SIMPLIFIED REVISION ENGLISH

Paper one has 3 key areas :>Functional writing-20 marks

>Cloze test-10 marks
>Oral skills-30 marks

PART ONE: FUNCTIONAL WRITING.

CATEGORY ONE: SOCIAL WRITING.
Emails
Giving directions
Notes of thanks
Notes of congratulations
Notes of condolences
Instructions

CATEGORY TWO: PERSONAL WRITING.

Friendly letters
Reminders
Packing list
Shopping list
Diary
Personal journal
CATEGORY THREE: STUDY WRITING.
Book reviews
Synopsis
Report writing
Investigative/Research report

CATEGORY FOUR: INSTITUTIONAL WRITING.

Minutes
Agenda and Notification of a meeting
Speech writing
Public notices
Posters
Advertisement
Internal memo
Formal letters (Inquiry, request, apology)
Curriculum vitae/resume
CATEGORY FIVE: PUBLIC WRITING
[Link] of Application
[Link] of inquiry
[Link] of apology
[Link] of request

NOTE
[Link] are about 42 items in functional writing.
[Link] means a skill that a person puts into practice.
[Link] items can be divided broadly into 2 categories.

INSTITUTIONAL FUNCTIONAL WRITING SHORT FORMS

Letters Adverts
Speech Notice
Minutes Posters
Report Memo
Curriculum vitae Diary
Book review Personal journal
Synopsis Recipe
Notification of a meeting
A FOCUS ON THE APPROVED ENGLISH TEXTBOOKS/COURSE BOOKS.
FORM ONE
Diary
Inventory
Informal letters
Public notice
Packing list
Shopping list

FORM TWO
Invitations
Replies
Business letters Posters
Advertisements
Personal journals
Letters of apology
Shopping list

FORM THREE
Reminders
Thank you and congratulatory messages
Messages of condolences
Letters of application
Writing reports
Synopsis
Speech
Notification of a meeting
Agenda of a meeting
Minutes

FORM FOUR
Recipe
Emails
Instructions to friends and relatives
Letters of inquiry &letters of requests
Reviews
Questionnaires
Giving directions
Biographies
Curriculum vitae
Speeches

KCSE PAST QUESTIONS SINCE 2006.

2006: A report after a visit to a national park indicating accomplishments,
problems and cautionary measures to take.
2007: A letter to a publisher requesting for a publication of a book including
title/author, content in brief and reasons as to why the book should be published.
2008: A} A notice of a meeting.
B} Agenda to be attached to the notice.
2009: A letter of inquiry concerning a job as a volunteer worker.
2010: A speech to deliver during a launch for a club.
2011: A} A notice inviting schools to attend performance of a set book.(8 marks)
B} A synopsis. (12 marks)
2012: A} An application letter in response to the advertisement. (10 marks)
B} C. V to accompany the advert. (10 marks)
2013: A} Notice for a missing child. (10 marks)
B} A thank you note. (10 marks)
2014: A letter to a school mate thanking him/her for the invitation. (20 marks)
2015: Minutes
2016: A} Letter of application for a job. (12 marks)
B} C. V to accompany the letter. (8 marks)
2017: Speech having been a former drug addict & recovered from a rehabilitation
center. Be keen on protocol.
2018: A letter to the principal asking for formal permission.
2019: A friendly letter persuading him/her to join your new school.
2020: Letter of application for a suitably qualified, experienced, enthusiastic
sports coach.
2021: Investigative report on the causes of decline in student’s participation in
sports.
2022: Speech
2023: Personal journal Predictions:
2024: Minutes
2025: Speech
HOW TO HANDLE A QUESTION IN FUCTIONAL WRITING.
[Link] on format {5-6 marks}
[Link] on content -7 marks.
[Link] on language -8 marks.
POINTS TO REMEMBER IN FORMAT/LAYOUT.
➢ If it is a letter, is it formal or informal.
➢ All formal letters to end with Yours faithfully, signature and name (not one
but two)
➢ Writer’s address should not have any interchanged items (address and
date). If so, no mark for any.
➢ If block use up to the end.
➢ Salutation and RE should not be interchanged.
➢ Note carefully when to use Dear sir/madam, dear sir or dear madam. ➢
Begin with writers address the recipient. An interchange no mark.
IN CONTENT SECTION.
Let the details be derived from the question E.g., Thank you letter, the word thank
you is mandatory, state why, appreciate the instructed etc.
Time, date, venue, qualification etc.
LANGUAGE.
A – 7-8 marks
B -5-6 marks
C-3-4 marks
D- 1-2 marks
NB; When accessing language consider the following;
• No candidate scores a zero in language
• Always appreciate the attempt.
• Tone of language-formal or informal
• Formal passive voice
 • Grammar -Tenses, punctuation, agreement, sentence construction,
structure, spelling, legibility.
• Paragraphing
• Handwriting

QUESTION 1
Sample 1(KCSE 2007)
You are the chairperson of the creative writing club in your school. The club would
like: assistance in publishing the winning entry in a recent competition.
Write a letter to a publisher asking them to consider the book for publication.
Remember to write through the head teacher. (20 marks)
-In your letter, include the following
• The title of the book and name of author
• A brief description of what the book is about • Why is it important for the
book to be published?
FORMAT
NB
1. Must be a formal letter
2. Remember forwarding address
3. Reference/topic/subject
4. Body
5. Closure
6. Signature/name of writer
7. Designation
CONTENT
Body must have
• Title, name of author
• Synopsis of winning entry(books)
• Appeal for publication a formal request to pulsion
SAMPLE 2 (KCSE 2014)
You have recently visited a schoolmate during the holidays and thoroughly
enjoyed yourself. Write a letter to the schoolmate thanking him or her for the
invitation. Describe the experience that made your stay memorable. (20 marks)
FORMAT
This is a friendly letter.
• Address -1 mark
• Date-1 mark
• Salutation-1 mark
• Closing-1 mark
• Name-1 mark
• Only one address is expected
• Never use yours faithfully in the closing tag but yours sincerely is accepted
CONTENT
• Greetings-1 mark
• Expressing thanks -1 mark
• 3 memorable experiences -6 marks (each 2 marks) SAMPLE 3 (KCSE 2015)
You are secretary of the Young Farmers Club in your school. The club has just held
its meeting. The patron of the club and eight of its members attended. The deputy
principal also attended. During the meeting the issue of starting a fish pond was
revisited. Members also discussed the following issues: club’s financial status,
members’ annual trip and sale of club’s farm produce. Write down the minutes of
the meeting. (20 marks) Points of interpretation.
Format
1. Heading -Name of group, time, venue and date.
2. Members present
3. Members absent
4. Members without apology
5. In-attendance
6. Preliminaries
 7. Confirmation of previous minutes
8. Matters arising
Follow instructions given from the questions to put the minutes in order
[Link] other business
[Link]
Confirmation: Chairman……….. ………………….
Sign date
Secretary…………….. ……………….
Sign date
SAMPLE 4 (KCSE 2018)
A travelling theatre group is staging a performance of one of the literatures set
books in the local sub-county. Members of the drama club, the form three
students and the form four students would want to watch the performance. As
the secretary of the drama club, write a letter to the principal asking for formal
permission. In your letter, give details about who will attend, the date and the
time of the performance and the cost. You should also explain why the
performance is important. (20mks)
SAMPLES ON CATEGORIES OF FUNCTIONAL WRITING.
CATEGORY ONE:SOCIAL WRITING
[Link]
Informal invitation letter
Write a letter to your favorite footballer inviting him or her for a charity concert
to be held in your school. Indicate the purpose of the concert and any other
information you consider important.
P.O BOX 333-034
Meru
2nd October,2020
 Dear John,
Welo High School has organized a charity concert aimed at raising funds for the
needy and vulnerable students in our school on Sunday, November 3 ,2020
from 1’oclock in the school compound. As my favorite footballer, I am kindly
inviting you to attend this auspicious occasion.
Your presence will motivate the students to embrace hard work, discipline and
integrity which are the major prerequisite for a bright future.
We look forward to your company.
Yours sincerely,
Kelvin Kinyua,
School Captain

Formal invitation
Your school is organizing an annual athletics 100metres tournament on 16 th
August [Link] an invitation letter that will be sent to Jinx School athletics
team through your principal.
Kimende Academy
P.O Box 222-345
Kimende
3rd May 2020

Jinx School Athletics Department

P.O Box 234-098
Wendani
Through,
The principal
Kimende Academy
222-345
Kimende

Dear Madam,
RE: KIMENDE ACADEMY ANNUAL ATHLETICS TOURNAMENT.
Excelling in academics and sports for brighter future is our theme for the annual
Kimende Athletics Tournament. With humility, we would like to extend an open
invitation to your athletics 100 meters team to attend this distinctive tournament
on 3rd June 2020.

This tournament will serve to benefit your team well beyond their academic
endeavors as a team from the National Athletics team will be present to scout for
young talents.
Kindly communicate your acceptance earlier to the coordinator. This will enable
us to prepare for a successful tournament. We are anticipating a favorable reply
from your end.
Yours faithfully
(signature)
Kim Mwangi

NOTES OF THANKS
Imagine you have just collected your form four National Examination results.
You have passed well in all subjects. Write a thankyou note to your class
teacher.
Dear sir/madam,
Words won’t be enough to express the gratitude I have for you. Your effort has
given me a new hope in life, your dedication has enabled me to achieve my
 target of scoring grade A, your advice has enabled me to build a strong
foundation of becoming a responsible citizen and for that I shall remain
eternally grateful.
Thank you.
Yours faithfully
Ashley Ngethe

NOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS.
Imagine your friend has Rachel has passed very well in her driving test. Write a
congratulatory note to your friend.
Rachel,
Congratulations! I have received the news that you have passed well in your
driving test. Your hard work and determination have paid off. Your family and
friend are fortunate to have you. Shine more in your future endeavors. I am
proud of you
Your sincerely,
Brian Ndegwa

CATEGORY 2:PERSONAL WRITING.

SHOPPING LIST.
Prepare a shopping list of your requirements at the beginning of the school year.
SHOPPING LIST
ITEMS QUANTITY APPROXIMATE
PRICE(KSH)
Ball pens 10 150
Note book 5 500
Sugar 2kgs 200
 Tooth paste 250g 150
Bar soap 2pcs 250
Soft drink 1 litre 150
TOTAL 1400

PACKING LIST.
You are going on a camping trip with the scouts for a week, write a packing list.
INDEX ITEM SPECIFICATION QUANTITY DESCRIPTION
1 Camping gear Boots 2 pairs Black
Jackets 2 Brown
Sleeping bag 1 Green
2 Clothing Night dress 2 Blue
Trousers 4 Black
Blouse 3 White
3 Toiletries Soap 2 Geisha
Body oil 1 Vaseline
Tooth paste 1 Colgate
Towel 2 Blue

CATEGORY 3:STUDY WRITING

Write a review of one of your literature set books.
A BOOK REVIEW OF BLOSSOMS OF THE SAVANNAH BY H.R OLE KULET.
Title: Blossoms of the savannah
Author: Henry R. Ole Kulet
Publisher: Longhorn
Year:2008
Reviewed by: Justus Wanjohi
Blossoms of the Savannah is an account of a family which has lived in town for
more than twenty years. They are now relocating to Nasila after the retrenchment
of the head of the family, Olé Kaelo. Two sisters, Taiyo and Resian who are on the
verge of womanhood and also torn between personal ambitions and humiliating
Nasila culture. They are treated as cultural deviants by the conformists. Olé Kaelo
is ensnared by the corrupt Oloisudori [Link] author captures the readers
imagination as he traces the girls’ painful steps to victory!
The writer brings out several themes, two of them are the theme of
tradition/culture and plight of women in the society. Tradition/culture defines life
in this society. Taiyo and Resian who are finding it difficult to embrace
circumcision as a culture are referred to as Intoiye [Link] society
looks down upon girl child and women. Resian is treated as if she doesn’t belong
to this society. Olé Supeyo only educates boys and marries off her girls to the rich
Nasila men.
The author has perfectly used figurative language such as similes and metaphor to
evoke emotions in the reader and write impactful and appealing book. He writes…
like cattle that required to be dehorned. He uses other styles like personification,
hyperbole, idioms among others.
Ole Kulet has brought in major characters like Resian, Taiyo, Ole Kaelo, Mama
Milanoi, Oloisudori, Emakererei who have contributed to the development of
themes such as culture, plight of women and betrayal in the story.
The story appeals not only to the young audience but also a must read to those
who want to know more about Africa traditional society, problem solving skills
and plight of women in the society.

Write a synopsis of the play A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen.

A Dolls House opens on Christmas eve. It is set in the well-furnished living room of
Helmer and Nora. The play traces Nora Helmers life as domestic wife having been
ruled by either her father or her husband Torvald. Nora borrowed money from
Krogstad by forging her fathers signature, to enable her pay for the trip to Italy to
save her sick husband Torvald Helmer. Since then, she had to contrive ways to pay
back her loan secretly from the savings she was making from her household
allowance.
Torvald, Noras husband, has been promoted to manager of the bank, he will
obviously receive a huge salary so Nora is happy because she will finally be able to
pay off the loan faster. Her happiness, however, is married when an angry
Krogstad approaches her. He has just learned that he will be relieved from his
position by Torvald and his position to be given to [Link] an old school friend
of Nora who has recently arrived in town in search of work, Krogstad tells Nora
that he will reveal her secret if she does not persuade her husband to let him
keep his position. Nora tries to convince Torvald to preserve Krogstad’s job, using
all of her feminine tricks but this is in vain.

CATEGORY FOUR: INSTITUTIONAL WRITING

Sample 1
You are the secretary of the journalism club in your school. The club plans to
visit the Nation Media Group Offices. Write the minutes that you took during
the final meeting where three members were absent with apologies and two
members were absent without any apology. You had invited the club patron to
attend the meeting. The following agenda was discussed;
[Link]
[Link]
3.A.O.B
MINUTES OF KAMBUNI JOURNALISM CLUB MEETING HELD ON 12TH JULY 2023
AT 5:15 PM IN THE SCHOOL MULTIMEDIA HALL.
Members present
[Link] Kwamboka Chairperson
[Link] Wambua Secretary
[Link] Kimani Treasurer
[Link] Maina Member
[Link] Mwikali Member
[Link] Genesis Member
Absent with apology
[Link] Mwangi
[Link] Wanjiru
[Link] Gitari
Absent without apology
[Link] Skay
[Link] Wangeshi
In attendance
Mr. Elvis Ngethe patron
Min 1/2/2023 Preliminaries
The meeting started 5:20 pm with a prayer. The chairperson welcomed all to the
meeting. He thanked the patron for attending the meeting.
Min 2/2/2023 Reading and confirmation of the previous meeting
The minutes of the previous meeting were read through by Shane Maina and
proposed by Boyka Genesis as a true record of the meeting. He was seconded by
Sandra Mwikali.
Min 3/2/2023 Matters arising
Min 4/1/2023 members wanted to know why publication of the Monthly news
bulleting for the month of January delayed. The Chairperson reported that the
production machine developed mechanical problem and was being repaired and
the production will resume as soon as possible.
Min 4/2/2023 Accommodation
Members discussed on the type of accommodation that could be affordable and
comfortable, they agreed unanimously to book a five-star hotel which was viewed
by many as affordable. The treasurer was given the responsibility to collect the
accommodation fees of three thousand shillings from each member before 30 th
July to facilitate the timely booking.
Min 5/2/2023 Transport
It was reported that the school bus had been booked to take the music team to
the regional music festivals on the same date. Members agreed to pay eight
hundred shillings each to hire the school bus from a neighboring school, Wangige
Secondary school
Min 6/2/2023 Any other business
A member came up with the idea of printing T-shirts with the club’s logo and
selling to the students which was accepted as one of the ways of raising the fund
for the club.
Min 7/2/2023 Adjournment
There being no other business, the meeting ended at 7:00 pm. The next meeting
will be held on 1st August 2023 at the same time and venue.
Confirmed by:
Chairperson ……………… signature ………… date …………
Secretary ………………. Signature ………... date ………...

SAMPLE
INTERNAL MEMO
MUKORONI STAR ACADEMY
Ref No: K/2/2023
To: All prefects
From: The deputy principal
Cc: Class teachers
Date: 1st February 2023
Subject: TIME MANAGEMENT
It has been noted that the students waste a lot of time during exchange from one
subject to the other. Some frequently out at the toilets during class hours. I
request the entire prefect’s body to curb this upcoming habit immediately.
(Signature)
School Deputy Principal
Damian Kamau

SAMPLE
CURRICULUM VITAE
A. PERSONAL DATA
Name: Fiona Wanjiku
Postal address: P.O Box 77, Kangai
Telephone number: 0777654321
Email: fionawanjiku78@[Link]
Date of birth: 3rd May 1988
Marital status: Single
Nationality: Nigerian
B. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
2014-2018: BSc. Engineering, University of Laikipia, graduated with first class
honors
2010-2014: Sariku High School, Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education
(Attained A-)
2005-2013: Angel Academy, Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (Attained
420/500 marks)
C. WORK EXPERIENCE
2016-2018 -College Chairperson, UoL engineering student union
2017-2018 -Kenya Engineering Sacco -Intern engineer
D. HOBBIES/INTEREST
Travelling and Swimming
E. NAMES OF REFEREES
[Link]. Lucy Wambui
Chairperson College of Engineering, University of Laikipia
P.O Box 345-2234
Nairobi
[Link] Mutahi
Principal Masomo School
P.O Box 21
Masomo
LANGUAGE -8 marks
TOTAL -20 Marks
LANGUAGE MARKS DETAILS
D-(01-02 marks)
• Examiner has to guess the information
• Poor use of expressions
• Poor use of punctuation marks
• Hardly any correct sentences
 • Spelling errors
• Broken language must be identified

C-(03-04 marks)
• Lack confidence in language use
• Very simple sentences
• All manner of grammatical errors
• Mother tongue interference
• No proper organization of ideas
B-(05-06)
• Fluent
• Well-constructed sentences
• Correct punctuation and spelling
• Some errors
• Good use of vocabulary
A-(07-08)
• Ease of expression, no errors
• Good planning of ideas
• Clever use of vocabulary, maturity in language
SOME GENERAL MARKING SYMBOLS
[Link] V -omission
[Link]/spark
3.0 -repetition of words
4./BR/ -broken English
5./Vag/-vague
6.//p -poor paragraphing
7.__________ misspelt word underline