English Note
English Note
A noun is a naming word. It is the name of a person, place, animal, thing, or idea. In every sentence,
nouns are very important because they tell us who or what we are talking about. Example:
In the examples above, the words teacher, Lagos, dog, bag, and honesty are nouns because they name
something.
Without nouns, communication would be very difficult because we would not be able to name people,
places, or things.
Types of Nouns
There are different types of nouns. Each type has its own meaning and function.
1. Proper Noun: A proper noun is the specific name of a person, place, or thing. It always begins with a
capital letter. Examples: Lagos, Nigeria, Chinua Achebe, University of Lagos
Sentence examples:
1. I live in Lagos.
2. Nigeria is a great country.
3. Chinua Achebe wrote many books.
2. Common Noun
A common noun is a general name for a person, place, animal, or thing. It does not begin with a capital
letter unless it starts a sentence. Examples:boy, school, market, river, teacher
Sentence examples:
1. The boy is playing football.
2. My school is far from home.
3. Concrete Noun
A concrete noun is something you can see, touch, hear, smell, or taste. It can be experienced through
the five senses. Examples: table, phone, bread, music, rain
Example in sentences:
4. Abstract Noun
An abstract noun is the name of a quality, idea, or feeling. You cannot see or touch it. Examples: love,
happiness, freedom, wisdom, courage
Example in sentences:
5. Collective Noun
A collective noun refers to a group of people, animals, or things. Examples: team, class, family, herd,
crowd
Sentence examples:
6. Countable Nouns
Countable nouns are nouns you can count. Examples: book, pen, chair, apple.
Sentence examples
Uncountable Nouns cannot be counted individually. Examples: water, rice, sugar, information.
Sentence examples
You cannot say “two waters” unless you mean bottles or cups of water.
A narrative essay is a type of essay that tells a story. It can be a true story or an imagined one. In a
narrative essay, the writer shares an experience in a clear and interesting way.
The word “narrative” means “story.” So, when writing a narrative essay, you are simply telling a story in
paragraph form.
1. It tells a story.
2. It has characters.
1. Introduction
The introduction is the first paragraph. It introduces the story. It may include:
Example:
"It was a bright Monday morning when I received the news that changed my life forever. I never
imagined that a simple school competition would teach me such an important lesson"
2. Body
The body tells what happened. It explains events in order. The events should be arranged clearly so that
the reader can understand the story.
First
Next
Suddenly
Later
Finally
3. Conclusion
The conclusion ends the story. It may state the lesson learned.
Example:
"From that day, I learned that hard work and determination always bring success."
Words associated with family are words that are related in meaning or commonly used when talking
about family. These words help us understand and discuss family relationships better.
Immediate Family
father
mother
brother
sister
parents
siblings
Example:
uncle
aunt
cousin
grandfather
grandmother
nephew
niece
Example:
Family Relationships
marriage
home
care
support
love
unity
responsibility
Example:
celebration
reunion
gathering
dinner
holiday
Example:
CONCLUSION
Nouns are naming words that help us identify people, places, animals, things, and ideas. They are
divided into types such as proper nouns, common nouns, abstract nouns, and collective nouns.
A narrative essay is a story written in essay form. It has an introduction, body, and conclusion. It should
be interesting and well arranged.
Family vocabulary includes words that describe family members, relationships, and activities. Learning
these words improves communication and writing skills.
WEEK TWO(2)
Countable and Uncountable Nouns (Regular & Irregular Plurals)
Countable Nouns
These nouns refer to things we can count one by one (individual items). They have singular (one) and
plural (more than one) forms. We use them with: a/an (singular), numbers (one, two…), many, few,
several, these/those, etc.
Examples:
- book → books
- child → children
- car → cars
These nouns refer to things we cannot count individually (substances, liquids, abstract ideas, groups
treated as one mass). They have no plural form — never add -s/-es. They are always singular. We use
them with: some, any, much, little, a lot of, a piece of, etc. We do not use a/an or numbers directly with
them.
Examples:
Special note: Some uncountable nouns can be countable in specific situations (context changes
meaning):
1. Add -s pen, dog, table pens, dogs, tables Most common rule
2. Add -es bus, box, brush, buses, boxes, brushes, Words ending in -s, -sh, -ch, -
church, watch churches, watches x, -z (for easier pronunciation)
3. Consonant + y → baby, city, story, fly babies, cities, stories, y after consonant changes
change y to ies flies
4. Vowel + y → just boy, day, key, toy boys, days, keys, toys y after vowel stays
add -s
5. f or fe → often knife, leaf, wife, shelf, knives, leaves, wives, Common change (but not all:
change to ves loaf shelves, loaves roof → roofs, proof → proofs)
|
6. o → usually -es tomato, potato, hero, tomatoes, potatoes, But exceptions: photo →
echo heroes, echoes photos, piano → pianos, radio
→ radios
These do not follow any -s/-es rule. Memorize them — very common in exams!
Exam tip: Never make uncountable nouns plural (wrong: furnitures, informations, advices).
A narrative essay tells a story (real or imagined) with a clear beginning, middle, and end. The main
purpose is to entertain while often teaching a lesson, showing character growth, or sharing an
experience.
The structure (organization) is very important for high marks. It follows this clear pattern (usually 4–6
paragraphs total):
a) Start with a hook (attention-grabbing opening: exciting action, surprising statement, question,
short dialogue, vivid description, or dramatic moment).
b) Give background information (when, where, who is involved, basic situation).
c) Introduce the main character(s) and the central conflict/problem (what starts the trouble or
adventure).
d) End with a thesis-like sentence that hints at the direction of the story or the lesson (e.g., “That
day taught me never to trust strangers easily”).
1. Arrange events in chronological order (time sequence: what happened first, next, then, later).
2. Paragraph 1 of body: Describe rising action (events building up tension or leading to the main
problem).
3. Paragraph 2 of body: Build to the climax (the most exciting/dramatic moment — the turning
point or highest tension).
4. Paragraph 3 of body (if needed): Show falling action (what happens immediately after the
climax — solving begins).
5. Use vivid descriptions (sight, sound, smell, touch, feelings), dialogue, and actions to make the
story alive.
→ Goal: Keep the reader engaged and move the plot forward logically.
a) Describe the resolution (how the problem is solved or how the story ends).
b) Show the outcome or final result.
c) Include reflection (what the writer/character learned, how it changed them, or the
moral/lesson).
d) End with a strong, memorable closing sentence (e.g., a reflection, proverb, or dramatic
statement).
Linking paragraphs means connecting one paragraph smoothly to the next so the story flows without
sudden jumps. This creates cohesion (unity) and keeps the reader following easily. In narratives, we
mainly use time/sequence connectors, echo words (repeat key ideas), pronouns, and transitional
phrases.
Here are 5 examples of how paragraphs link in a real narrative essay style (each example shows the end
of one paragraph and the start of the next):
Example 1:
… I waved goodbye to my mother and stepped onto the school bus for the first time. As soon as the bus
started moving, panic gripped me — I realized I had forgotten my lunch box at home.
… The heavy rain continued all afternoon, turning the streets into small rivers. The next morning, the sun
finally appeared, but the damage from the flood was everywhere.
… Standing there alone in the dark forest, I felt completely lost and helpless. Little did I know that help
was closer than I thought — a faint light appeared between the trees moments later.
… My best friend, Ade, promised to meet me at the park by 4 p.m. He, however, arrived thirty minutes
late, out of breath and holding a torn kite in his hand.
… Because I ignored the warning signs, I slipped on the wet floor and fell hard. After the doctor finished
bandaging my ankle, he gave me strict instructions to rest for two weeks.
Use these linking methods in every narrative essay — examiners give extra marks for smooth flow!
Nouns are words that name people, places, things, animals, ideas, or qualities. Examples: farmer
(person), farm (place), tractor (thing), cow (animal), agriculture (idea).
a) Countable (can be counted: one cow, two cows) or **uncountable** (cannot be counted easily:
water, rice).
b) Proper (specific names: Lagos, Nigeria) or **common** (general: city, country).
Determiners are words that come before nouns to give more information about them. They "determine"
or specify the noun. Articles are the most common type of determiners.
Indefinite articles (a/ an): Used for general or non-specific nouns (when mentioning something for the
first time or any one of a group).
I. Use a before words starting with a consonant **sound**: a farmer, a hook, a net, a cow.
II. Use an before words starting with a vowel **sound**: an apple, an egg, an umbrella, an hour
(the "h" is silent).
Examples:
Definite article (the): Used for specific nouns (when the identity is known, already mentioned, or
unique).
Examples:
-The cow in the barn is sick. (a specific cow we both know about)
- Possessives: my, your, his, her, its, our, their (e.g., my farm, their boat).
- Demonstratives: this, that, these, those (e.g., this tractor, those fish).
- Quantifiers: some, many, few, any (e.g., some cattle, many hooks).
Quick tip: Singular countable nouns almost always need a determiner/article (e.g., a cat, the cat, my cat
— not just cat alone in most cases).
A narrative is a story that tells about events, often in order (beginning, middle, end). It can be personal
(your experience) or fictional.
The introductory paragraph (opening paragraph) is very important because it grabs the reader's
attention and sets up the story.
- Begin in the middle of the action (action hook) to pull the reader in immediately.
Then, move to some background and end the paragraph with a **thesis-like sentence** (what the story
is mainly about or the main event).
The waves crashed violently against the boat as I gripped the net tightly. "Pull harder!" my father
shouted over the roaring wind. That stormy morning on the Lagos coast changed everything I thought I
knew about fishing.
Example 2 (dialogue):
"Watch out for the bull!" the farmer yelled as the angry animal charged toward us. I froze, heart
pounding, remembering the peaceful mornings on the family farm that had suddenly turned dangerous.
Example 3 (description):
The sun rose slowly over the green fields, painting the sky orange while the cows mooed softly in the
distance. Little did I know that this ordinary day on the farm would teach me the true meaning of hard
work and responsibility.
- Make it exciting — don't start with boring facts like "I woke up early."
Agriculture(general farming): Words like crop, harvest, soil, fertilizer, irrigation, tractor, barn, field, yield,
cultivate.
- Milking, drenching (giving medicine), gestation (pregnancy period), sire (male for breeding), dairy (milk
production), poultry (birds like chickens), ewe (female sheep), calf (young cow)
Fishing:
- Hook, line, bait, net, trap, rod, reel, catch, trawler (fishing boat), buoy (float marker), mesh (net holes),
cast (throw the line), angle (fish with a rod), gillnet, spearfishing, overfishing, stocks (fish population),
trawling
Here are some combined examples in sentences:
a) The farmer used a trawler to increase his catch during the fishing season.
b) In animal husbandry, good pasture and proper feeding help the herd stay healthy.
c) Hooks and nets are essential tools for small-scale fishing along the coastline.
A noun phrase (NP) is a group of words that works as a noun in a sentence. It must have a head (the
main noun or pronoun). Other parts (determiners, adjectives, phrases) are optional modifiers.
Basic pattern:
Here are 10 common structures, with examples (many linked to animal husbandry/farming):
1. Head only
2. Determiner + Head
4. Determiner + Multiple adjectives + Head (order: opinion → size → age → shape → color → origin →
material → purpose)
Example: Those five young brown Nigerian goats from the village farm that produce good meat are
healthy.
Animal husbandry is the practice of raising and caring for farm animals (livestock) for food, milk, eggs,
work, or profit.
Standard Features
7. Complimentary close: Take care, Best wishes, Cheers, Love ya, Yours,
WEEK FIVE(5)
Grammar: Verb Phrase - Meaning and Structure
A verb phrase is a group of words that functions as the verb in a sentence. It consists of a main verb (the
core action or state) plus any helping (auxiliary) verbs, modals, or other elements that modify or
complete its meaning. The verb phrase expresses tense, aspect, mood, voice, or other grammatical
information.
The verb phrase tells us what the subject does, experiences, or is. It is also called the predicate of the
sentence (everything after the subject).
Examples:
Examples:
Components include:
- Modal verbs (can, could, will, would, shall, should, may, might, must).
- Passive (be + past participle): when the subject receives the action.
Common patterns:
- Full complex: "He might have been sleeping." (modal + perfect + progressive)
Verb phrases can also include objects, adverbs, or complements, but the core is the verbs.
Question: Write a letter to your best friend in another school telling him/her about your forthcoming
inter house sports competition.
Dear Chidi,
How are you doing over there at your new school? I hope you're enjoying your classes and making new
friends. It's been a while since we last spoke, and I've missed our long gist sessions after school. Things
are quite busy here at Dayton High, but in a fun way because our inter-house sports competition is
coming up next month!
The competition is scheduled for the 15th to 17th of April, and the whole school is buzzing with
excitement. There are four houses: Red (my house!), Blue, Green, and Yellow. Everyone is training hard
to win the overall trophy this year. I'm participating in the 100m sprint, 4x100m relay, and long jump.
Practices start every evening after classes, and our sports master is really pushing us. Last week, we had
trials, and I came second in the sprint—I'm determined to win gold this time! The Red House has a
strong team, but Blue House is our biggest rival because they won last year.
Apart from athletics, there are also football matches, volleyball, and tug-of-war between houses. The
atmosphere during rehearsals is electric—drums, cheers, and colourful house uniforms everywhere.
Even the teachers join in sometimes, and it's hilarious watching Mr. Okoro trying to run! I'm so pumped
because this is my first major competition since joining senior secondary. My parents are coming to
watch, and they've promised new spikes if I do well.
I wish you could be here to cheer me on like old times. Remember how we used to compete in primary
school sports? Those days were the best! How about your school—do you have any inter-house events
coming up? Tell me everything about your new place, the teachers, and if you've joined any clubs.
Write back soon and send photos if possible. Take care of yourself, and keep shining.
Melvin
QUESTION: Write a letter to your best friend in the United States of America telling him/her about how
you spent your Christmas Holiday.
Hey bro! How's life in the US treating you? I hope the winter isn't too cold and you're staying warm. I got
your message on WhatsApp last week—thanks for the holiday pics from New York. They look amazing!
Here in Port Harcourt, Christmas was super fun and full of family vibes. I thought I'd tell you all about
how I spent the holidays.
The holidays started right after school closed on December 20th. I travelled to the village with my family
to spend time with grandparents and cousins. On Christmas Eve, we went to church for the midnight
service—it was packed, with carols and a lively choir. After service, we came home to eat jollof rice, fried
chicken, moi moi, and plenty of drinks. The whole compound was decorated with lights and a big
Christmas tree my uncle brought from town.
Christmas Day was the highlight! We woke up early to open gifts—I got a new phone from my parents
and some clothes from my aunt. Then we visited relatives around the village, eating pounded yam and
egusi soup at different houses. In the afternoon, we played football with cousins in the field, and I
scored two goals! Evening was for music and dancing—Afrobeats blasting from speakers while everyone
showed off their dance moves.
The next few days were relaxed. We went to the beach on Boxing Day with family friends, swam, ate
barbecue fish, and took lots of selfies. I also helped my mum in the kitchen making chin-chin and cakes
to share with neighbours. New Year's Eve was fireworks and countdown at a family friend's house—we
prayed, ate, and wished for a better 2026.
I really missed you during the holidays; it would've been more fun with your jokes. How did you spend
yours? Did you go skiing or visit family? Tell me everything! Can't wait to hear from you. Stay blessed.
Your guy,
Melvin
Animal husbandry is the branch of agriculture concerned with the care, breeding, and management of
farm animals (livestock) for food, fibre, work, or other products.
- Livestock: Farm animals kept for production (e.g., cattle, sheep, goats).
Here’s a structured response to your three topics in English language/grammar study. I'll cover each one
clearly with explanations and examples.
WEEK SIX(6)
Nominalization of adjectives is the process of changing an adjective into a noun. An adjective describes a
noun, while a noun names a person, thing, place, or quality. When an adjective is nominalized, it
becomes the name of the quality or condition it expresses. For example, brave describes a person, but
bravery is the name of the quality of being brave. Similarly, brief becomes brevity, which means
shortness in duration.
Nominalization is very important in formal and academic writing. It helps students express ideas in a
more mature and structured way. For instance, instead of writing, “She is honest,” we can write, “Her
honesty is admirable.” The second sentence sounds more formal and suitable for essays, reports, and
summary writing. Many comprehension passages also require students to recognize nominal forms.
There are different ways to nominalize adjectives. Most adjectives change into nouns by adding suffixes
such as –ness, –ity, –cy, –ance, –ence, while some change irregularly. Understanding these patterns
improves vocabulary, sentence structure, and overall writing skill.
1. Add –ness
Happy Happiness
Dark Darkness
Weak Weakness
Kind Kindness
Ill Illness
Polite Politeness
2. Add –ity
Brave Bravery
Pure Purity
Active Activity
Equal Equality
Sensitive Sensitivity
Real Reality
3. Add –cy
Adjectives Nominalized
form
Accurate Accuracy
Private Privacy
Efficient Efficiency
Fluent Fluency
Important Importance
Patient Patience
Confident Confidence
Silent Silence
Different Difference
5. Irregular Changes
Strong Strength
Long Length
Deep Depth
Wide Width
Wise Wisdom
High Height
A summary is a shortened version of a longer passage that contains only the main ideas. It removes
examples, repetition, illustrations, and minor details. When instructed to summarize in a specific
number of sentences, you must obey the instruction strictly. If you are told to summarize in two
sentences, writing three sentences will be marked wrong even if your points are correct.
Steps to follow:
Religion has been a central part of human existence for centuries. In many societies, it provides people
with a sense of identity and belonging. Through shared beliefs and practices, individuals feel connected
to something greater than themselves. This connection often shapes their values and daily decisions.
One of the major roles of religion is moral guidance. Religious teachings encourage virtues such as
honesty, kindness, patience, and forgiveness. These virtues help individuals build strong relationships
within their families and communities. When people live according to moral principles, society becomes
more peaceful and organized.
Religion also creates opportunities for communal worship. People gather in churches, mosques, and
temples to pray and learn. These gatherings strengthen unity and cooperation among members. In
times of difficulty, religious communities often provide emotional and material support to their
members.
Another important function of religion is the promotion of discipline and self-control. Practices such as
fasting and regular prayer teach individuals how to control their desires. This self-discipline can
positively influence other areas of life, including education and work. Many successful individuals
attribute their achievements to values learned through religion.
Furthermore, religion offers hope during challenging times. When people face sickness, poverty, or loss,
their faith can give them comfort and courage. Belief in a higher power reassures them that their
struggles have meaning. This hope prevents despair and encourages perseverance.
However, religion can sometimes be misunderstood or misused. When individuals interpret religious
teachings incorrectly, conflicts may arise. History has shown that disagreements over beliefs can lead to
division within communities. Therefore, tolerance and proper understanding are essential.
In conclusion, religion plays a significant role in shaping individuals and societies. It provides moral
direction, promotes unity, encourages discipline, and offers hope. At the same time, it must be practiced
with wisdom and tolerance to avoid conflict.
Comprehension Questions
Religion shapes individuals and societies by providing identity, moral guidance, and unity
through shared beliefs and worship.
It promotes discipline, self-control, and hope during difficult times.
However, misunderstanding religious teachings can lead to conflict.
WEEK SEVEN(7)
GRAMMAR: NOMINALIZATION OF VERBS
Nominalization of verbs is the process of changing a verb (an action word) into a noun (a naming word).
In English, many verbs can be transformed into nouns by adding suffixes such as -tion, -sion, -ment, -al, -
ance, -ence, -ing, -ure, -ity, etc. For example, describe becomes description, and invest becomes
investment. This process helps us talk about actions as ideas, things, or concepts instead of actions being
performed directly.
Nominalization is commonly used in formal writing, academic essays, reports, and official
communication. Instead of saying, “They decided quickly,” we can say, “Their decision was quick.” The
second sentence sounds more formal because the verb decided has been turned into the noun decision.
However, overusing nominalization can make writing heavy and difficult to read, so it should be used
carefully.
To nominalize verbs, we often add specific suffixes depending on the spelling and origin of the word. For
example:
1. Describe She will describe the event. Description Her description was clear.
6. Move The baby moved slowly Movement The movement was gentle.
11. Create God created the world. Creation The Creation is beautiful.
13. Expand The firm expands yearly. Expansion The expansion increased
profits.
15. Achieve He achieved his goal . Achievement His achievement was great.
16. Confuse The noise confused me. Confusion. The confusion lasted long.
17. React She reacted angrily. Reaction His reaction shocked me.
20. Choose He will choose the blule shoe. Choice His choice was perfect.
A semi-formal letter is a type of letter written to someone you know personally but still respect, such as
a teacher, distant relative, elder sibling, or family friend. The language is polite and respectful but not
too stiff or official like a formal letter. It combines friendliness with seriousness.
3. Introduction
5. Conclusion
60 Oroigwe Road,
Rumuewhara,
Port Harcourt.
03 March, 2026.
Dear Brother,
I hope this letter meets you in a calm moment. I write to you today not out of disrespect but out of deep
concern and love. I have recently heard disturbing reports about the way you treat your wife, especially
regarding physical violence. As your younger sibling, I cannot keep silent because family means
correction as well as support.
Brother, battering your wife is dangerous physically, emotionally, and legally. Violence can cause serious
injuries and long-term trauma. It can also damage your reputation and affect your children
psychologically. Children who grow up in violent homes often develop fear, anger, or even repeat the
same behavior in their future marriages. I know this is not the legacy you want to leave behind.
Furthermore, Nigerian law strongly condemns domestic violence. Actions like these can lead to arrest,
court cases, and even imprisonment. Beyond the legal consequences, it destroys trust and love in
marriage. Marriage is built on patience, communication, and understanding—not fear.
If there are disagreements between you and your wife, please consider counseling, dialogue, or seeking
help from trusted elders or religious leaders. True strength is shown in self-control, not aggression. A
real man protects, not harms.
I write this because I love you and want peace in your home. Please reflect deeply on this matter and
choose a better path. I believe you can change and rebuild your home with love.
Yours sincerely,
Melvin
60 Oroigwe Road,
Rumuewhara,
Port Harcourt.
03 March, 2026.
Dear Sister,
Congratulations on the birth of your beautiful baby! I was overjoyed to hear the news. Children are
blessings, and I thank God for your safe delivery. You have always been strong, and I admire your
courage as a mother.
However, as your younger sibling who cares deeply about your well-being, I want to speak honestly.
Nigeria’s economy is becoming increasingly difficult. The high cost of food, school fees, medical bills, and
transportation is affecting many families. Raising four children in these conditions requires serious
financial stability and planning.
Parenting is not only about giving birth but also about providing quality education, proper healthcare,
and emotional attention. When children are too many and resources are limited, it becomes challenging
to meet their needs effectively. Family planning is not a rejection of children but a wise way of ensuring
each child receives adequate care.
I encourage you and your husband to carefully consider your future plans. Focus on nurturing and
training the wonderful children you already have. Give them the best opportunities possible. Quality is
better than quantity.
Please do not misunderstand my intentions. I speak with love and genuine concern for your health and
the future of your children. May God grant you wisdom as you plan ahead.
Yours affectionately,
Melvin
60 Oroigwe Road,
Rumuewhara,
Port Harcourt.
03 March, 2026.
Dear Madam,
Good day Ma. I was deeply saddened to hear about your illness. You are more than a teacher to me; you
are a mentor and a source of inspiration. Your dedication in the classroom has shaped many lives,
including mine.
I know this period may be physically and emotionally challenging, but I encourage you not to lose hope.
Many illnesses look stronger at the beginning, but with proper medical care, rest, and faith, recovery is
possible. Please focus on your treatment and give yourself enough time to heal.
Your strength has always been admirable. You have taught us perseverance, discipline, and courage.
Now is the time to apply those same lessons to your personal battle. Keep fighting and believing in
better days ahead.
The entire class misses you greatly. We pray daily for your quick recovery and look forward to seeing
your warm smile again in the classroom. Your absence has shown us how valuable you truly are.
Please take good care of yourself and follow the doctor’s advice carefully. We are waiting patiently for
your return. May you regain full health soon.
Yours sincerely,
Melvin
WEEK EIGHT(8)
GRAMMAR: Irregular Verbs – Simple, Past and Past Participle Forms
Irregular verbs are verbs that do not follow the regular rule of adding “-ed” to form their past tense and
past participle. In English, most verbs are regular verbs, such as play – played – played or work – worked
– worked. However, irregular verbs change their forms in different and sometimes unpredictable ways.
Because they do not follow a fixed pattern, students usually have to memorize them through practice
and usage.
Irregular verbs are very common in everyday English communication. Many frequently used verbs such
as go, eat, take, come, and see are irregular. Each irregular verb usually has three important forms: the
base (simple) form, the past form, and the past participle form. These forms are used in different tenses
and sentence structures. Understanding these forms helps students speak and write English correctly.
1. SIMPLE FORM (BASE FORM)
The simple form, also called the base form, is the original form of the verb. It is the form found in the
dictionary. The base form is used in the present tense, in imperative sentences, and after modal verbs
such as can, may, will, shall, must, and should. It is the starting point from which other verb forms are
formed.
For example, verbs like go, eat, take, see, come, break, write, drink, choose, give are base forms. These
forms do not show time by themselves; instead, they depend on the sentence structure to show when
an action happens.
Examples of Simple Forms: go, eat, take, see, come, break, write, drink, choose, give ,drive, speak, begin,
sing, ring, run, fly , grow, know, throw etc.
Example Sentences
2. PAST FORM
The past form of an irregular verb shows that an action already happened in the past. Unlike regular
verbs that add -ed, irregular verbs change their spelling completely or partially.
For example, the past forms of some verbs listed above are:
go – went, eat – ate, take – took, see – saw, come – came. These changes must be learned because they
do not follow a fixed rule.
Past Forms of the Verbs Listed Above: go – went, eat – ate, 3. take – took, see – saw, come – came,
break – broke, write – wrote,. drink – drank,.choose – chose, give – gave, drive – drove, speak – spoke,
begin – began, sing – sang, ring – rang, run – ran, fly – flew, grow – grew, know – knew,throw – threw
etc.
Example Sentences
The past participle is another form of the verb used mainly with helping verbs such as has, have, had,
and had been. It is commonly used in the perfect tenses and in the passive voice.
Many irregular verbs have past participle forms that are different from both the base form and the past
form. For example:
go – went – gone or eat – ate – eaten. The past participle cannot usually stand alone; it needs a helping
verb.
Example Sentences
WEEK NINE(9)
GRAMMAR: REGULAR VERBS
Regular verbs are verbs that form their past tense and past participle by adding –ed or –d to the base
form of the verb. They follow a fixed and predictable pattern, which makes them easier to learn and use
in sentences.
In English grammar, verbs are words that show action or state of being. When an action happens in the
past, the verb changes its form. With regular verbs, this change is simple because we only add –ed or –d
to the base form.
For example, the verb play becomes played, and work becomes worked. In both cases, the verb simply
adds –ed to show that the action happened in the past. Because of this regular pattern, these verbs are
called regular verbs.
For regular verbs, the past tense and past participle usually have the same form.
Example:
Examples in sentences:
Examples:
Play → Played
Talk → Talked
Jump → Jumped
Help → Helped
Watch → Watched
Sentences:
Examples:
Love → Loved
Dance → Danced
Move → Moved
Live → Lived
Change → Changed
Sentences:
Examples:
Study → Studied
Carry → Carried
Cry → Cried
Try → Tried
Hurry → Hurried
Sentences:
If a verb ends with a vowel followed by a consonant, the final consonant is sometimes doubled before
adding –ed.
Examples:
Stop → Stopped
Plan → Planned
Drop → Dropped
Clap → Clapped
Beg → Begged
Sentences:
Example sentences:
Record keeping is the process of collecting, writing, storing, and maintaining important information for
future reference. It involves keeping documents or information in an organized and systematic way so
that they can be easily found and used when needed.
In schools, offices, and organizations, many activities take place daily. If these activities are not properly
recorded, it may be difficult to remember what happened in the past. Record keeping helps individuals
and organizations keep track of events, transactions, and important information.
For example, schools keep records of students' admission, attendance, academic performance, and fees.
Businesses also keep records of sales, purchases, profits, and expenses.
Proper records give correct information about past and present activities.
Leaders and managers can make better decisions when they have reliable records.
3. It helps in planning
Records of past activities help individuals and organizations plan for the future.
4. It ensures accountability
Record keeping helps to show how money, materials, or resources are used.
5. It serves as evidence
In schools and organizations, several types of records are kept. These include:
Name of Student
_____________________________________________________________________________
Instructions:
- This paper consists of Section A (ESSAY), Section B(COMPREHENSION) and Section C(OBJECTIVE)
- Answer all objective questions in Section C. Shade your answers on the answer sheet.
- In Section B, answer three questions only (one from each of the specified types).
SECTION A: ESSAY
INSTRUCTION: Answer Only Three: Your essay should NOT be less than 350 words.
2. Narrate an experience where you learned that true joy comes from simple living and kindness.
3. Write a letter to your best friend telling him/her about a visit you made to a poor but happy family
and the lessons you learned from them.
4. Write a letter to your uncle thanking him for the financial support he gave you during your
examination preparation and explaining how it helped you.
5. Write a letter to the chairman of your local government area complaining about the poor state of
roads in your community and suggesting ways to improve them.
SECTION B: COMPREHENSION
Comprehension Passage: The Rich Sad Man
Once upon a time, there lived a very rich man in a big city. He had mansions, luxury cars, servants, and
mountains of money in the bank. But despite his great wealth, he was always sad and lonely. He had no
true friends; people only came around because they wanted something from him. His heart felt empty,
and he often sat alone wondering why money could not bring him joy.
One day, tired of his misery, he travelled to a small village. There he met a humble farmer who lived in a
simple mud house with his large family. The farmer worked hard from dawn to dusk on his little farm,
growing crops and raising a few animals. Yet, this man was always cheerful. He sang songs while
working, played with his children in the evenings, and shared what little he had with neighbours.
The rich man asked in surprise, “How can you be so happy with so little?” The farmer smiled and replied,
“I have my health, the love of my family, honest work, and peace in my heart. These are the real
treasures. Your riches bring you worry about thieves and false friends, but my simple life gives me true
contentment.”
The rich man returned home a changed person. He began to share his wealth with the poor, spent
quality time with his family, and performed small acts of kindness. Slowly, his sadness faded away, and
he discovered real happiness for the first time in his life.
Comprehension Questions
1. Why was the rich man always sad despite his great wealth?
2. According to the passage, give two reasons why people associated with the rich man.
3. What did the rich man do when he became tired of his misery?
6. In your own words, explain the farmer's reply to the rich man's question: “How can you be so happy
with so little?”
7. What does the farmer mean by the expression **"These are the real treasures"**?
8. State two things the rich man did differently after returning home.
SECTION C: OBJECTIVES
From the sentences below, pick the one NEAREST IN MEANING to the underlined word.
1. The rich man lived in great opulence.
From the sentences below, pick the one OPPOSITE IN MEANING to the underlined word.
From the options lettered A-D, Choose the one that has the right form of the verb.
21. The rich man _____ his ways after the visit.
23. If the rich man _____ kinder, he would have been happy earlier.
The passage below has numbered gaps and for each number, options are provided in the table.
A rich man once thought money was everything, but he soon learned otherwise. He was rich in 26.
_____ but poor in joy. One day he met a poor farmer who had little but was 27. _____. The farmer said
happiness comes from good 28. _____, family love, and honest 29. _____. The rich man 30. _____ about
these words deeply. He decided to 31. _____ his riches and care more for people. 32. _____, his life
changed for the better. He no longer felt 33. _____. Instead, he found real 34. _____. Many now 35.
_____ him for his generosity. The story shows that money 36. _____ buy true peace. We should value
37. _____ things like love and health. Contentment is 38. _____. Greed causes 39. _____, but kindness
brings 40. _____.
A. B. C. D.
From the options lettered A-D, Choose the one that bears the correct Nominalized syllables (word
stress on the noun form).
From the options lettered A-D, Choose the correct interpretation of the groups of words
(idioms/expressions).
A. Money is useless B. True joy does not depend on wealth C. Rich people are sad D. Poor
people are happy
A. Wasted time B. Meaningful time spent together C. Short time D. Alone time
A. Cruel actions B. Helpful and good deeds C. Selfish behaviour D. Angry words
From the Options lettered A-D, Choose the one that has the active voice.
56.
A. The farmer sang happily. B. Happiness was felt by the farmer. C. The sadness was removed by
kindness. D. Joy is experienced by all.
57.
A. The rich man shared his money. B. Money was shared by the rich man. C. The lesson was
learned by him. D. Contentment is found by many.
58.
A. The farmer told stories to his children. B. Stories were told by the farmer. C. Peace was
enjoyed by the family. D. The words were remembered.
A. The farmer said that happiness comes from simple things. B. The farmer said that happiness
came from simple things.
C. The farmer says happiness come from simple things. D. The farmer said happiness comes from
simple thing.
A. He asked why was I always happy. B. He asked why I was always happy.
C. He asks why are you happy. D. He asked why you are happy.
Countable nouns refer to things that can be counted individually, such as 'books' or 'apples,' while uncountable nouns refer to things that cannot be individually counted, like 'water' or 'rice' . These differences can pose challenges for learners in terms of article usage, as countable nouns require 'a' or 'an' while uncountable nouns do not, and in making distinctions between plural and singular forms . Furthermore, learners must be careful with phrases such as 'much' versus 'many' or 'less' versus 'fewer,' which depend on whether the noun is uncountable or countable.
A noun phrase consists of a noun as the head word along with any accompanying modifiers, such as determiners or adjectives, which provide additional information about the noun . Within a sentence, a noun phrase can function as a subject, object, or complement, acting in different roles depending on its placement and the structure of the sentence. For example, in 'The large brown dog barked loudly,' 'The large brown dog' is the noun phrase serving as the subject of the verb 'barked' . This highlights the versatility and importance of noun phrases in constructing meaning within sentences.
Irregular verbs complicate English learning because they do not follow standard conjugation patterns, requiring memorization of different forms in simple, past, and past participle . This irregularity increases the cognitive load for learners as they cannot rely on predictable rules as with regular verbs. Strategies to master irregular verbs include regular practice through reading and writing, mnemonic devices, and interactive activities like games or flashcards to reinforce memory and usage . Additionally, exposure to native speakers and multimedia resources can aid in understanding their application in context.
Linking paragraphs in a narrative essay is significant as it creates cohesion and allows the story to flow smoothly without sudden jumps, keeping the reader engaged and able to follow the essay easily . Using time/sequence connectors, echo words, pronouns, and transitional phrases are effective methods to achieve this cohesiveness . Such techniques enhance the overall quality of the essay by maintaining a logical progression of events and ensuring that the narrative is clear and engaging.
Determiners are essential in noun phrases as they specify and provide information about the noun, such as quantity, definiteness, and possession . They precede the noun and can include articles (a, an, the), possessives (my, your), demonstratives (this, that), and quantifiers (some, many). In sentence structure, determiners help clarify whether the noun is known or unknown to the reader, singular or plural, specific or general. This specificity enhances sentence clarity and meaning by ensuring the reader accurately understands which entities are being referenced.
Nominalization, the process of converting verbs or adjectives into nouns, can significantly affect sentence structure and style by making writing more abstract and formal . In academic contexts, nominalization is often used to create a more impersonal tone and to condense information. For example, turning 'describe' into 'description' or 'brave' into 'bravery' . While this can enhance the complexity and scholarly tone of the text, it can also lead to vagueness if overused, making sentences longer and potentially harder for readers to process.
The story of the rich man and the humble farmer highlights that true happiness is not derived from material wealth but from intangible qualities such as family, health, and honest work . The farmer's contentment, despite having little, contrasts with the rich man's loneliness and dissatisfaction, showing that happiness is connected more with one's outlook on life and personal contentment than external possessions . This narrative teaches that the "real treasures" of life are love, peace, and fulfilling relationships rather than wealth, prompting readers to reflect on their own values and happiness.
The narrative structure is crucial in a narrative essay because it provides the framework that guides the reader through the story, ensuring clarity and engaging storytelling . Its key elements include the introduction, which sets up the main character, setting, and hint of the story's content; the body, which details events in order, utilizing transitions for coherence; and the conclusion, which resolves the story and may include a lesson learned . Each component works together to maintain reader interest and deliver a clear and compelling narrative.
The narrative of the rich man underscores the transformative power of kindness and sharing. Initially, the rich man was lonely and unhappy despite his wealth, as he lacked genuine connections . Over time, his interactions with the humble farmer, who exemplified contentment through simplicity and kindness, inspired him to change. By sharing his wealth, spending meaningful time with family, and performing acts of kindness, the rich man experienced personal transformation, leading to true happiness . The story highlights that genuine fulfillment arises from altruism and valuing personal relationships over materialistic pursuits.
The introduction of a narrative essay significantly influences reader engagement by establishing the main character, setting, and hinting at the central conflict or theme, thus piquing curiosity . A well-crafted introduction can draw readers in with vivid descriptions, intriguing questions, or a fascinating anecdote, setting the tone for the story to follow. For instance, beginning with an impactful statement or event can immediately capture attention and motivate the reader to continue exploring how the narrative unfolds . This initial engagement is crucial for maintaining interest throughout the essay.