KCSE Results 2023 English Paper 1 Analysis Report

KCSE English Paper 1 2023 Performance Report 

Question 1. Functional Writing

Candidates were expected to write a personal journal.

Format of the personal journal 

Most candidates lost marks in the format section, which was worth 4 marks. To score full marks, candidates needed to include the day, date, month, and year (each missing item resulted in no mark) and capture all four subtopics given in the question in every entry.

Content of the personal journal 

To score the 8 marks for content, candidates needed to:

• State one event per entry based on the instructions in the question (1 mark)
• State the feeling or thought brought about by the event stated per entry (1 mark)

Most candidates were unable to express the feeling or thought and only stated the events, resulting in most of them scoring 4/8 marks in the content section.

Language of the personal journal

Most candidates scored a minimum of 3 marks in the language section.

Question 2. Cloze Test

The 2023 Cloze Test was relatively easy, with most candidates scoring at least 3/10. Some even scored 9/10.

Question 3. Oral Skills

This was the most challenging section of the English paper, with most candidates struggling to score 10/30.

Question on Speech (6 marks)

Most candidates were not prepared for the practical aspects of testing oral skills. They were unable to identify elements of speech or explain the purpose of using commas in a speech. However, they scored well on how to deliver the last statement of the speech, with most candidates securing 2/6 marks in this section.

Question on Sounds (6 marks)

Candidates were expected to categorize sounds as voiced or voiceless. This section was well-performed, with most candidates scoring 4/6 marks.

Question on Self-Introduction (5 marks)

Most candidates were unable to demonstrate the basic concept of making a self-introduction. They typically scored 2/5 marks in this section.

Question on Syllabic Stress (3 marks)

This area tested the syllabic stress rule for verbs, nouns, and diphthongs. It was performed well.

Question on Public Speaking, Paying Attention, and Listening (4 marks)

Most candidates scored full marks in this section.

Question on Etiquette - How to Call a Classmate During an Ongoing Lesson (6 marks)

This question was perceived as easy, but due to its practical nature, most candidates only scored 3/6. They were expected to:

1. Knock
2. Wait
3. Say "Excuse me"
4. Pass the message
5. Thank the teacher
6. Close the door

Way forward

• Teachers should emphasize practical skills when teaching oral skills.
• All functional writing items should be covered in class.

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