not tell us why he could not come.
‘What’ as a relative
We can avoid using the thing(s) which and the thing(s) that by simply using what.
Examples:
1. He forgot the things which he was going to say.

 He forgot what he was going to say.
2. The thing that is not clear is why he came.
 What is not clear is why he came.
Questions
Cloze Text
Supply a suitable relative pronoun in the blank spaces of the text.
Laurel and Hardy were a pair of comedy actors (1) ……….. made over 100 films
from 1926 to 1940. Stan Laurel, (2) ……….. was born in Britain, and Oliver Hardy, an
American, were first successful in silent films and were famous for their slapstick style of
comedy. In their films, Laurel often caused the many accidents (3)………… happened
to them both, after (4)……….. Hardy would get angry and say, ‘This is another fine
mess (5) ……………. You’ve gotten me into.’
A Jekyll and Hyde is a person (6) ………… has two personalities, one of (7)
……………….is bad and the other good. The expression comes from a novel about Dr.
Jekyll, (8) ………………investigates the good and evil parts of human nature and
invents a drug (9) ………….can separate them. When he takes the drug, he becomes
an evil version of himself, (10) ………..he calls Mr. Hyde.
Sentence Transformations

Join the following pairs of sentences by using relative clauses:
1. A. The men have been arrested. They tried to break into the shop.
B ………………………………………………………………………………………..
2. A. The man is friend of ours. He owns that garage.
B ……………………………………………………………………………………….
3. A. We must write to the contractor. They depend on that contractor.
B …………………………………………………………………………………………
4. A. I am trying to remember the name of the hotel. We usually stop at that
particular hotel.
B ……………………………………………………………………………………………
5. A. That’s the player. I kicked his leg accidentally.
B ……………………………………………………………………………………………
6. A. The tourist was urged to come back to Zambia. The Zambian people are
friendly.
B ………………………………………………………………………………………
7. A. Mr. Zulu has finally completed his Grade 12 despite being over 30 years.
Some people used to laugh at him.
B …………………………………………………………………………………………
8. A. This house was built over 30 years ago. It is still in immaculate condition.
B ……………………………………………………………………………………
9. A. I will introduce to Peter. Some people regard him as our best forward.
B ……………………………………………………………………………………
10. A. There is a price. I cannot go beyond that price.
B ………………………………………………………………………………………

COMPARISON
Structures or expressions of comparison are used to show the difference or similarity

between or among people or things.
Comparatives and Superlatives
The comparative forms are used for comparing two things or people, while the
superlative forms are used for comparing more than two things or people.
The comparatives and superlatives of single syllable adjectives and adverbs are formed
by adding ‘–er’ and ‘-est’.
e.g Positive Comparative Superlative
tall taller tallest
slow slower slowest
near nearer nearest
fast faster fastest
Adjectives of two syllables ending in -y, -er, -ow and -le normally form the comparative
and superlative with –er and –est

pretty prettier prettiest
clever cleverer cleverest
narrow narrower narrowest
gentle gentler gentlest
Spelling Rules
If a word ends with the letter –y, the –y is changed to ‘i’ before adding ‘–er’ or ‘est’.
pretty prettier Prettiest
naughty naughtier naughtiest
silly sillier silliest
The comparatives and superlatives of words which have two or more syllables other
than those mentioned earlier are formed by putting more and most before the positive
form.
interesting more interesting most interesting
poisonous more poisonous most poisonous
careful more careful most careful
beautiful more beautiful most beautiful
Irregular Forms
Some adjectives and adverbs have irregular forms of comparison.

good/well better best
bad/badly worse worst
little less least
much/many more most
Sentence Patterns for Making Comparisons
The following patterns are used when comparing two people or things.
a) Adjective/Adverb(Comparative form) + than

i) Mbene is shorter than Mweene.
ii) This book is more interesting than the one I read last week.
b) as + adjective/adverb(Ordinary form) + as
This structure is used to compare two similar people or things.
i) Nsokolo is as kind as her mother.
ii) This house is as beautiful as the one we saw earlier.
iii) He runs as fast as a hare.
Note: Never use the comparative form when using this pattern.
e.g Wrong : Nsokolo is as kinder as her mother.

X
Wrong: This house is as more beautiful as the one we saw earlier.
X
c) ‘ not as + …as’
This is the negative form of the ‘as… as’ expression. It is, therefore, used to
compare two people or things that are unequal.
e.g i) Daka is not as clever as Simpungwe.
ii) Your house is not as big as mine.

d) less + adjective/adverb(Ordinary form) + than
e.g. i) Her hair is less long than mine.
ii) This book is less interesting than the one I read last week.
iii). He did the exercise less carefully than I did it.
e) like/just like
This structure is used to show similarity.
e.g i) Chima is a good artists just like her husband.
ii) That bicycle is like mine.
iii). He behaves like a baby.
f) ‘the same …as’
This expression is also used to show similarity.
e.g i) Suzan has the same dress as Becky’s.
ii) Mr. Kasumpa had the same idea as Mr. Banda.
iii). My birthday is the same as my mother’s.
g) (the+) Comparative
This pattern is also another way of comparing two people or things. ‘The’ can
sometimes be omitted.
e.g. i) Jane is the elder of the two sisters
ii). Peter and John are intelligent but Peter is (the) more intelligent
h) the + comparative … the comparative

This pattern is used to indicate parallel increase or decrease.
e.g i) The higher you go, the cooler it becomes.

ii) The sooner we start off, the better.
iii) The older he grew, the less intelligent he became.
iv) The more she practised, the better she played the guitar.
Note: The comma is used to separate the two parallel clauses.
g) comparative + and + comparative
This pattern is used to show gradual increase or decline.
e.g. i) The day is getting hotter and hotter.
ii) Life in Zambia is becoming more and more expensive.
iii). Their singing is getting better and better.

Sentence Patterns with the Superlative.
The superlative is used to compare more than two people or things. The following are
the patterns used:
a) the + adverb/adjective(Superlative form)

i). She is the cleverest pupil in class.
ii). This is the most interesting movie I have ever watched.
iii). He is the best singer in the choir.
b) ‘one of’ + the + adjective(superlative form)

i) This book is one of the most interesting books I have ever read.
ii) John is one of the most skilful players on the team.
iii). He bought one of the most expensive suits in the shop.
c) the + least + adjective(superlative form)

e.g. i) His work had the least mistakes of all the books marked.
ii) Of all the books I have read, this one is the least interesting.
Questions
1. A. Chisanga’s beauty increases as she grows older

B The older ……………………………………………………………………………
2. A. The rate of success in business increases with the number of risks taken.
B The more……………………………………………………………………………….
3. A. As you go higher, it gets cooler.

B The higher………………………………………………………………………………
4. A. Women’s clothes are less expensive than men’s clothes.

B Replace than with as
………………………………………………………………………………………………
5. A. No guitarist is as good as Matthews in the band.
B Mathews ……………………………………………………………………………..
6. A. I am short. My mother is tall.

B. My mother ……………………………………………………………………………..
7. A. Kuseka is not as charming as Kusekesha.
B. Of ……………………………………………………………………………………..

8. A. Secondhand clothes are increasingly getting expensive.
Use more in your sentence.
B: …………………………………………………………………………………………
9. A. Chileshe is the cleverest pupil in 12T2.
B. No pupil ………………………………………………………………………………….
10. A. He has not suffered an injury as bad as this one.
B. This………………………………………………………………………………………

Time
In this section, we are going to look at structures that may be used to show or indicate
the order in which events or actions occur.
a) ‘as soon as’
This pattern is used to show that an event or action takes place immediately after
another. There is no delay whatsoever.
e.g. i) As soon as the teacher entered the classroom, the pupils kept quiet.
ii) As soon as it stopped raining, the boys went out to play.
iii) As soon as Mary saw her father, she ran away.
The expression ‘as soon as’ can also be placed within the sentence but in which
case the comma must be omitted.
e.g. i) The pupils kept quiet as soon as the teacher entered the classroom.
ii) Mary ran away as soon as she saw her father.
b) ‘No sooner… than’
This pattern is also used to show that an event or action takes place immediately
after another. There is no delay whatsoever. The pattern can be used in place of
‘as soon as’.
e.g. i) No sooner had it stopped raining than the boys went out to play.
ii) No sooner had the teacher entered the classroom than the pupils kept
quiet.

iii) No sooner had Mary seen her father than she ran away.
c) ‘time conjunction + Participial Phrase’
In this pattern, a time conjunction (while, before, after, when) + Participial

Phrase are used to show the order events or actions occur. One event or action
is expressed by using a participial phrase.
e.g. i) Before coming to school, Mweete cleaned the house.
ii) After writing their exams, the boys went to a party.
iii) When walking past the school, we saw pupils running out of their
classrooms in terror.
The part of the sentence containing the time conjunction and participial phrase
can also be placed within the sentence in which case the comma is omitted.
e.g i) Mweete cleaned the house before coming to school

ii) The boys went to a party after writing their exams.
d) Use of the Past Participle
We can also use a phrase containing a perfect participle when an action

precedes another. The action or event that takes place first is expressed using
the perfect participle.
e.g. i) Having finished the exercise, the pupils marked their own books.
ii) Having preached the sermon, the pastor sat down.
iii) Having swept the floor, the maid dusted the table.
Examination feature of the topic
7. A. He went to bed when he finished his homework.

B After…………………………………………………………………………
(Use a Partcipial Phrase)
8. A. He discovered the hidden books as he cleaned the store room.
B While …………………………………………………………………………………
(Use a Participial Phrase)
9. A. I must study the matter more carefully before I answer your question.
B Before ………………………………………………………………………………
(Use a Participial Phrase) ,

10. A. I went to watch a soccer match after I completed my assignment.
B Having …………………………………………………………………………………
11. A. Immediately I sat down, the phone rang.
B No sooner ………………………………………………………………………………
12. A. I started feeling hungry again soon after eating.
B No sooner …………………………………………………………………………
13. A. Mr. Kapenda made sweeping changes to the institution upon being appointed
Principal.
B. As ……………………………………………………………………………………….
8. A. Without delay, Mrs. Nyendwa assisted the boy when she noticed that he was
unwell.
B. As ……………………………………………………………………………………….
9. A. The celebrations began immediately the referee blew the final whistle.
B. No sooner ……………………………………………………………………………
10. A. The comedian hurriedly left the stage after he accidentally broke his tooth.
B. Having ……………………………………………………………………………………

Contrast
Structures of contrast are used to link or combine ideas that normally do not go together
or are contrary.
Example:
Charles was poor at Mathematics. He got a distinction.
The two situations of Charles being poor at Mathematics and him getting a distinction
are contrary. The structures of contrast can, therefore, be used to link these contrary
situations as well as highlight this difference.
The structures used to highlight contrast include the following:
a) ‘but’/ ‘yet’
i) Charles was poor at mathematics but he got a distinction.
ii) Charles was poor at mathematics, yet he got a distinction.
When we use ‘yet’, we usually put a comma before it.
b) ‘however’, ‘nevertheless’ , ‘even so’

These structures carry the same meaning hence can be used interchangeably.
e.g. The country experienced a drought last year. Mr. Kapila had a good harvest.
i) The country experienced a draught last year. However, Mr. Kapila had a
good harvest.

ii) They were very tired. Nevertheless, they continued working.
Note: When the expressions ‘however’, ‘nevertheless’ and ‘even so’ are placed after
the first idea which ends with a full stop as in the above examples, place a
comma after the expression.
iii) The country experienced a drought last year, however, Mr. kapila had a
good harvest.
iv) They were very tired, nevertheless, they continued working.
Note: In sentences (iii) and (iv), the contrasting idea are joined into one sentence
,and commas are placed before and after ‘however’ and ‘nevertheless’.
c) ‘although’, ‘though’, ‘even though’
The above structures can be used interchangeably.
 They can be used at the beginning of a sentence

e.g i) Although he was sick, he attended the meeting.
ii) Even though she was wrong, she did not apologies.
iii). Though he was an orphan, he did not solicit for sympathy.

The structures can also be used within the sentence in which case the
comma is omitted.
I) He attended the meeting although he was sick.
II) She did not apologies even though she was wrong.
Note: Usually begin with the idea that comes first in the sentence to begin with
although.
Wrong: Although he attended the meeting, he was sick.
 The sickness came before attending the meeting.
Correct: Although he was sick, he attended the meeting.
d) ‘ in spite of’/ ‘ despite’

These structures may be used as follows:
i) In spite of/ Despite + noun/pronoun + verb-‘ing’

 Despite Sabina being very tired, she completed the work.

 In spite of the bus breaking down twice, we reached Kitwe before
sunset.
ii) ‘In spite of’/ ‘Despite’ + noun/noun phrase
 In spite of the injury, Sakala played very well.
 Despite the rains, the boys continued to play
 In spite of the fierce dogs found on the farm, the thieves stole the
machinery.
iii) Despite + that
 Despite that Rita was in love with Charles, she got married to a
local businessman.
 Despite that Bako is a wealthy man, he is very humble.
 Despite that Kazoka warned the pupils yesterday, they have
dodged from class again.
e) Use of ‘(the) one… the other’

This construction is used to compare two people or things. Usually ‘the one’ is
used for the person or thing first encountered, while the ‘the other’ is used for the
last one.
Examples
i) The one sister was kind but the other was not.
ii) On the one hand, the boy is kind to animals, but on the other, he is very
cruel to small children.
iii) One twin is very short, while the other is tall.
iv) One of my brothers is a teacher; the other is an engineer.
As can be observed in the above examples, we can use ‘but’, ‘yet’ and the semi-colon
to join the clauses/phrases containing the two ideas
f) Adjective + as/ though

i) Annoyed though he was, he could not fight in public.
(Although he was annoyed, he could not fight in public.)
ii) Rich as Mr. Wamuwi is, he does not show off.
(Although Mr. Wamuwi is rich, he does not show off)
iii) Beautiful though Mary is, she is still unmarried.
(Although Mary is beautiful, she is still unmarried.)
g) No matter….
This structure can be used with the following patterns:
i). No matter + how + adjective/adverb
 No matter how hard he tries to come to school on time, he is always late.

 No matter how carelessly he drives, he will not cause an accident.
 No matter how difficult the mathematics questions are, you must solve
them.
ii). No matter + wh…
 No matter who your parents are, you must respect them.
 No matter what you say, I will not forgive you.
 No matter where you live, you must be proud of your home.
h) Using the present participle with an expression introducing an alternative

e.g. i) Instead of using a pen, he used a pencil.
ii) He went playing instead of going to school.
g) Using the present participle with an expression introducing an additional
idea
e.g. i) In addition to insulting my sister, that boy tore up her exercise book.
ii) Besides being an engineer, he is an accountant.

14. A. She had a disadvantaged background, yet she became a prominent person in
society.
B Despite ……………………………………………………………………………
15. A. Mulimba was sick for the most part of his final year but he managed to get
distinctions.
B.. In spite …………………………………………………………………………
16. A. Mr. Mwale is a scientist. He has also written many popular novels.
B Apart …………………………………………………………………………………
17. A. Young men should make themselves useful rather than just waiting for
handouts.
B Instead …………………………………………………………………………………
18. A. I was very disappointed but I could not show it.

B Disappointed
……………………………………………………………………………………………
19. A. The thief ate the food that was in the pot and stole the bag of mealie meal.
B In addition ……………………………………………………………………………
20. A. I tried hard but could not solve the problem.
B No matter ……………………………………………………………
21. A. Josephat is dull but he managed to pass the examination.
B. Dull…………………………………………………………………………………

9. A. The head teacher was angry but he did not slap the boys.
B. Angry ………………………………………………………………………………..
10. A Patrick is a very efficient prefect. He is disliked by every pupil.
B. Use ‘nevertheless’ ……………………………………………………………..
CONDITION
CONDITIONAL SENTENCES
Introduction
 There are three main types:
 Probable or likely condition
 Improbable or unlikely
 Impossible or rejected
Type 1 If A happens, B will happen.
Type 2 If A happened, B would happen.
Type 3 If A had happened, B would have happened.
Typical Tenses of Conditional Sentences
KIND OF CONDITION TENSE IN CONDITIONAL TENSE IN MAIN CLAUSE

CLAUSE
LIKELY/PROBABLE PRESENT FUTURE
UNLIKELY/IMPROBABLE PAST SIMPLE CONDITIONAL
REJECTED/ PAST PERFECT PERFECT CONDITIONAL

IMPOSSIBLE
(a) Likely or Probable condition

This type of sentence shows a condition that may be or is likely to be fulfilled and
refers to the future.
Examples:
i) If I go to the village, I will buy some onion and Spinach.
ii). If Mary gets a distinction in English, her mother will buy her cell phone.
Variations
1. Present Simple + may (If you are late, the teacher may punish you.)
2. Present Simple + can (If you hurry, you can reach the station on time)
3. Present Simple + should (If you want to score high marks, you should
work hard)
4. Present Simple+ had better (If you want to pass, you had better
work hard)
5. Present Perfect+ Future Simple (If you have finished, I shall
clear the table)
6. Should + Imperative (If you should run into difficulties, ring me up)
7. Present Simple + Present Simple ( If you go to the market, buy some
some vegetables)
(b) Unlikely or Improbable Condition

This type of sentence shows a condition that is unlikely to be fulfilled because the
supposition is contrary to facts or action in the if- clause is not expected to happen. It
refers to the present or it may refer to the present.
Example: If I went to the village, I would buy some onion and spinach.
If our teacher was here, he would help us solve the problem.
Variations
1. Past Simple + might (If you worked hard, you might score high
marks.)
2. Past Simple + could (If he had a license, he could drive.)
3. Past continuous + conditional (If I were travelling by plane, I would
reach home earlier.)
3. Should + conditional (If he should come, I would be very happy.)
(c) Rejected or Impossible Condition

This type of sentence shows a condition which cannot be fulfilled as the event
mentioned did not happen. It refers to the past.
Example:
If I had gone to the village, I would have bought some onion and spinach.
( I did not go to the village. Therefore, it was not possible to buy some onion and
spinach)
Variations
1. Past perfect + could + have (If you had arrived earlier, you could
have caught the train.)
2. Past Perfect + might + have (If we had found the money, we might
have given it to the police.)
Application
 Unless replaces if…………not:
Example: A: Unless army worms go away, I will not plant maize this
season.
B: If …………………………………………………………
A: If army worms do not go away, I will not plant maize this season.

 But for Had it not been for
 Only if Subject –Verb-inversion. .

Only when
Not until
Example: A: Zambians will only be happy if the team brings the AFCON
Trophy.
 Had…………………………. (Rejected option).
OTHER IMPLIED CONDITIONS

Even if, supposing that, suppose that, on condition that, provided that, as long as, if
ever, if only, if at all given that).
Indicative mood
1. If + present conditional e.g. I should be very grateful if you would raise my salary
(were willing to raise it.)
2. If + present perfect tense + future simple e.g. If she has gone home, we will find
her there (if this is true, then the main clause will be true too).
3. If + future simple + future simple e.g. If you will help the poor, God will help you
immensely.(if you are willing to help the poor).
4. If + present tense + present tense e.g. If my car has a puncture, I normally go to

town by a bus. (repeated action /habit).

5. Would + like. I would like to live the room for a while. (If I am given your
permission).
Imperative mood
If + present simple + present simple

If you go home, please greet your parents on my behalf (polite request)
Unreal past tenses/past subjunctive
It uses the past tense in order to refer to the present moment. It is used when people
wish to express a wish, a preference desire or doubt.
1. If +I + were e.g. If I were you, I would resign. (improbability/unreality)

Note: If I were you ‘’were’’ is not a plural but a relic of a verb form called the
subjective.
2. Were + 1 e.g. Were I to become a lawyer, illegality would be a thing of the past.
3. Would + unreal past We would appreciate if you were punctual for all
meetings
4. It is (high) time + subject + simple past tense (= do it now without further delay)
E.g. It is high time you went to bed. (= go to bed now)
It is high time we stopped. (=we should stop right away)
NB when analysing sentences, “it” is a dummy, i.e it has no noun reference.

Examinational Feature of the Topic
1. A: In your place, I would ask for a transfer to another school.
B:If …………………………………………………………………………………
2. A: She doesn’t know the answer. That is why she doubts.
B: If …………………………………………………………………………………..
3. A: We failed to visit you because the road was bad.
B:But for …………………………………………………………………………
4. A: You will never solve this problem until somebody helps you.
B: Not until……………………………………………………………………….
5. A: It is only after going for Voluntary Counseling and Testing that you can know your
HIV status.
B: Unless ………………………………………………………………………….
6. A. You will not convince her to marry you until you change your
drinking habits.
B: Not until………………………………………………………………………..
7. A: The house collapsed when the family was away so they were not
killed.
B: Had……………………………………………………………………………..
8. A: I will give you money only on condition that you come to school.
B: Unless…………………………………………………………………………
9. A: A physical distribution system will be effective if the transportation is well
co-ordinate.
B: unless ……………………………………………………………………….
10.A: If students are only interested in sports they will never pass the
examination.
B: For………………………………………………………………………………
11. A: It must be very exciting to be a pilot.
B: If I………………………………………………………………………………
12. A: He didn’t start to read until he was ten years old.
B: Not until ……………………………………………………………………..
13. A: He did not go to school. He did not write the test.
B: If he had………………………………………………………………………

14. A: Give me some of your bananas and I will show you the way.
B: Unless……………………………………………………………………….
13. A: Her father did not excuse Jane because she did not apologise.
B: If she had ……………………………………………………………………
14. A: Mwansa does not enter her parents’ bedroom until she has knocked on the door.
B: Not until …………………………………………………………………….
15. A: John was arrested because he insulted a police officer.

B: Had …………………………………………………………………………….
16. A: I spent all my money so I did not help you.
B:If …………………………………………………………………………………
17. A: Stop laughing at me or I will hit you.
B:I will hit you if you……………………………………………………………..
18. A: If I had not intervened, he would have been punished.
B: Had it …………………………………………………………………
19. A: John needs to be as quick and intelligent as Mary to be accepted
into Grade 10.
B:Unless…………………………………………………………………………
20. A: I will talk to you only when you apologise for what you have
done.
B:Not until ……………………………………………………………………
21. A: He will not come to the party if you do not invite him.
B: Rewrite using “provided”.
22. A: Only if we invite them will they come
B: Unless………………………………………………………….
23. A: Monde failed his Grade 12 examinations because he did not work
hard.
B: Had………………………………………………………………………………
24. A: They were able to finish their work by 08:00hours because they
were forced by their supervisor to work through the night.
B: Had …………………………………………………………………………
25. A: But for the doctor’s promptness, the patient would have died.

B: If……………………………………………………………………
DIRECT AND INDIRECT (REPORTED) SPEECH
In this section, we shall consider both direct and indirect speech.
1. Direct Speech
Direct speech is when we report what someone says by repeating the exact
words.
In written, this is represented by enclosing someone’s words in quotations marks.
e.g. Mother said, “ I am relocating to Kasama.”
The children asked, “Why are you relocating to Kasama?”
In the above examples, the exact words are placed in opening and closing
inverted commas. Mother said and The children asked are known as speech
tags and these let us know who uttered the actual words.
Therefore, a sentence in direct speech has two parts: the speech tag and the
actual words of the speaker.
Punctuation of sentences in direct speech
The following is to be considered when punctuating sentences in direct speech:
i) The quotation must begin with a capital letter, even if the speech tag
comes first.
 Ethel said, “Help me solve this equation.”

ii) There must be a punctuation mark (A full stop, comma, exclamation mark
or question mark) at the end of the quotation and it must be placed inside
the closing inverted commas.
 The girl shouted, “I don’t need your help!”
 Carmelita asked, “Where can I find the drums?”
 Moses said, “Some candidates lack seriousness.”
iii) Set off the speech tag from the quotation using a comma when the speech
tag comes before the quotation.
 Mother said, “I am relocating to Kasama.”
iv) When the speech tag comes after the quotation, set off the speech tag
from the quotation by placing a comma after the quotation.
 “I am relocating to Kasama,” Mother said.
Note: If the quotation ends with a question mark or exclamation, the
Punctuation mark is left unchanged.
 “Where can I find the drums?” Carmelita asked.

 “Get out of here!” Jimmy shouted.
v) When the speech tag comes after the quotation, the reporting verb can
also be placed before its subject but not when the subject is a pronoun.
 “I am relocating to Kasama?” said Mother.
 “Get out of here!” shouted Jimmy.
 Wrong: “I need a break,” said he.
 Correct: “I need a break,” he said.
vi) The speech tag can also be placed in the middle of the quotation. In this
case, place a comma after the first part of the quotation and another after
the speech tag.
(a) “Let us go,” Mukobe said, “and see what is happening outside.”
(b) “I was wondering,” he said, “if we could start over.”
(c) “I had a good harvest last year,” said the farmer. “The seed I
used was of good quality.”
Note: In sentences (a) and (b), the direct quotation after the speech
tag begins with a small letter because the speech tag merely
intrudes a sentence. As for example (c), the quotation after the
speech tag begins with a capital letter because, though it is the
same speaker, it is a different sentence.

vii) When a title is mentioned in the quotation, punctuate as follows:
 “I have read ‘Things Fall Apart’,” said Bupe.
2. Indirect/Reported Speech.
Reported speech refers to the change from the exact words (Direct speech) that
the first person used to the words that the second person uses to transmit the
same information.
When changing from direct to reported speech, the following must be taken into
consideration:
(a) Tense Changes
(b) Pronoun Changes
(c) Expression of time and place
(a) Tense Changes
The following are the tense changes when changing from direct to
reported speech:
SN DIRECT SPEECH REPORTED SPEECH
1 Present Simple Tense Past Simple Tense
1. “Bruno sings in the choir,” 1. The Pastor said that Bruno sang
said the Pastor in the choir.
2. “It is late,” she complained. 2. She complained that it was late.
3. “I have a lot of money,” the 3. The boy boasted that he had a lot
boy boasted. of money.
2 Present Continuous Tense Past Continuous Tense
1. “Bruno is singing in the 1. The Pastor said that Bruno was

choir,” said the Pastor. singing in the choir

2. “We are listening to the 2. The parents said that they were
news,” the parents said. listening to the news.
3 Present Perfect Tense Past Perfect Tense
1. “Bruno has sung in the choir 1. The Pastor said that Bruno had
for five years,” said the sung in the choir for five years
Pastor. 2. The boy said that he had waited
2. “I have waited for this for that moment.
moment,” the boy said.
4 Present Perfect Continuous Past Perfect Continuous Tense
Tense
1. The Pastor said that Bruno had
1. “Bruno has been singing in been singing in the choir since
the choir since 2012,” said 2012.
the Pastor. 2. The boy said he had been
2. “I have been waiting for this waiting for that moment.
moment,” said the boy.
5 Past Simple Tense Past Perfect Tense
1. “Bruno sang in the choir 1. The Pastor said Bruno had sung
yesterday,” said the Pastor. in the choir the day before.
2. “The children played in the 2. Their mother complained that the
rain,” complained their children had played in the rain.
mother.
6 Past Continuous Tense Past Continuous/Past Perfect
Continuous Tense
1. He said, “I was writing an 1. He said that he was writing an

assignment.” assignment.
2. He said that he had been writing
an assignment.
7 Future Tense Conditional
1. Ng’ambi said, “I will get a 1. Ng’ambi said that he would get a

distinction in mathematics.” distinction in mathematics.
Treatment of Modals
SN Direct Speech Reported Speech
1 Can Could

The teacher said, “The pupils 1. The teacher said that the pupils
can go.” could go.
2 May Might
“Mr. Kaoma may come to the The Headteacher told the

school tomorrow,” the teachers that Mr. Kaoma might
Headteacher told the teachers. go to the school the following
day.
3 Shall ‘Would’ or ‘Should’
1. “I shall do it right away,” said 1. The prefect said that she would
the prefect. do it right away. ( Prediction/
2. “Shall I close the door?” asked Intention)
the pupil. 2. The pupil asked if he should
close the door. (Offers/
Suggestions)
4 Must Must/Had to
“You must do more,” the 1. The teacher told the pupils that
teacher told the pupils. they must do more
2. The teacher told the pupils that
they had to do more
Other Considerations
i) Commands
In addition to the usual changes, the imperative form of the verb is changed to
the infinitive
Direct Speech Reported Speech
1. “Submit the books before you 1. The teacher told the pupils to
knock off,” the teacher said to submit the books before they
the pupils. knocked off.
2. “Close the doors as you leave,” 2. She told the unruly boy to
she said to the unruly boy. close the door as he left.
ii) Questions
To change questions from direct to indirect speech, take note of the following:
 The statement order is used (subject + verb) is used instead of the
question order (verb + subject)
 The question is mark is dropped.
 Questions not beginning with an interrogative word like why, who,
when, what, require the addition of if or whether
Direct Speech Reported Speech
1. “Why were you absent yesterday?” 1. The teacher asked the boy why he
the teacher asked the boy. had been absent the previous day.
2. “Have you been to Jamaica?” the 2. The boy asked the Rastafarian if
boy asked the Rastafarian he had been to Jamaica.
(b) Pronoun Changes
Direct Indirect/Reported
I he/she
me him/her
you her/she/them/they
we they
us them
our/ours their/theirs
my his/her
(c) Expressions of time and place
Direct Indirect/Reported
today that day
yesterday the day before/ the previous day

tomorrow the next day/ the following day
yesterday evening the evening before/ the previous evening
last night the night before/ the previous night
ago before
now then
this that/the
these those/the
Questions
1. A. Christopher asked Mr. Zulu if he would submit his assignment the following
day.
B. “ …………………………………………………………………..” Christopher
asked Mr. Zulu.
2. A. “I left my jacket here yesterday,” he said.
B. He said that……………………………………………………………………..
3. A. The teacher said that he wanted me to tell him the truth or would slap me.
B. The teacher said to me, “………………………………………………………….
4. A. Mwila said, “I must get something to eat or I will faint.”
B. Mwila said that ……………………………………………………………………
5. A. “Did you read the article on examination malpractice in yesterday’s

newspaper?” the man asked his son.
B. Rewrite using reported speech
………………………………………………………………………………………………
6. A. “You can start planting as soon as it rains,” the farmer said to his workers.
B. The farmer told his workers that ………………………………………………………
7. A. The singer said to the government, “Castrate all child abusers.”

B. The singer urged the government ……………………………………………………
8. A. The farmer shouted with excitement saying that all the harvest had been gathered.
B. The farmer shouted excitedly, “……………………………………………………..”
9. A. “The clothes might be ready by tomorrow,” said the tailor.
B. The tailor said that ……………………………………………………………………
10. A. “Shall we talk after the meeting?” asked the chairman.
B. The chairman asked ………………………………………………………………….
Reason
Sentences expressing reason will mainly comprise of two parts/ clauses.
Part 1 (Main Clause) Part 2 (Subordinate Clause)
 The boy laughed in class because he was tickled.

 She did not come to school because she was sick.
From the above sentences, part 2(Subordinate Clause) of the sentences which is
headed with the word ‘because’ gives the explanation or answers the question ‘why’ the
event in part 1 occurred.
The following are the structures used to express reason:
a)‘because’, ‘since’, ‘as’
These structures are interchangeable and are used to head or introduce the
part of the sentence (subordinate clause) that gives an explanation for the
other part (main clause)
e.g. i) Chabala got a distinction because he had studied hard.
ii) The lorry failed to go over the hill as it was over-loaded.
iii). Clara was appointed head girl since she possesses good
leadership qualities.

We can also begin the above sentences with the structures that express
reason or with the subordinate clauses. However, we need to place a comma
in between the subordinate clause and the main clause.
e.g. I) Because he had studied hard, Chabala got a distinction.

ii) Since the lorry was over-loaded, it failed to go over the hill.
b) ‘Seeing (that)’/ ‘Now (that)’

e.g. i) Seeing that/ Now that we have missed the train, let us travel by bus.
ii) Seeing that/ Now that I am in Grade 12, I need to concentrate on my
school work.
We can also start with the main clause in which case the comma is omitted.
e.g. i) Let us travel by bus seeing that we have missed the train.
ii) I need to concentrate on my studies now that I am in Grade 12.
Note: Avoid the use of ‘now that’ when the action happened in the past
Wrong: Now that they had completed their work, the children were allowed to go
home.
c) Use of Participial Phrases

i) Being in Grade 12, I need to concentrate on my studies.
(I need to concentrate on my studies because I am in Grade 12)
ii) Failing to observe the speed limit, the driver was stopped by the police.
(The driver was stopped by the police because he failed to observe the
speed limit)
Note: When participial phrases are used, the part of the sentence that gives the
explanation is expressed as a participial phrase.
e.g. i) Because he failed to observe the speed limit, the driver was stopped by the
police.
(Failing to observe the speed limit, the driver was stopped by the police.)
22. The Kitwe City Council has closed down the business because it was
operating illegally.
B Operating ……………………………………………………………………………
23. A. You may read your library books since you have finished the exercise.
B Now that ……………………………………………………………………………
24. A. Mary decided to focus on her studies as it was time for the examinations.
B Seeing …………………………………………………………………………………
25. A. I have achieved all I set out to do; I am now ready to leave.
B Since ……………………………………………………………………………………
26. A. I asked to be escorted because I was unfamiliar with the town.
B Being ………………………………………………………………………………
27. A. He was cited for contempt of court because of his unruly behaviour in court.
B As ……………………………………………………………………………………
28. A. His father bought him a laptop computer because he had passed the exam.
B. On account…………………………………………………………………………..
8. A. She could not go to school. Her uniform was wet.
B. For……………………………………………………………………………………
9. A. The farmers were seriously affected by the drought because they lived in
the driest part of the country.
B. Living ……………………………………………………………………………….
10. A. John was unable to walk. He simply crawled to the nearest clinic.
B. ……………………………….because ……………………………………………

PHRASAL VERBS
Definition
Phrasal verbs are words that are formed by combing verbs and adverb particles or
prepositional particles. The resultant phrase forms special vocabulary that has no
relationship to the distinct words that make up the phrase. Therefore, you must learn
phrasal verbs in the same way you learn about vocabulary items; from context or using
the dictionary.
Formation
Phrasal verbs are made up of frequently used verbs like ‘go’, ‘take’, ‘put’, ‘do’, ‘fall’, ‘get’,
etc. and simple prepositions and adverbs like ‘to’, ‘for, ‘at’, ‘0n’, ‘off’, ‘away’, ‘over’,
‘through’, etc.
Verb + Adverb
Most phrasal verbs consist of a verb and an adverb e.g. ‘make out’. The adverb is
sometimes separated from its verb, for example, by an object as shown in the example
below:
1. I can’t make Ben out. (Meaning-I can’t understand Ben.)

In some cases two different positions are possible: thus we can say either ‘Put up your
hands’ or ‘put your hands up’. But if the object is a pronoun it must come before the
adverb, e.g. ’put it up’ (not ‘put up it’).
Here are some further examples of phrasal verbs consisting of verb +adverb:
2. My application was turned down. (i.e. rejected)
3. This old car will have to be written off. (i.e. declared a complete loss)
4. I told him a funny story to cheer him up. (i.e. to make him more cheerful)
Verb + Preposition
Consider the following:
5. The antelope jumped up and made for the trees.
To make for is a phrasal verb meaning to try to reach. In this case, however, it consists
of verb +preposition. We can ‘put something up’ or we can ‘put up something’: this
proves that up is an adverb. We can ‘make for the trees’ but we cannot ‘make the trees
for’. This proves that ‘for’ is a preposition.
Here are some further examples of phrasal verbs consisting of verb +preposition:
6. What do you make of it? (i.e. what do you understand by it?
7. The class took to him at once.(i.e. conceived a liking for him)
8. He is very upset, but he’ll get over it. (i.e. recover from it)
Verb + Adverb +Preposition
The following phrasal verbs contain both an adverb and a preposition:
9. Never look down upon your own family. (i.e. despise)
10. I can’t put up with insults. (i.e. endure)

11. He has made up for his bad behaviour. ( i.e. compensated for it by changing his
ways)
12. Children should not be given in to. (i.e. submissively granted what they want)
Phrasal verbs are used mostly in informal English (i.e. in everyday speech and in
friendly letters). In situations which require formal English most people tend to avoid
phrasal verbs. Where possible they use a single word equivalent instead:
e.g. ‘continue’ instead of ‘carry on’
‘Investigate’ instead of ‘look into’
‘Postpone’ instead of ‘put off’
Types of Phrasal Verbs
There are two main types of phrasal verbs namely, transitive and intransitive.
1. Transitive Phrasal Verbs
These are phrasal verbs which require objects.
a) Sometimes the object must be placed after the verb.
e.g.i) Joyce doesn’t care for cocoa.
ii) Mrs Mafuta looks after her children very well.
iii) John takes after his father.
b) Sometimes the object may be placed either after the verb or ‘’within’ the verb.
e.g. i) Turn off the light!
orTurn the light off!
ii) I have to hand in this work tomorrow.
or I have to hand this work in tomorrow.

c) When the object is a Pronoun, it is usually placed ‘within’ the Phrasal Verb.
e.g. i) He threw it away
ii) I lifted him up.
iii) Mother brought us up by herself.
2. Intransitive Phrasal Verbs
These are Phrasal Verbs which do not have an object.
e.g. i) I don’t think the weather will clear up.
ii) The milk has boiled away.
iii) The gun went off with a bang.
NB: For more phrasal verbs refer to appendix 3 of English 9(ZBEC) Book 2
EXERCISE
Complete each sentence using one of the Phrasal Verbs listed below:
The meanings of the verbs are shown in brackets.
call off give up put out
care for looking forward to run into
got over put off talk (somebody) into
1. The firemen were able to ……………………. the fire very quickly. (extinguish)
2. Can I have a banana instead? I don’t …………………… oranges. (like)
3. We are all ………….the party. (expect with pleasure)
4. Have you ………………. your illness yet? (recover from)
5. I’ll try to ……………….. her ……………. coming with us. (persuade)
6. We’ll have to …………….. the meeting till next week.( postpone)

7. Can you guess who I ………..yesterday? (meet)
No. I ……….. Who was it? (stop trying to guess)
8. The District Governor is sick. He’s had to ………….. his visit. (cancel)
9. I’ve broken my leg. I’ll have to ……… football for six months. (stop doing
Something)
Examination Questions on the topic
(ECZ 2009 school Certificate/GCE Paper)
In each of the following sentences, four words have been put in brackets. For each
sentence, choose the best word and write it on the question pa[er in the space provided.
1. They took ………………their heels. (up, on, to, above)
2. She was praised……………telling the truth. (over, for, on, about)
3. Ducks wade ………….dirty water.(in, through, into, along)
4. The thieves broke into the bank safe and made………….. large sums of
Money.(away, up, off, on)
5. No one liked the song but it soon caught ……………...(off, up, on, in)
6. Humans are liable…………….error. (for, to, with, by)
7. Brothers and sisters should get……………very well. (in, by, with, along)
8. I couldn’t make…………..who he was since it was dark. (in, out, on, up)
9. Martin didn’t really want to go to church, but her friends talked her…………

It. (against, for, into, about)
10. The soldiers carried ……………with exercises despite the heavy rain.(ahead,
forward, on, over)
11. My uncle died three years ago but it’s taking me a long time to get………….it.
( through, over, by, along)
12. Our enemies blew …………….. the bridge to delay our advance.(by, over,
across, up)
13. The President will come here next week to drum……………..support for his
candidate.(for, at, up, on)
14. Jane backed …………..of the debate when nobody agreed with her.
( out, off, down, about)
15. When I was looking for my pen, I came …………… my lost stamp. (by, over,
Across, upon)
16. The Minister of Education wanted to visit our school next week, but his plans
have fallen ……………… (out, forward, through, down)
17. Our church wants to cut ……………the amount spent on the Pastor’s trips.
(out, on, back, by)
18. She was literally screaming……………… rage. (in, by, with, under)
19. The board chairperson presided ……………the meeting in a biased manner.
(in, on, over, with)
20. She could not make it to school for she was incapacitated …………….........
Illness. (with, from, by, in)

SUBJECT- VERB AGREEMENT
For any sentence to be deemed correct there ought to be agreement between the
subject and verb both in gender and number.
Examples:
1. gender
 Duncan introduced Rosa to me as her sister. [x ]
2. Number > number refer to the two forms of a word; singular and plural.
 “When I dodged, I were three,” said Timothy. [X]
E.g Gift has two shops.
Charity is about to leave for Choma.
2. A plural subject must have a plural verb.
e.g We are about to leave for Livingstone.
My brothers were studying law.

3. A phrase or clause that interrupts a subject and its verb does not affect subject- verb
E.g.The actor most admired by the pupils is on stage.

I)A singular subject must have a singular verb.
The two girls who were suspended have been allowed to write their
examinations.
4. Two or more singular subjects joined by joined by ‘or’ or ‘nor’ must have a
singular verb.
E.g. A car or bus is the only means of travel to Kankoyo.

Michael or Charles is expected at the party.
5. Two or more plural subjects joined by joined by or nor must have a plural verb.
e.g. Only the fathers or the mothers are invited.
6. If one or more singular subjects are joined to one or more plural subjects by ‘or’ or
‘nor’, the subject closest to the verb determines agreement.
e.g. Neither Victor nor my parents are going with us.
Neither my parents nor Victor is going with us.
7. A compound subject joined by and is generally plural and must have a plural verb.
e.g One boy and one girl are representing the school.
Two boys and one girl were selected to represent the school.
This rule has two exceptions:
If the parts of the compound subject add up to one thing, the compound subject is
singular and takes a singular verb. A singular verb is also required if the word everyor
the word each precedes the compound subject.
Ham and eggs is a hearty breakfast.
Sausage and Chips is my favourite dish.
Every dog and cat was inoculated.
8. A subject that comes after its verb must still agree with it in number.
e.g. At the bottom of the mountain is the river.
This is the dog that ate the meat.
9. A collective noun takes a singular verb when the group it names acts as a single unit.
E.g. The football team has gone into camp.
The government has paid the new nurses.
10. A collective noun takes a plural verb when the group it names acts as individuals
different points of view.
e.g. The jury have been unable to agree on a verdict.
The governments have increased the salaries for nurses.
11. Nouns that are plural in form but singular in meaning agree with singular verbs.
e.g Mathematics is an exciting subject for some.
The news today is interesting.

12. When two parts of the subject name parts of the whole or two closely related things,
a singular verb follows.
e.g The threat of hell and its fear is the most reason most people repent.
Peace and love is my message.
13. A compound subject joined by not only ...but also must agree with singular verbs.
e.g. Not only the kitchen but also the dining room was painted.
Not only Mirriam but also Odette is Mr Banda’s daughter.
14. A singular subject modified by a prepositional phrase beginning with – together with,
in addition with, as well as, e.t.c is followed by a singular verb.
e.g. A good job as well as descent accommodation is what I strive for.
Victor together with Godfrey was present at the party.
15. Singular nouns suggesting one idea or person must be used with singular verbs.
My friend and teacher has praised my book.
The author and reporter is my best friend.
16. Nouns joined by with or as well as must be used with a singular verb.
Godfrey as well as his cousin Idah is cute.
Aka with his wife Probate is going to London.
17. Neither, either, each, everyone or one plus plural noun and phrase many, must be
used with singular verb.
Neither of the two sisters is intelligent.
Each of the students has done well.
Every one of my sisters is married.
One of my friends has died.
Each boy or girl is expected to be in full uniform.
ACTIVITY

Choose the item in parenthesis that agrees with the subject of each sentence.
1. The bouquet of flowers [has, have] a nice aroma.

2. The speakers in my stereo [is, are] poorly balanced.
3. The pages of this book [is, are] in poor condition.
4. Another cause of accidents [is, are] unlit roads.
5. Both my boss and her partner [phone, phones] me often times.
6. Spaghetti and meatballs [is, are] her favorite dish.
7. Nurses or Dr Probate [is, are] coming to my party
INVERSION
Definition
Inversion in grammar is the use of a direct question word order in order to make a
statement – verb + subject.
In English, the normal sentence word is subject – verb – object.
For example; Sophie speaks good English.
Subject verb object
Sometimes, however, the word order may be changed if a certain point is to be

emphasized or variation of writing style is desired. In this case, an auxiliary verb, a
preposition or an adverb may come first in the sentence order.
At times, a preposition or an adverb starting a sentence and followed by an intransitive

verb may also take an inversion structure.
Such a sentence stands out because it has employed an unusual sentence structure.
Swapping technique is applied. Some of the word order structures that may require a
direct question pattern are shown below:
1. Auxiliary + subject + verb + object + complement
Example; Will LATAZ improve results next year? (direct question)

2. Verb + subject + adjective + complement
Example: Was the Mandy tired this morning? (direct question)
3. Wh - / How +Auxiliary + subject + verb + object + complement
Example: How can anyone give me an eviction notice in my own home? (direct
question)
4. Preposition + complement + intransitive verb + subject.
Example: under the new curriculum lies the brightening future. (Statement)
Across the Barotse plains trudged the expectant teachers. (statement)
Thus, the word order in the aforesaid questions and prepositional clauses is needed to
vary the structure of a statement from the traditional subject + (auxiliary) + verb +subject
+ object + complement into that of a direct question.
Sentence structure variety is one of the main stylistic features of good writing.
Some beginnings (negative adverbs especially) requiring the inversion sentence

structure are:
Not only ………/So …./Too…../ At no time…../ Nowhere else ../ No sooner./ Hardly …/
In no …/ Never …/ Scarcely…/ There …/ Here…/
On no …/Had… + Subject + Verb (+ object) + Main clause / Only if …/ Only when …/

Not until …/ (Only by + - ing) + inversion structure.
EXERCISE
Rewrite the following sentences as required but do not change the meaning in each
case.
1. A: A tiger has no food until it catches its prey.

B: Not until. …………………………………………………………………………..

2. A: Throughout my career, my pupils have never questioned my academic
integrity.
B: At no. ……………………………………………………………………………….
3. A: The waiters are coming here with their trays.
B: Here. ………………………………………………………………………………..
4. A: when the chairperson and his executive finished planning for the workshop,
they invited the members.
B: No sooner. …………………………………………………………………….
C; Barely. …………………………………………………………………………
5. A: He does not remember meeting you on any occasion
B. On. ………………………………………………………………………………
6. A: I was disappointed that I put all my eggs in one basket.
B: To. ………………………………………………………………………………
7. A: I am lost completely. …………………………………………………………?

Supply a question tag.
8. A: She seldom goes to visit her people
B: Seldom. …………………………………………………………………………
9. A: Chibwe would not fail his examination under any circumstances.
B: Under. …………………………………………………………………………..
10. A: If I had known how dangerous the place was, I would not have ventured into
it?
B:Only if…………………………………………………………………………….
11. A: No sovereign state ought to sell its freedom to any other state.
B:To no other……………………………………………………………………..
NB (‘nota bene’): inversion is also in question tags and interrogatives. Examples;
You must have lost your direction, ……………?
You dare disturb the sleeping dog, …………………?
Did you get your allowances before coming here?

1. A: It hardly rains in the desert. Provide a question tag.
B: It. ……………………………………………………………………………
2. A: He was very skilful. He scored three goals in one match.
B: ……………………………….that he scored three goals in one match.
3. A: To the chief’s disappointment, the purse was empty.
B: The chief. …………………………………………………………………
4. A: Pupils should not be allowed free access to the staffroom on any account.
B: ………………………………………………………………………staffroom.
4. A: You are coming with us.
B: Add a question tag. …………………………………………………………
5. A: He rarely goes to the Village.
B: Rarely. ………………………………………………………………………
6. A: I only realized how dangerous the place was after meeting him
B: Only. ………………………………………………………………………….
7. A: You will never solve this problem until somebody helps you.
B: Not until. ……………………………………………………………………..
8. A: My mother was too bewildered to talk.
B: So. …………………………………………………………………………….
9. A: You will not convince her to marry you unless you change your drinking
habits.
B: Not until. ………………………………………………………………………

10. A: Why on Earth are you doing that?
B: What. ……………………………………………………………………….
11. A: Don’t you think the teacher needs to speak up?
B: Needn’t. ……………………………………………………………………
12.A: This winter has not been very cold.
B: Add a question tag. ………………………………………………………..
13. A: I didn’t think you would betray me.
B: Little. ………………………………………………………………………..
14. A: The house collapsed when the family was away so they were not killed.
B: Had. …………………………………………………………………………
15. A: The nation was relieved to learn that no one died in the accident.
B: To. ……………………………………………………………………………
16. A: There are a lot of snakes in the bush.
B: (Add a question tag) ……………………………………………………….?
17. A: Mice are a local delicacy in Eastern and Luapula Province.
B: Not only. …………………………………………………………………….
18. A: Not only is the Village headman a gifted hunter but also a strict ruler.
B: Besides. ……………………………………………………………………..
19. A: As soon as we had finished planting, the rain began to fall.
B: No sooner. ………………………………………………………………….
20. A: He wept so loudly that he attracted people’s attention.

B: So. …………………………………………………………………………..
21. A: The girl was a very good footballer. Every club wanted to hire her.
B: Such. ………………………………………………………………………..
22. A: Children are suffering and their parents don’t care.
B: Suffering. ……………………………………………………………………
23. A: He did not start to read until he was ten years old.
B: Not until. …………………………………………………………………….
24. A: Hardly had the lion roared when people took to their heels.
B: No sooner. …………………………………………………………………
25. A: The team was dismayed to lose again.
B: To. ………………………………………………………………………….
26. A: The Headteacher felt so angry at being let down by his pupils that he
punished them.
B: So angry. ……………………………………………………………………..
27. A: Mwansa does not enter her parents’ bedroom until she has knocked on
the door.
B: Not until. ………………………………………………………………………
28. A: John was arrested because he insulted a police officer.
B: Had. ……………………………………………………………………………
29. A: As soon as the Zambian Soccer team scored, the whole stadium cheered
Wildly.
B: No sooner. ………………………………………………………………….
30. A: Monde was not only a good singer but also a gifted actress.
B: Besides. ……………………………………………………………………

31. A: The teachers are not responsible for the pupils’ poor performance in any
Way.
B: In ………………………………………………………………………………
32. A: Some customers are so funny that they even call her ‘Sisi’
B: So funny. …………………………………………………………………….
33. A: Mary was very annoyed. Consequently, she slapped her husband.
B: So. ……………………………………………………………………………
34. A: He little thought that he would one day become Prime Minister.
B: Little. ………………………………………………………………………
35. A: Nancy rarely speaks in class.
B: Only occasionally. ……………………………………………………………
36. A: I will talk to you only when you apologise for what you have done.
B: Not until. …………………………………………………………………….
37. A: The patient should not on any account take more than one tablet at a
Time.
B: On. ……………………………………………………………………………
38. A: The inexperienced motorist increased speed only when the road ahead
Was quite clear.
B: Not until. …………………………………………………………………….
39. A: Jane asked us to bury the hatchet.
B: ‘Let’s bury the hatchet ……………………………………?’ said Jane
40. A: They stole the man’s money as well as several valuable paintings.

B: Not only. ……………………………………………………………………
COMPREHENSION
Comprehension is a verb meaning to appreciate something. It is drawn from the root word
‘comprehend. According Longman Dictionary of contemporary English to comprehend
means is to ‘understand’.
Comprehension passages are fairly short and are drawn from all aspects from life. A
passage may be on Sport, Science, Politics, Religion History, people’s activities, Tourism
Geography and from works of fiction. Some of the passages may be technical. ie the use of
English in those passages may be specialised. This is the type of English which is unusual in
everyday conversations.
The instructions at the beginning of the passage are straight forward. A candidate is
expected to read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow the passage.
Below are some hints on how to approach a comprehension passage.
 It is essential to read through the passage very quickly to help you determine what
kind of passage it is. The first step is called skimming. To ‘skim’ means to read
through quickly in order to get the main ideas. You can at this stage skim
through the questions as well.
 The second step involves reading through the passage again, this time carefully
and with understanding. Take note of the difficult and underlined words. This
process of reading s called scanning. To ‘scan’ means to examine closely or making
a search for something.
 Now you are ready to answer the questions in comprehension and there are three
types of questions in comprehension, these include;
(i) The multiple choice questions.
(ii) The open-ended (free response) questions, where candidates are free to use
their own words other than those in the passage.
(iii) The vocabulary questions.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS.
This part usually comprises questions 1-8 each question carrying 2marks in most cases.
When answering multiple choice questions, read the questions carefully and examine the
four free alternatives which are usually A,B,C and D. Candidates have to be extra careful
when aiming at the best answer. They need to examine critically the part of the
passage( paragraph) from where the question is asked. Sometimes the difference between
the best answer and the distracter is very minimal. This can be in form of a word, a
phrase, tense or even a spelling mistake. Multiple choice questions usually have special
reference to the paragraph the question is related. The question may begin as follows;
According to paragraph 1……
Reference should be made to the exact paragraph in question. For instance you cannot go
to Paragraph 8when you have been asked to make reference to Paragraph 7. Always obey
the instructions.
Do not introduce your own ideas into the passage from your own experience or general
knowledge, unless you have been specifically asked to do so.
NOTE: If you cannot arrive at a decision, do not put two choices as your answers. For
example, writing two choices A or B. You will get no mark in this particular
situation. If you cannot understand the question, leave, but always remember to get
back to it.
OPEN- ENDED /FREE RESPONSE QUESTIONS

This is usually Question 9 and it also carries 2 marks.
Regarding this type of question, a candidate is required to use his or her own words but
basing on the passage read and the instructions given. Remember the use correct form of
English in terms of tense and spellings is very important at all times.
VOCABULARY QUESTIONS
This is the last question. This type of the question requires a candidate to work out the
meanings of the words from their contexts. In order to understand what the words mean. It
is helpful to always make reference to the related paragraph and the underlined words
in order to arrive at a correct answer. Be reminded that the examiner is also interested to
know if you are able to recognise the tense in which a required word is written.
PASSAGE ONE
Instructions
Read the following passage carefully and then answer the questions that follow.
DREAMS
1. Dreams have always held a universal fascination. Some primitive societies believe
that the soul leaves the body and visits the scene of the dream. Generally, however,
dreams are accepted to be illusion, having much in common with day-dreams- the

fantasies of our waking life. When dreaming however, one tends to believe fully in
the reality of the dream world. However inconsistent, illogical and odd it may be.
2. Although most dreams apparently happen spontaneously, dream activity maybe be
provoked by external influences. ‘Suffocation’, dreams are connected with breathing
difficulties of a heavy cold, for instance. Internal disorders such as indigestion can
cause vivid dreams, and dreams of racing fire-engines maybe caused by the ringing
of an alarm bell.
3. Experiments have been carried out to investigate the connection between
deliberately inflicted pain and dreaming. For example, a sleeper pricked with a pin
perhaps dreams of fighting a battle and receiving severe sword wound. Although the
dream is stimulated by the physical discomfort, the actual events of the dream
depend on the associations of the discomfort in the mind of the sleeper.
4. A dreamer’s eyes often move rapidly from side to side. Since people born blind do
not dream visually and do not manifest this eye activity, it is thought that the
dreamer maybe scanning the scene depicted in his dream, a certain amount of
dreaming seems to be human requirement. If a sleeper is roused every time his eyes
begin to move fast, effectively depriving him of his dreams, he will make more eye
movements the following night.
5. People differ greatly in their claims to dreaming. Some say they dream every night,
others only very occasionally. Individual differences probably exist, but some people
immediately forget dreams and others have good recall.
6. Superstition and magical practices thrive on the supposed power of dreams to
foretell the future. Instances of dreams which have later turned out to be prophetic
have often been recorded, some by men of the highest intellectual integrity.
Although it is better to keep an open mind on the subject, it is true that the alleged
power of dreams to predict future events still remains unproved.
7. Everyone knows that a sleeping dog often behaves as though he were dreaming, but
it is impossible to tell what his whines and twitches really mean. By analogy with
human experience, however, it is reasonable to suppose that at least the higher
animals are capable of dreaming.
8. Of the many theories of dreams, freud’s is probably the best known. According to
freud, we revert in our dreams to the modes of thought characteristic of early
childhood. Our thinking becomes concrete, pictorial and no-logical, and expresses
ideas and wishes we are no longer conscious of. Dreams are absurd and
unaccountable ideas, disguises them.
9. Some of freud’s interpretations are extremely fanciful, but there is almost certainly
some truth in his view that dreams express the subconscious mind.
In each of the questions 1-8, select the best answer from the four options
provided. Indicate your answer by drawing a circle around the letter on this
question paper as in the example below, If you change your mind, cross out

the initial choice neatly and then circle your revised answer clearly, For
questions 9 and 10, answer as instructed.
1. Some primitive societies believe that

A. dreams are universal and held in fascination.
B. the soul leaves the body and visits the scene of the dream.
C. the soul leaves the body in fascination.
D. the souls are universal and visit the scene of the dream.
2. Dreams are accepted to be
A. fantasies
B. difficulties
C. illogical
D. inconsistent
3. Although the dream is stimulated by physical discomfort, the actual events of the
A. dream depend on…
B. a dreamer’s eye moving from side to side.
C. a sleeper pricked by a pin.
D. the associations of the discomfort in the mind of the sleeper.
E. associations in the mind of the sleeper.
4. Dream activity may be provoked by

A. difficulties in breathing.
B. external influences
C. experiments and investigation
D. superstition and magical practices.
5. according to Freud,
A. everyone knows that a sleeping dog twitches and whines.
B. dreams maybe caused by stomach upset.
C. dreams express the subconscious mind
D. animals are capable of dreaming
6. Suffocation dreams are connected to…

A. superstition and magical powers
B. deliberate pain inflicted by being pricked.
C. breathing difficulties of a heavy cold.
D. fire –engines caused by a ringing bell.
7. From the passage, It is true that,

A. blind people dream because they see scenes.
B. everyone dreams
C. some people don’t dream

D. individual differences of dreaming exists.
8. by analogy with human experience,

A. people should not forget dreams
B. dreams do not happen spontaneously
C. at least higher animals are capable of dreaming.
D. dreams are superstitious and magical
9. A dreamers eyes move rapidly from side to side because

A. a sleeper is roused.
B. a sleeper is deprived of sleep
C. a sleeper is in pain
D. a sleeper is scanning a scene depicted.
10.Find the meaning of the words from the passage which you think are most likely to
correspond with the following;
A. alleged ------------------
B. unaccountable------------
C. Thrive----------------
D. Inconsistent ---------
Read the following passage carefully and answer questions that follow.
PASSAGE TWO (2)

FREEDOM IS NOT CHEAP -MHLANA
1. Koli Mhlana, a sprightly gentleman in his late fifties, is a tour guide at Robben, Island
off the coast of Cape Town. Now a museum and a World heritage site, the island is
best known for being Prison where Nelson Mandela spent 18years of his 27years
incarcerated by South Africa’s apartheid regime.
2. For several years now, Koli has been conducting tours of the former prison cum-
museum, detailing stories and anecdotes of its notorious history. Robben Island,
which from the 17th to the 20th Centuries served as a place of banishment, isolation
and imprisonment, was officially opened as a maximum security prison for political
prisoners in 1960’s. Today, tourists take a twenty-five minute ferry ride from the
mainland to research the Museum which stands as a poignant remainder of the
price the newly democratic South Africa paid for freedom. Its last political prisoners
left the island in 1991. Despite not being the only tour guide on the Island,
Koli’schroniclingof events take on a more compelling listen when one learns that
this is no mere academic retelling of events. Koli is a former prisoner of Robben
Island.

3. In 1980, at the age of 25, the Eastern Cape native was brought to the island after
being convicted for being an operative of the ANC underground. Last month, Koli led
a group of Media Managers, Editors and Reporters gathered in Cape Town for the
annual CNN-Multichoice African Journalists awards on a tour of the Island. And it’s
clear from the beginnings that the memories of apartheid past are permanently
seared into his mind. “South Africans like most nations around the world were
always involved in the fight against oppression, fighting all sorts of oppressive Laws.
“The beauty of our struggle was that it was sort of peaceful by our own standards,
our struggle was always for non-racial society … we were influenced by Mahatma
Gandhi’s strategies of peaceful civil disobedience,” he recalls.
4. However, the ANC abandoned its non-violence approach following the infamous
Sharpeville Massacre of March 1960. “On March 21, black South African’s decided to
march in Sharpeville against the pass laws,” he says solemnly. “On that day, 69
Africans were shot dead and over 100 got injured. Thousands more were arrested
and the government of the day declared a state of emergency. Our political
organizations were banned, leaders placed behind bars.”
5. After the sharpeville massacre, the ANC formed a military wing called the
‘Umkhonto we Sizwe’ (Spear of the nation), in 1961 with Mandela as one of its
founder members. (Adopted from the Post Newspaper, of Sunday November, 10,
2013)
In each of the questions 1-8, select the best answer from the four options provided.
Indicate your answer by drawing a circle around the letter on this question paper as
in the example below, If you change your mind, cross out the initial choice neatly and
then circle your revised answer clearly, For questions 9 and 10, answer as
instructed.
Example
Koli Mhlana according to paragraph 1, is a………………………………
A. White man
B. Man in-charge of the Museum
C. Prisoner at Robben Island
D. Tour Guide
The best answer is D, as you can see it has been ringed.
1. Paragraph 1. What does the author mean when he says genialman?
A. Friendly and cheerful
B. A freedom fighter
C. A tour guide
D. One in charge of the museum

2. Paragraph 1, Robben Island is today……………………………
A. A Prison
B. A place where political prisoners like Nelson Mandela were kept.
C. A museum and a World Heritage Site
D. Located off the coast of Cape Town
3. According to paragraph 1, Mandela spent………………………
A. 27years at Robben Island in Prison
B. Many years at Robben Island in Prison
C. Part of 18 years at Robben Island in Prison
D. 18years at Robben Island in Prison
4. According to paragraph 2, what does the author mean when he says
notorioushistory.
A. Rich history
B. Bad history
C. History with rich information
D. History of political leaders
5. The author says 17th to 20th century, in paragraph 2. This means that Robben Island
served as a place of banishment, isolation and imprisonment from………………………
A. 1600s to 1900s
B. 1700s to 2000
C. 1917 to 1920
D. 1817 t0 1820
6. What does the author mean when he says, “his is no mere academic retelling of
events. (Paragraph 2)
A. He is recounting about facts.

B. It is an account of issues in academic.
C. Events have been documented to support his cause.
D. In academics facts are told.
7. According to paragraph 3, what influenced ANC to adopt a peaceful Civil
disobedience?
A. Their fight was always for a non-racial society.
B. It was sort of peaceful by our own standards.
C. Because of Mahatima Gandi’s strategies of peaceful civil disobedience.
D. Because of Mahatima Gandi and Nelson Mandela’s strategies of peaceful Civil
Disobedience.
8. Paragraph 4. The author say ANC abandoned its non-violence approach because
……………………………….
A. Of the massacre of people in March, 1960.
B. Of the black South Africans decided to march in Sharpeville against the pass
laws.
C. Of the Shaperville massacre that happened in March, 1960.
D. Of the infamous massacre where 69 Africans were short dead and over 100
got injured.
9. Paragraph 4. Why were the political parties banned and leaders placed behind
bars?
A. Blacks decided to march in Sharpeville against pass laws.
B. Blacks decided to march in Sharpeville against pass laws and poor
conditions.
C. Political parties and leaders were not united.
D. Some political parties were banned and leaders placed behind bars because
they were guilty of inciting the people.
10.From the underlined words in the passage, find one word which means the same or
nearly
the same as each of the following words or phrase.
A. Something making you sad………………………….
B. Very sharp pain…………………………………………..
C. Imprisoned…………………………………………………
D. Hated……………………………………………………….
Read the following passage and answer both Comprehension and Summary
questions that follow.
PASSAGE THREE (3)

AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK
1. The African Development Bank (AFB) has approved an 18 million US dollar loan for
the livestock infrastructure development support project (LIDSP) in Zambia.
2. The project will improve small holder livestock production and productivity, create
market linkages and increase household income in nine districts in Northern and
Muchinga Provinces. According to a statement, the project is expected to directly
benefit 100 000 livestock keeping households, including 33 600 households headed
by women.
3. ‘ AfDB group approved on June 19, 2013, an 18 000 000 US dollars African
Development Fund concessional loan to Zambia in order to finance the country’s
LISP,’ the bank says. The project will train and empower individual members of the
farmer groups as well as increase job opportunities in livestock husbandry,
marketing and livestock products value chain.
4. Public service capacity for the delivery of livestock services, disease prevention and
control will also be enhanced.

5. The project also facilitates participation of the private sector leasing out some of the
structures within the livestock service which will be used as outlets for veterinary
drugs and livestock feeds supplement.
6. About 8 000 people, including 4 000 women, indirectly benefit from the improved
supply of quality livestock products.
7. The benefits of the project will be increased through availability of land area for all
season agriculture by the development of water resources, promotion of crop
diversification and value chain development for improved food, nutrition security,
and rural jobs for women.
8. Other benefits are that it will expand drought resistance cropping which will serve
as a safe guard against the effects of climate change and also serve as viable raw
materials for industrial use and import substitution, enhanced capacity of both
public and private sectors to improve service delivery functions to small holder
farmers.
instructed.
1. Considering paragraph 1, what kind of loan has the AfDB approved?

A. Livestock purchasing
B. Livestock
C. livestock development
D. Project aimed at livestock infrastructural development
2. In how many provinces will the project be implemented?
A. six
B. Two
C. ten
D. nine
3. With reference to paragraph 2, how many households are expected to directly
benefit from the project?
A. 18 000 000
B. 100 000
C. 133 600
D. 400 000
4. What does the acronym in paragraph 3 stand for?

A. livestock improvement double special programme
B. livestock importance deep sciences pact
C. livestock
D. infrastructure development project
5. According to paragraph 4, what will be lent out?
A. Structures.
B. Outlets for veterinary drugs.
C. Livestock feeds supplement.
D. Some of the structures within the livestock service.
6. What are the main themes in paragraph 8?
A. Crop diversification, climate change, raw material.
B. Crop diversification, raw materials and capacity to improve service delivery.
C. Crop diversification.
D. Raw materials.
7. According to paragraph, what is the opposite of the word monopoly?
A. Availability
B. Development
C. Diversification
D. Nutrition security
8. Considering paragraph 7, how many women benefitted from the improved supply of
quality livestock products?
A. 4 000 women
B. 8 000 women
C. Approximately 4 000 women
D. About 12 000 women
9. What does the pronoun ‘it’ in paragraph 8 refer to?
A. The African Development Bank.
B. Public Service Capacity.
C. The Livestock Infrastructure Development Support Project (LIDSP).
D. Drought resistance cropping.
10.Choose an underlined word or words that mean the same or nearly the same as the
ones below.
A. Foster: _______________________________
B. Lending: ______________________________
C. Profits: _________________________________
D. Eases: ___________________________________
Read the following passage carefully and then answer the questions that
follow.

PASSAGE FOUR (4)
CULTURE
1. Culture can be defined in many ways. In the broader sense, culture refers to the
whole ways of life of a given people, which includes among others; their language,
taboos festivals ,values and traditions. Culture includes all aspects of people’s life
such as the food they eat, the clothes they wear, the type of housing they live, music,
dance, symbols etc.
2. Culture is not something granted to us or something we were born with. It is
something we learn as we grow in our environment. Therefore, culture has nothing
to do with race or nationality because a Zambian born and raised in America,
forinstance will behave like an American and his or her beliefs and values will be
shaped by the American beliefs and values.
3. It is a sum total of behaviour which people have learned over a period of time and
defines ways by which they do things.
4. Culture comprises skills, beliefs and knowledge that are commonly shared by a
group of people and are passed on to the young generation or new generation. In
other words, culture is a social heritage- It is generally transmitted from the older
generation to the younger generation. It is also shared. A person receives and shares
it with other members of the group. For example, language is passed on from one
person to another through social contacts. Culture also includes an individual’s or
group’s way of responding to survival issues.
5. Why should culture be studied in schools? You may wonder why you should be
learning about culture when it is part of you. Culture is important because it
contributes to reinforcing one’s own identity. This brings about mutual
understanding between different societies and people. Cultural heritage is also
understood to mean; archived piece of art, places of worship and monuments. This
includes; language, music and dances, festivals, rituals and traditional craftship.
Cultural heritage reinforces the culture and historical self-awareness. There can
never be development without culture because it is interpreted as the whole of
belief, habits and customs of the society. Culture helps the country to develop
economically.
6. Components of culture are implanted in our society such that we only realise what is
unique about our culture when we come into contact with other cultures. A
component is a unit or part of something. It is an element of a whole just like the two
legs are the component of a human being. Therefore the components of culture are;
language, religion, values and attitudes; education, social organisations; technology
and material, culture, laws and politics; and aesthetics.
7. In conclusion, the status of culture has evolved dramatically since the adoption of
Article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which affirmed, for the first

time the right of every human being freely to participate in the cultural life of the
community and to enjoy the arts.
(Adapted from Civic Education Grade 10 Learners book 2 nd Edition)
instructed.
Example: The passage is about…
A. culture.
B. traditions.
C. Zambian culture
D. Cultural heritage.
A is the best answer and it has been circled.
1. In paragraph 1, culture can be defined as…

A. language, taboos festivals , values and traditions.
B. the food they eat, the clothes they wear.
C. the type of housing they live, music, dance, symbols
D. all aspects of human or people’s life.
2. According to paragraph 2, culture is…
A. adopted
B. inherited
C. adapted
D. learnt.
3. In paragraph 3, the writer alludes to culture as…
A. behaviour learnt
B. an adaptation
C. time bound
D. defining principle
4. In paragraph 4, culture has been referred to as a ‘social heritage’. This means that
culture is…
A. transmitted from generation to generation
B. socially transmitted among members
C. an inheritance among the cultural group.
D. transmitted by the peopled involved.
5. Why should schools teach pupils about culture according to paragraph 5? Pupils
should learn about culture because it…
A. is part of their life.

B. brings about mutual understanding.
C. reinforces one’s own identity.
D. is an historical cultural heritage.
6. Still in paragraph 5, culture helps the country to develop…
A. socially
B. economically
C. emotionally
D. physically
7. In line with paragraph 6, which of the following is not a component of culture?
A. Values
B. Beliefs
C. Heritage
D. Customs
8. In paragraph 7, the writer indicates clearly that ‘every human being is free to
participate in the cultural life’. It is their…
A. Privilege
B. Tradition
C. Custom
D. Right
9. From the passage , list five components of culture
(i) ………………..
(ii) ………………..
(iii) ………………
(iv) ………………
(v) ……………….
10.From the underlined words in the passage, find one word which means the same or
nearly the same as the following phrases
(i) appreciation of beauty:…………………………………………….
(ii) moral principles and beliefs: …………………………………………
(iii) transmitted to other generation: ………………………………..
(iv) people of same age , experiences and attitudes: ………………………….
(v) Historical structures : ……………………………………………………………….
PASSAGE FIVE (5)

THE WHALES.
follow.

1. Every year, beginning in July, female southern right whales (Eubalaenaaustralis)
arrive at the Southern coast of Santa catarina, Brazil. They come from as far as the
sub Antarctic, thousands of miles away, to give birth and nurse their calves in
shallow waters. For several months residents and tourists at the beaches or on the
cliffs are thrilled to watch the whales- mothers and calves resting or frolicking in the
water.
2. A female can be 52 feet (16m) long about the size of an articulated bus and weigh up
to 80 tons. Its massive body is generally black, sometimes with white patches on the
belly. The head is enormous, a quarter of the entire body length. The mouth is long
and arched. This whale has no dorsal fin as do some other species. To swim forward,
it flexes its broad and deeply notched tail up and down, instead of side to side as fish
do. To change direction, it moves its flippers. This is similar to the way an airplane is
steered.
3. Curiously, despite their immense proportions, right whales have considerable
flexibility performing some amazing acrobatics. You can see them sailing, the tail
sticking out of the water for long periods; lob tailing, raising the tail and slapping
the water hard; and breaching thrusting themselves out of the water and then
falling back with great splash that can be seen from far away.
4. On and around the head, the right whale has a series of whitish or yellowish
callosities- roughened patches of skin covered by colonies of small crustaceans
(cymiads) known as whale lice. Biologists say that it is difficult to tell the right
whales’ age when they die because this species of whales has no teeth. They
estimate the whales’ life expectancy to be at least 65 years on average.
5. Right whales feed on tiny crustaceans. On each side of whales’ upper jaw are
filtering structure made up of hundreds of baleen plates that fringed with fine hair.
As they swim, their open mouth allows water to filter through the baleen plates
capturing the tiny prey in the baleen hairs, by this means each whale can consume
up to two tons of crustaceans.
6. Southern right whales spend the summer feeding in the Antarctic ocean, building up
blubber. This thick layer of fat provides excellent insulation when they are in cold
waters and serves as food reserves when they migrate.
7. From the 18thcentury onward, whalers hunted these whales extensively in the
southern hemisphere. They were considered the “right” whales to hunt. Why? Being
slow swimmers were an ease catch even for whalers in frail wooden boats that were
equipped with only handheld harpoons. Besides, unlike other whales,, right whales
float when they are killed because of their extra- ordinary amount of blubber. Thus
whalers could easily drag them to the beach. In addition, blubber and baleen were
important commodities at the time. Blubber was used in the street oil lamps and as
lubricant. Baleen was fashioned into things such as corset stays, buggy whips, and
umbrella ribs. In fact, baleen plates obtained from one whale alone would cover the
expenses of an entire expedition.

8. In the early 20th century, over-intensive hunting greatly reduced the right whale
population and eventually whaling was no longer commercially viable. In Brazil , the
last whaling station was closed down in 1973. While there has been a slow recovery
of some species, others remain critically endangered.
9. The right whale is definitely an outstanding example of the intricacy and great
diversity of life on earth. It testifies to the amazing wisdom and power of one who
created it, the great designer- Jehovah God .
(Adopted from Awake December 2015)
in the example below, If you change your mind, cross out the initial choice neatly
and then circle your revised answer clearly, For questions 9 and 10, answer as
instructed.
Example: The writer clearly tells us about…
A. the whales.
B. the right whales
C. the behaviour of whales
D. the breeding of whales
B is the best answer and it has been circled,
1. In paragraph 1, which of the following is not true about the whales?

The whales …
A. residents and tourist are thrilled to watch.
B. come from sub Antarctic.
C. give birth and nurse calves at the southern coast.
D. and calves rest or frolics in the water.
2. In paragraph 2, it can be inferred that the quarter of the entire body length can be…
A. long about the size of an articulated bus.
B. can be compared to the whale’s head size
C. its massive body in general
D. similar to the way an airplane is steered.
3. According to paragraph 3, in spite of the whales’ immerse proportions…
A. they can easily swim.
B. they can perform acrobatics.
C. they can sail with tails sticking out of the water.
D. they are considerable flexible

4. According to paragraph 4, it is difficult for Biologists to tell the age of the whale
because…
A. they are dead already.
B. they estimate the whales’ life expectance
C. they have no teeth.
D. they are different kind of species.
5. What does the writer say about the feeding of whales in paragraph 5? Whales…
A. filter water through the baleen plates capturing the tiny prey.
B. such as the right whales feed on tiny crustaceans
C. open their mouths as they swim and feed.
D. can consume up to two tons of crustaceans.
6. “Southern right whales spend the summer feeding in the Antarctic ocean…” in
paragraph 6, implies that whale do this for the purpose of…
A. building blubber.
B. serving food.
C. giving birth.
D. migrating.
7. Paragraphs 6 and 7 tell us about ‘blubber’. What is blubber? Plumber …
A. makes whales float when they are killed
B. is the thick layer of fat substance found in whales.
C. Is used in the street oil lamps and as lubricant.
D. is an insulating substance used by whales in cold waters.
8. In paragraph 8 the statement ‘hunting greatly reduced the right whale population’
means…
A. Hunting increased greatly.
B. Whales were hunted regularly
C. Hunting decreased greatly on whales.
D. Whales’ numbers decreased due to hunting.
9. In paragraphs 6 to 8, give four reasons why right whales are ‘right’ to hunt.
(i) ………………………………………………………………………………………
(ii) ……………………………………………………………………………………..
(iii) ……………………………………………………………………………………..
(iv) ……………………………………………………………………………………..
10. From the underlined words in the passage, find one word which means the same or
nearly the same as the following words or phrases.
(i) State of being made up of any parts………………………………………
(ii) Massive: ………………………………………………………….
(iii) Feed :……………………………………………………………..
(iv) Substance to smoothen surfaces………………………
(v) Physical body movements :………………………………..

PASSAGE SIX (6)
RABIES
follow.
1. Rabies is a serious disease which causes people and animals to go mad and die. This
disease is particularly common in dogs.
2. “People often ask why it is necessary to kill dogs,” said the Doctor in a meeting.
“They do not know what it is to have Rabies. I saw a child die that way two days
ago”, he continued. “That is why am willing to kill dogs. There has never been a
person known to get well once the disease has developed. You may wonder why we
don’t vaccinate everybody. The answer is that this vaccine sometimes makes people
ill. According to the study made in the United States, it was found that one person in
each 700 who has been vaccinated became ill. Only for someone bitten is the risk
worth taking”.
3. “The best way to control the disease is to keep it from reaching human beings. So,
not only dogs are poisoned but also thousands of wild animals that infect the dogs in
the first place. It is sometimes forgotten that Rabies was first a disease of the
countryside, with the wolf as the chief carrier. And so it is that after a community
has been freed from Rabies, dogs may be re-infected by wild animals”.
4. The doctor had had experience with control of Rabies among wild animals when he
was in charge of a control group along the boundary between the United States and
Mexico. It was his job to train workers and to organise the work against Rabies on
both sides of the boundary. Although dog owners did not like it, nearly all dogs in
the nearby towns were vaccinated, and Rabies was driven back as far as the forest
and deserts.
5. The Rabies control programme was later taken to all parts of Mexico. The World
Health Organisation provided for large scale production of vaccine needed for
curing Rabies at a special institute in Mexico. The institute has become the maker of
low- cost vaccine needed for curing Rabies in countries and territories of the
America.
6. With the towns along the boundary now almost freed from Rabies, workers went to
the fields where wild animals were found to be highly infected. Forty-one poisoning
offices were started in distant parts with the help of field workers from the United

States. Within 1.5 million acres, 18 000 wolves were killed with poisoned meat. This
shows that poison can be very effective against wild animals.
7. The effectiveness of the programme may be judged in several ways. The hunters
reported that formerly, they could kill two or three wolves on a day’s hunt but now
they might go weeks without seeing even a track. The reduction of cattle losses, the
increase of wild game, and the disappearance of Rabies in other wild animals, also
proved the success of the programme.
( Ordinary Level English Language Review)
instructed.
Example: The writer clearly tells us about…
A. dogs
B. Rabies.
C. wolves
D. disease
B is the best answer and it has been circled.
1. According to Paragraph 2, the doctor was willing to kill dogs because;

A. he disliked them.
B. they kill children.
C. they spread rabies.
D. they infect people in town.
2. In paragraph 2, Rabies vaccine is not given to all people because;
A. It can be dangerous.
B. It is too costly.
C. There is not enough vaccine
D. The people will not take it.
3. Paragraph 3; The best way to control the disease is to ;
A. Vaccine everybody.
B. Prevent contacts with infected animals.
C. Warn children about dogs.
D. Warn dogs about people.
4. In paragraph 3, the phrase ‘Rabies was first a disease of the countryside..., ’ means;
A. The disease was common in urban areas.

B. The disease was common in rural areas.
C. The disease was not common in rural.
D. The disease was unheard of in urban areas.
5. According to paragraph 4, the experience of the doctor in Mexico had shown that:
A. Rabies could be controlled by vaccinating the dogs
B. New ways of working were needed to control Rabies.
C. All chief carriers and wild animals infected with Rabies could be killed.
D. There is hope to provide large- scale production of vaccine against rabies.
6. In paragraph 4, what is it that the dog owners did not like? Dog owners did not
like….
A. Their dogs being killed.
B. Their dogs being vaccinated.
C. Their dogs taken as far as the forest
D. Their dogs taken to countryside.
7. Paragraph 5, ‘Rabies control programme was later taken to all parts of Mexico’
means; initially the programme was …
A. Only in Mexico.
B. Only in some parts of Mexico.
C. In most parts of Mexico
D. In all parts of Mexico.
8. According to paragraphs 6 and 7, the effectiveness of Rabies control was as the
result of….
A. forty-one poisoning offices.
B. poisoning the wolves which carried the disease.
C. killing the wolves by feeding them with poisoned meat.
D. the18,000 wolves which were killed.
9. From reading the passage it can be said that Rabies is found;
A. Only in the United States, Mexico and Central America.
B. All over the world.
C. In Africa.
D. All over the American continents.
10.From the underlined words in the passage, find one word which has the same or
nearly the same meaning as the following words or phrases.
(i) Rural area; ……………………………………………………
(ii) Areas controlled by a country or ruler; ………………………………………..
(iii) Series of actions or events; …………………………………………………….
(iv) Danger; ……………………………………………………..

SUMMARY WRITING
A summary is a brief account of a story or speech heard, read or seen. In a nutshell,

summary is about being economic with words by only supplying the sought for
information.
The aim of candidates in a summary component should be to answer the question as

opposed to reducing the passage. It is not summary if one leaves out what he is asked
of by the examiner.
HINTS
1. Strictly stick to the required number of words. No word estimation will suffice. Pay
keen attention to the instruction, “In not more than …… words, write a connected
summary ……”
2. Marks are given according to the number of required answers [relevant points]
brought out. Candidates ought to know that the relevant points in the passage are
spread across the passage hence the need for them to read and understand the whole
passage.
3. While candidates are allowed to use their own language, the meaning of the original
passage should at no time be altered. The candidates ought to give grammatical
competence precedence.

4. Candidates must avoid falling prey to including unnecessary examples, adjectives,
definitions and over-flowery expressions which are not in any way helping them to
answer the question.
5. Always write in prose unless the question demands otherwise.
6. Uses of generic words have proven priceless in summary. Generic words refer to
words which can be used to absorb other words, and in most cases, the words
belonging to the same word class.
For example; John bought grapes, oranges, guavas, tomatoes, berries, apples,
mangoes, pine apples, water melons and bananas.
The sentence above would be summarized as; John bought fruits. [Note that three
words have been used as opposed to fifteen in the original sentences]. The generic
word in this example is the word fruits.
7. Do not include points, though relevant but are not in the passage. All the relevant
points must be derived from the given passage.
PROCEDURE
1. Read and understand the question.
2. Scan the passage to have a feel of it before reading it carefully in order to identify the
needed points. You may take note of the points by ticking against them. Other
candidates do this by underlining the said points.
3. Arrange the points in chronological order. Rearrange the points logically and write
the fluent summary in a passage form. Use appropriate link words where
necessary.
4. Write the drafts depending on time available. Edit – Go through the summary for
length and grammar corrections.
NB: This is very rare in the final examinations as candidates are never supplied with
paper for such drafts.
5. Having exhausted this procedure, candidates can now begin to write a final copy of
the summary.

6. Avoid gross errors of tense, repetition, wrong sentence construction, Paragraph
inadequacy, wrong use of words, subject-verb agreement, use of run-on sentences and
most of all errors of rubric.
Passage 1: Summary (20 Marks)
Read the following passage and then answer the question that follows
Black jack vegetable is known botanically as bidens pilosa and in South Africa local
names include muxiji and gewone knapseherel. Like many indigenous African
vegetables, black jack has an impressive nutritional profile that comes with a very wide
variety of benefits.
Black jack is a great choice for the prevention and treatment of diabetes due to the
presence of various nutrients. Firstly, black jack has plenty of antioxidants which are
involved in regulating blood sugar. The higher the amount of antioxidants in the body,
the greater the body’s capacity to keep blood sugar under control. Studies show that
people whose diets are rich in antioxidants have a dramatically lower incidence of
diabetes.
Black jack is greatly beneficial to the cardiovascular system which relates to the heart
and blood vessels. The fiber abundantly present in black jack tremendously boosts
heart health. What’s more, fiber provided by black jack minimises belly fat, the most
dangerous form of fat to carry. Belly fat, also referred to as visceral fat, surrounds vital
organs like the heart and liver. This situation dramatically increases the risk of heart
disease, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, cancer, and other chronic diseases. By keeping
belly fat away, black jack tremendously promotes general cardiovascular health.
The antioxidants in black jack also help keep the cardiovascular system in good health.
Studies continue to show a strong relationship between diets rich in antioxidants and
very low rates of cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure,
cholesterol abnormalities, and stroke. Black jack, due to its abundance of fiber,
promotes healthy digestion, stimulates digestive muscle movements and generally
improves the way these muscles work thus preventing acid reflux, bloating, and many
other digest disorders. Other ways include warding off piles or hemorrhoids and acting
as a prebiotic by creating a suitable environment for proper multiplication and function of
healthy gut bacteria. These bacteria are essential for healthy digestion and overall
wellbeing.

Black jack has powerful anti-cancer features too. Again, fiber takes on a leading role in
countering cancer by preventing insulin resistance, a condition found to increase the
risk of cancer especially hormone-related cancer like breast and prostate cancer.
Besides preventing cancer, antioxidants in black jack are powerful enough to stop
cancer growth and kill cancer cells. With such a potent anti-cancer profile black jack is
an excellent food choice for the prevention and treatment of breast, prostate, colon, and
any type of cancer.
There are so many more benefits associated with black jack. The anti-inflammatory
powers of this vegetable also offer protection against cognitive decline. This means that
eating black jack can prevent memory loss related to age and chronic diseases such as
diabetes. Black jack is also believed to fight off bacterial and fungal infections. It is a
highly nutritious vegetable with benefits that are too many to list.
Health Benefits of Black jack (July 2016)

By:Asunta Simoloka and Prof Rashid Bhikha
In not more than 100 words, write the health benefits of black jack.
The summary has been started for you.
Black jack has a wide range of health benefits. These include

………………………………………………………
Passage 2. Summary (20 Marks)

Read the following passage carefully and then answer the question that follows;
1. Carbonated drinks have flooded the market. These are effervescent drinks that
release carbon dioxide under conditions of normal atmospheric pressure.
Carbonation may occur naturally in spring water that has absorbed carbon
dioxide at high pressures underground. It can also be a by-product of
fermentation, such as beer and some wines.
2. Many curative properties have been attributed to effervescent waters, which aid
digestion and calm nerves. Carbonated drinks have high acidity level. This
creates an imbalance in the body in that it leads to acidosis. Too much acid also
creates a problem of digestion in the system. All carbonated drinks are beneficial
to the body because a large proportion of them is water, which is greatly needed
by those people who rarely take it in its pure form. On the other hand,
Carbonated drinks have carbonic acid that inhabits the use of calcium in the
body, thereby adversely affecting bone formation. This gives rise to osteoporosis
or softening of the teeth and bones. Such drinks, therefore, are not ideal for
children and women after menopause. Consuming carbonated drinks in excess

forces the body to harbor carbon dioxide, which can cause more distension
(swell out by pressure from within) of the stomach and more acid reflux.
3. Some carbonated drinks contain sugar and this helps to supplement the body
with glucose, which is responsible for energy. In the grand scheme of all the
complexities regarding carbonated drinks, it is very clear that people are stuck
with them, as they will always be readily available on the market at affordable
prices.
4. The biggest challenge that we have is that people are not being given the correct
information concerning the content of carbonated drinks. Carbonated drinks, just
like others, result in loss of appetite if taken shortly before meals. Artificial
carbonation was first introduced in 1767 by Joseph Priestley and was
commercialized in 1807 by Benjamin Silliman, a Yale University Chemistry
Professor, who bottled and sold carbonated water. After 1830, sweetened and
flavoured carbonated drinks became popular and the trend evolved.
5. Today, heavily sweetened carbonated drinks and sodas are among the most
popular beverages in the world. In the last two decades, the introduction of diet
drinks containing artificial sweeteners has increased sales of carbonated
beverages. Some carbonated drinks contain caffeine, which causes addiction. In
this regard, when carbonated drinks are not taken by people used to them,
unexplained tiredness and headache result.
6. It is stressed that people should opt for pure fruit juices. Pure juices may be
expensive but you do not need to buy them all the time. You may instead, just
buy oranges, guavas and mangoes. Then squeeze out the juice from these fruits,
and give it to a child as opposed to buying carbonated drinks. Experts say one
can or bottle of a carbonated drink has about 10 teaspoons of sugar, 150

calories, 30 to 55 milligrams of caffeine and is loaded with artificial food colours
and sulphites. Carbonated drinks that are caffeinated lead to jitters, insomnia,
irregular heartbeat, vitamin and mineral depletion and breast lumps. The sugar
added to carbonated drinks increases insulin levels, which can lead to diabetes
and excessive weight gain.
QUESTION
According to the passage, what are the negative effects of the consumption of
carbonated drinks by human beings? Use not more than 140 words. Excess words will
be cancelled. The summary has been started for you.

ANSWERS
Structure
Comparison
1. The older Chisanga grows, the more beautiful she becomes.

2. The more risks taken in business, the higher the rate of success.
3. The higher you go, the cooler it becomes
4. Women’s clothes are not as expensive as men’s.
5. Matthews is the best guitarist in the band.
6. My mother is taller than I am.
7. Of the two, Kusekesha is more charming than Kuseka.
8. Secondhand clothes are getting more and more expensive.
9. No pupil in 12T2 is as clever as Chileshe.
10. This is the worst injury he has suffered.
Time
1. After finishing his homework, he went to bed.

2. While cleaning the storeroom, he discovered the hidden books.
3. Before answering your question, I must study the matter more carefully.
4. Having completed my assignment, I went to watch a soccer match.

5. No sooner had I sat down than the phone rang.
6. No sooner had I eaten than I started feeling hungry again.
7. As soon as Mr Kapenda was appointed Principal, he made sweeping changes to
the institution.
8. As soon as Mrs. Nyendwa noticed that the boy was unwell, she assisted him.
9. No sooner had the referee blown the final whistle than the celebrations began.
10. Having accidentally broken his tooth, the comedian hurriedly left the stage.
Contrast
1. Despite having a disadvantaged background, she became a prominent person in

society.
2. In spite of Mulimba being sick for the most part of his final year, he managed to
get distinctions.
3. Apart from Mr. Mwale being a scientist, he has also written many popular novels.
4. Instead of just waiting for handouts, young men must make themselves useful.
5. Disappointed (though/as) I was, I could not show it.
6. In addition to eating the food that was in the pot, the thief stole the bag of mealie
meal.
7. No matter how hard I tried, I could not solve the problem.
8. Dull though Josephat is, he managed to pass the examination.
9. Angry (though/as) the head teacher was, he did not slap the boys.
10. Patrick is an efficient prefect, nevertheless, he is disliked by everyone.
Reason
1. Operating illegally, the shop has been closed down by the Kitwe City Council.
2. Now that you have finished the exercise, you may read your library books.
3. Seeing that it was time for the examinations, Mary decided to focus on her
studies.
4. Since I have achieved all I set out to do, I am now ready to leave.
5. Being unfamiliar with the town, I asked to be escorted.
6. As of his unruly behaviour in court, he was cited for contempt of court.
7. On account of passing the exam, his father bought him a laptop computer.
8. For her uniform was wet, she could not go to school.
9. Living in the driest part of the country, the farmers were seriously affected by the
drought.
10. John simply crawled to the nearest clinic because he was unable to walk.

Direct and Indirect Speech
1. “Can I submit my assignment tomorrow?” Christopher asked Mr. Zulu

2. He said that he had left his jacket there the previous day/ day before.
3. The teacher said to me, “I want you to tell me the truth or I will slap you.”
4. Mwila said that she must get something to eat or she would faint/ Mwila said she
had to get something to eat or she would faint.
5. The man asked his son whether/if he had the article on examination malpractice
in the previous day’s newspaper.
6. The farmer told his workers that they could start planting as soon as it rained.
7. The singer urged the government to castrate all child abusers.
8. The farmer shouted excitedly, “All the harvest has been gathered!”
9. The tailor said that the clothes might be ready the following day.
10. The chairman asked whether they should meet after the meeting.
Prepositions
1. from 2. through 3. along 4. over 5. at 6. of 7. besides 8. of
9. since 10. for 11. without 12. on 13. at 14. past 15. with
16. in 17. of 18. in 19. at 20.except.
Relative Clauses
Cloze Text
1. who 2. who 3. that/which 4. which 5. which 6. that/who
6. that/who 7. which 8. who 9. which 10. Whom
Sentence Transformations
1. The men who/that tried to break into the shop have been arrested.
2. The man who owns the garage is a friend of ours.
3. We must write to the contractor on whom they depend.
4. I am trying to remember the name of the hotel at which we usually stop.
I am trying to remember the name of the hotel that we usually stop at.

5. That’s player whose leg I accidentally kicked.
6. The tourist was urged to come back to Zambia, whose people are friendly.
7. Mr. Zulu, at whom some people laughed, has finally completed his Grade 12
despite being over 30 years.
8. This house, which is still in immaculate condition, was built over 30 years ago.
9. I will introduce you to Peter, whom some people regard as our best forward.
10. There is a price beyond which I cannot go.
There is a price that I cannot go beyond.
Summary
Passage 1
 Prevention and treatment of diabetes
 regulating blood sugar
 beneficial to the cardiovascular system which relates to the heart and blood vessels
 The fiber abundantly present in black jack tremendously boosts heart health
 minimises belly fat
 The antioxidants in black jack also help keep the cardiovascular system in good health.
 promotes healthy digestion
 stimulates digestive muscle movements
 generally improves the way these muscles work
 prevention of acid reflux,
 bloating, and many other digest disorders.
 warding off piles or hemorrhoids
 and acting as a prebiotic
 Black jack has powerful anti-cancer features too
 antioxidants in black jack are powerful enough to stop cancer growth
 and kill cancer cells.
 prevention and treatment of breast, prostate, colon, and any type of cancer
 The anti-inflammatory powers of this vegetable also offer protection against cognitive
decline.
 Can prevent memory loss related to age and chronic diseases such as diabetes
 believed to fight off bacterial and fungal infections.
Passage 2
1. The high acidity level in carbonated drinks creates an imbalance in the body
2. As it leads to acidosis.
3. Too much acid creates a digestion problem in the system.
4. Carbonated drinks have carbonic acid that inhibits the use of calcium in the body.
5. Thereby adversely affecting bone formation.
6. This causes osteoporosis (softening of the teeth and bones).

7. Consuming carbonated drinks excessively forces the body to harbour carbon dioxide
resulting in more distension of the stomach.
8. And more acid reflux.
9. Carbonated drinks result in loss of appetite
10. If taken shortly before meals.
11. Some carbonated drinks, contain caffeine, which causes addiction.
12. When carbonated drinks are not taken by addicts (people used to them) un explained
tiredness.
13. And headaches result.
14. Carbonated drinks that are caffeinated lead to jitters,
15. Insomnia
16. Irregular heart beat.
17. Vitamin and mineral depletion
18. And breast lumps
19. The sugar added to carbonated drinks increases insulin levels, which can cause diabetes.
20. And excessive weight gain.
PROSE SUMMARY
The consumption of carbonated drinks by human beings has a number of negative effects, the
high acidity level in carbonated drinks creates an imbalance in the body as it leads to acidosis.
Too much acid creates a digestion problem in the system. Carbonated drinks have carbonic acid
that inhibits the use of calcium in the body, thereby adversely affecting bone formation. This
causes osteoporosis (softening of the teeth and the bones).Consuming carbonated drinks
excessively forces the body to harbor carbon dioxide resulting in more distention of the stomach
and more acid reflux. Carbonated drinks before meals. Some carbonated drinks contain caffeine
which causes addition. When carbonated drinks are not taken by people used to them,
unexplained tiredness and headaches result. Carbonated drinks that are caffeinated lead to jitters,
Insomnia, irregular heartbeat, vitamin and mineral depletion and breast lumps. The sugar added
to carbonated drinks increases insulin levels, which can cause diabetes and excessive weight
gain.


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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We sincerely thank the administrators in particular, Mr. G. Hamusonde- Kitwe Boys

Ms. R. Musonda – HOD Languages Chobote Girls Secondary School

Mrs. M. Mwila – HOD Languanges Kitwe Boys Secondary School

Ms. P. Tembo – HOD Languages Ndeke Secondary School

Mr. P. Mulomba – A/HOD Languages Kawama Secondary School

Mrs. B. P. Banda – A/HOD Languages Helen Kaunda Secondary

Mr. Banda M. – A/HOD Languages St. Francis Secondary School

Mrs. Banda B.B. – A/HOD Languages Matete Secondary School

Mrs. Kamfuli – A/HOD Languages Malela Secondary School

Mrs. KakumbI - G.Z – A/HOD Languages Nkana Secondary School

1 Kitwe District English Language Senior Pamphlet

Narrative Composition ………………………………………………………………………..08

Descriptive Composition ……………………………………………………………………..11

Argumentative Composition ………………………………………………………………….15

Discursive Composition ………………………………………………………………………17

Expository Composition …………………………………………………………… ……… 19

Letter Writing ………………………………………………………………………………….21

Reference Letter ………………………………………………………………………………22

Application Letter ……………………………………………………………………………. 27

Speech Writing ………………………………………………………………………………..28

Speech of Introduction ……………………………………………………………................32

Vote of Thanks ………………………………………………………………………………...34

Report Writing …………………………………………………………………………………37

Narrative Report ………………………………………………………………………………39

Investigative Report …………………………………………………………………………..43

Article Writing ………………………………………………………………………………….52

Letter to the Editor …………………………………………………………………………….53

Feature Article ………………………………………………………………………..............58

Relative Clauses ………………………………………………………………………………62

2 Kitwe District English Language Senior Pamphlet

Direct and Indirect Speech …………………………………………………………………..88

Phrasal Verb ……………………………………………………………………………..........98

Subject – Verb Agreement ………………………………………………………………….103

Guidelines on Handling of Comprehension ………………………………………………114

Hints on Summary Writing ………………………………………………………………….133

3 Kitwe District English Language Senior Pamphlet

COMPOSITION WRITING HINTS

5. Avoid roundabout way of expressing oneself [circumlocution]. e.g. The sister to my

4 Kitwe District English Language Senior Pamphlet

e.g Dick got sloshed at our do. [Sloshed-drunk/ do-party]

We transported Robert after he got drunk. [Transported-took]

-Incarcerated -in jail

Pavement side walk

Chemist drug store

5 Kitwe District English Language Senior Pamphlet

10. Pay attention to spellings, punctuations, and capitalisation.

11. Do not use abbreviations unless otherwise.

15. Avoid using ambiguous sentences- sentences with many meanings.

16. Use a variety of sentence starters, sequence indicators and connectors.

In the table below are some examples of the same;

RELATIONSHIP SENTENCE IDEA

6 Kitwe District English Language Senior Pamphlet

QUALITIES OF A GOOD COMPOSITION

It has easy to read handwriting-legibility.

It has correct spellings, punctuation, tenses, etc

It has complete sentences.

It has short and long sentences.

It has indebted paragraphs.