English Paper 101/1 Skills
SECTION I Functional Writing
The
English paper 101/1 – functional writing has three questions namely:
Q1 FUNCTIONAL WRITING – 20 MARKS
English paper 1 functional writing questions are drawn from the section of writing discussed in areas covered under A Comprehensive Guide for Tackling English Exam Paper 1. The English paper 1 English writing questions can be drawn from:
- Personal writing
- Social writing
- Study writing
- Creative writing
- Institutional writing
Types of functional writing
- E- mail + CV
- Minutes
- Internal memo
- Book review
- Confidential report + Email
- Recipe
- Internal memo
- Speech + Email
- Fax
- Book review
- Instructions/ directions
- Internal memo
QUESTION 2 – CLOZE TEST – 10 MARKS
A
cloze test is a type of test in which one has to put suitable words in blank
spaces in a short passage where words have been left out at intervals of six to
ten words. A cloze test has ten blanks which add up to ten marks in the exam. A
cloze test evaluates one’s comprehension of the passage, different parts of
speech, spelling, tense, vocabulary and general language use. Always supply the
blank with the most correct one-word answer
POINTS TO NOTE ON CLOZE TEST
1.
Always read through the passage at least three times without filling any words
in the blanks
2.
Note carefully repeated words and ideas. This could act as possible clues
3.
Note the punctuation of the passage as this gives possible clues
4.
Always give one-word answers which also include hyphenated compound words
5.
Ensure that your answers are relevant and grammatically correct
6.
Put emphasis on subject-verb agreement
7.
Use noun numbers correctly i.e. singular and plural forms
Further tips on tackling cloze tests are discussed under The Best Approach for Tackling English Cloze Test
QUESTION 3 – ORAL SKILLS
Oral
communication is any communication by word of mouth. Any effective oral
communication will depend on the learner’s ability to speak and listen
effectively. Listening and speaking skills are important because:
- They help us to acquire acceptable communication skills
- To respond to information correctly
- To adhere to other language conventions
- To pronounce sounds correctly
- Listen to the other person carefully to advance a sound judgment
- Be convincing enough, if one wants to get something then he/ she must give valid and reasonable reasons
- Be compromising in case one doesn’t get what they want. However, it is important for one to state their stand clearly
- Appreciate the other party’s view and let them know this as much
Question
three of this section tests oral skills (listening and speaking). It majorly
deals with punctuation, listening comprehension, note-taking, debates, speeches,
interviews, discussions, oral reports, etiquette and non-verbal clues of
communication that enhance listening and speaking
Constants
and vowel sounds are also tested here. Problematic sounds are tested in tongue
twisters, poems, songs, riddles or proverbs. Word or sentence stress is also
tested as well as stylistic aspects of poetry such as rhyme, rhythm, assonance,
alliteration, puns, intonation, tone, attitude and mood. Oral literature is
also tested in this section as well as etiquette, mostly in dialogues or
telephone conversations. Issues of etiquette such as the use of courteous language,
negotiation skills, paying attention, turn-taking, the correct choice of register,
interacting and disagreeing politely
Tips for tackling English Paper 1 Oral skills are discussed here Guidelines to Revising English 101/1 English Paper 1 Oral Skills
Tone, Attitude and Mood in English Paper 1 Poetry Questions
More about tone attitude and mood in poetry is discussed here How to describe Mood Attitude and Tone in a Poem
The meaning of Tone in poetry
The term tone, when used in poetry, refers to the quality of voice or the general character and attitude that expresses a
particular
emotion.
This is the poet’s outlook. It is the mirror in which the speaker talks,
usually inferred from the choice of words. Tone may be expressed as cold,
eager, harsh, gleeful, proud, satirical, doubtful, hostile, surprised,
assertive, ironical, grateful, commanding, pleading and reprimanding
In
poetry, the persona’s attitude towards the subject or characters can be
revealed through the tone
The Meaning of Attitude in Poetry
This
refers to the way the poet feels about a subject or the character in the poem.
It may be described as amusing, patronizing, contemptuous, critical, hostile,
sympathetic, disapproving, harsh, kind, serious, cruel or adoring
The Meaning of Mood in Poetry
This
refers to the general feeling of the speaker, the climate or the atmosphere
surrounding a literary work. (Poetry or prose). Words such as ‘good’ or ‘bad’
are not specific and hence not used here. Mood can be described by such adjectives
as happy, quiet, desperate, tense, thankful, sad (melancholic) solemn,
silent, violent, jubilant, assertive, ironic, comprehensive, lively,
remorseful, optimistic, and pessimistic
SECTION
A - Words with similar pronunciation
SECTION
B - Identifying words that are the odd ones
SECTION
C - Indicating stress in words
SECTION
D - Identifying the silent letters in words
SECTION
E - Dividing words into their constituent syllable units
SECTION
F - Reading stories
SECTION
G - Poems
SECTION
H -
Tongue twisters
SECTION
I -
Listening and speaking skills conversations