KCSE 2023 101/2: Performance Highlights and Insights
KCSE 2023 candidates generally performed averagely on Paper 2, with fewer instances of extremely low scores compared to previous years. This analysis breaks down the performance on each question, highlighting strengths and areas needing improvement.
Question 1: Comprehension questions of English Paper 2
General performance of English comprehension questions :
Most students scored above 8 out of 20 marks, particularly on recall-based questions like 1(a) and 1(b). Summarization in 1(c) also yielded good scores (4-6 marks).
Challenges in answering English comprehension questions
Higher-order thinking demands in 1(e) proved difficult for nearly all candidates. Vocabulary questions (1(f)(i, iii), 1(h)(i), 1(f)(ii)) and grammar restructuring in 1(g) were further stumbling blocks.
Question 2: The Excerpt questions of English Paper 2
Performance overview of excerpt questions
A small number of candidates understood the excerpt's context (before and after) correctly, leading to speculation about external assistance.
Strengths demonstrated
Character analysis, theme identification, and style recognition were handled well by most students.
Challenges faced while answering the excerpt questions
Similar to Question 1, attitude and grammar questions posed difficulties. Top scorers reached 20-23 marks, while the average stayed above 9 out of 25.
Question 3: Oral Narrative in English Paper 2
Oral narrative questions performance overview
Perfect scores (20/20) were common, thanks to straightforward questions. Most students grasped irony and displayed strong preparation in oral narrative features like classification, character traits, and stylistic elements.
Missed opportunities
The demand for a universal moral lesson surprised many, requiring use of phrases like "one, we, or people" and expressions like "should, need, or ought to."
Question 4: Grammar in English Paper 2
Weaknesses in performance of grammar questions
Rewriting tasks and punctuation proved challenging. Capitalization, commas, exclamation marks, question marks, and even full stops were frequently missed. Despite these struggles, most students managed to score above 6 out of 15.
Verdict: Thoroughly teaching grammar, especially rephrasing and punctuation skills, is crucial for future KCSE success