This is a very comprehensive and original guideline for tackling Functional writing that is tailored specifically for the K.C.S.E candidates. It touches almost all the testable areas in paper one as per the KICD and KNEC syllabus requirements. Kindly read through and raise any questions. It should help us be done with Paper one once and for all.
Question 1(Functional Writing)
The functional writing question can easily be a great booster to any candidate aiming to get a good grade in English paper 1.
Apart from just testing a learner’s communication ability, the learner must demonstrate that they understand the format of each item in functional composition writing.
As you revise, the focus should be on format, language, content and in some items the tone appropriate for each item. Some items may be lists, others are descriptive in nature, some may require borders, some are imperative in tone, some require the use of the present tense etc. Revise each functional writing item thoroughly.
In some cases, KNEC has tested two items separately but each linked or related to the other, while in some cases just one item. Never before has it tested two items integrated into one as seen in many past papers. Maybe this year could be a precedent. You can never know.
The focus should be on the following items as per the demands of the syllabus.
Personal writing in functional writing
- Addresses
- Packing lists
- Personal journals
- Diaries
- Shopping lists
- Reminders
- Recipes
Social writing in functional writing
- Informal letters
- Invitations
- Notes of thanks, congratulations and condolences.
- Telegrams
- Emails
- Fax
- Instructions to family and friends
Public writing in functional writing
- Telephone messages
- Filling of forms
- Letters of application
- Letters of inquiry
- Letters of request
- Letters of apology
Study writings in functional writing
- Synopsis
- Reviews
- Reports
- Questionnaires
Creative writings in functional writing
- Dialogues
- Autobiographies
- Biographies
Institutional writings in functional writing
- Public notices
- Inventories
- Business letters
- Posters
- Advertisements
- Notification of meetings
- Agenda
- Minute writing
- Memoranda
- Curriculum vitae
- Speeches
Basic demands in functional writing
For each item, the basic demands for writing in the syllabus must be observed and include:
- Legibility and neatness of handwriting
- Correct spellings
- Proper paragraphing and cohesive paragraphs
- Clear, correct and logically developed sentences
- Proper punctuation
Ensure that by the time that you sit for your exams and you have mastered what each one of them looks like. Go through each item as thoroughly as you can.
Below is the trend of testing since 2006 when the new integrated syllabus was first tested. However, I have included the 2005 item which was tested just before the new integrated syllabus.
2021 –???????????????
2020- Application letter
2019- An informal letter to a best friend.
2018- Official letter asking for permission.
2017-Speech
2016- letter of application and CV
2015- Minutes
2014- informal letter to a schoolmate
2013-notice and thank you note
2012- Letter of application and CV
2011-notice and synopsis
2010- Speech(during the launch of a new Environmental Club)
2009- letter of inquiry
2008- notice of meeting and agenda
2007-letter to a publisher
2006- ordinary report
2005-Official letter through a 3rd party. (3 addresses)
NB.
In almost all the questions the context given is within the ordinary school environment of the learner. Learners must be consciously aware of their daily practical school environment, experiences and activities. These include club activities, conflicts in school, leadership roles, trips and tours, meetings, learning etc.
The emphasis for exams should be on the most common functional writing items. Letters are the most tested since they are the most functional of them. Others could be so personalized and just life skills or archaic. Telegram and Fax, for example, have been rendered irrelevant with new technology. Learners should be apt with emerging functional writing items like the E-mail. We should always be alert on the never set before items.
The entire marking scheme of the Functional writing question is in the wording of the question given. Underline all the keywords that shall form part of the content in answering the question. There are words that matter in every question.
