ENGLISH LANGUAGE

BASIC 9 SECOND TERM SCHEME OF WORK

1. a) Resumption and copying of scheme of work. b) Parts of Speech – Types of Adjectives. c) Reading for
speed.
2. a) Reading: Same as week one. b) Parts of speech / Grammar – Adjectives. c) Oracy skills – listening and
speaking speeches phonemes /f/ and /v/. d) Various types of Composition – Narrative, Descriptive,
Argumentative, Expository – outline.
3. a) Grammar – Parts of Speech – Adverb. b) Reading for speed – practice. c) Listening and speaking,
speeches (Phonemes /dʒ/ and /tʃ/). d) Elements of descriptive essay – elements of composition – introduction,
body and conclusion.
4. a) Reading – same as week three. b) Grammar: Parts of speech: Conjunction. c) Oracy: Skills – listening and
speaking speeches (phonemes /k/ and /g/). d) Writing: Argumentative – Elements.
5. a) Reading to identify supporting details / transition markers in paragraphs. b) Oracy skills – listening and
speaking speeches (Phonemes /s/ and /z/). d) Writing – Expository – Arrangement of ideas in logical sequence.
6. a) Reading: Same as week 5. b) Parts of Speech: Preposition. c) Oracy skills: Using songs and tongue
twisters to compare and contrast /θ/ and /ð/. d) Writing: Descriptive essay arrangement in logical sequence.
7. Mid-term Break
8. a) Reading to identify supporting details, transitional markers in paragraphs. b) Compare and contrast /w/
and /j/. c) Practice – Argumentative writing – Mothers are more important than fathers.
9. a) Reading comprehension. b) Compare and contrast /l/ and /r/.
10. Compare and contrast /n/ and /ŋ/.
11. Revision
12. Examination
13. Closure.

WEEK 1 PERIOD 1.

Topic: PARTS OF SPEECH – ADJECTIVES

An adjective is a word that qualifies or describes a noun or pronoun.

It adds more meaning to a noun by telling us what kind, how many, which one, or how much.

Example:

 The beautiful girl sang well.

(beautiful tells us what kind of girl)

FUNCTIONS OF ADJECTIVES
Adjectives help to:

a. Make sentences clearer

b. Improve description in essays
c. Add colour and interest to writing

TYPES OF ADJECTIVES

1. Adjective of Quality

Describes the nature or quality of a noun.

Examples: honest, brave, tall, ugly, intelligent

Sentences:

a. She is an honest girl.

b. Nigeria is a great country.

2. Adjective of Quantity

Shows how much of something (used with uncountable nouns).

Examples: some, little, much, enough

Sentences:

a. There is little water left.

b. I need some rice.

3. Adjective of Number

Shows number or order.

Types:

 Cardinal: one, two, three

 Ordinal: first, second, third

Sentences:

a. I bought three pens.

b. She came first in class.

4. Demonstrative Adjectives

Used to point out nouns.

Examples: this, that, these, those

Sentences:
 a. This book is mine.
b. Those shoes are expensive.

5. Possessive Adjectives

Show ownership.

Examples: my, your, his, her, its, our, their

Sentences:

a. This is my bag.
b. Their house is big.

6. Interrogative Adjectives

Used to ask questions before nouns.

Examples: which, what, whose

Sentences:

a. Which subject do you like?

b. Whose pen is this?

POSITION OF ADJECTIVES

a. Usually placed before the noun

o a red dress
b. Can appear after linking verbs
o The dress is red.

WEEK 1 PERIOD 2

Topic: READING FOR SPEED

Meaning

Reading for speed means reading quickly and intelligently while still understanding the passage.

Importance of Reading for Speed

a. Helps students finish exams on time

b. Improves comprehension skills
c. Helps identify main ideas quickly

Techniques of Speed Reading

1. Read groups of words, not single words

 2. Avoid lip movement
3. Focus on key words
4. Ignore minor details at first reading

WEEK 1 – EVALUATION TEST

A. OBJECTIVE (Choose the correct option)

1. An adjective describes a ______

A. verb
B. noun
C. preposition
D. conjunction

2. Which of these is an adjective of quantity?

A. many
B. first
C. tall
D. this
3. “Those boys are hardworking.”
The word those is a ______
A. possessive adjective
B. demonstrative adjective
C. adjective of number
D. adjective of quality

B. THEORY

1. Define an adjective.
2. List four types of adjectives with examples.
3. Write five sentences using different adjectives.

WEEK 2 PERIOD 1

Topic: ADJECTIVES – USAGE

Order of Adjectives

When more than one adjective is used to describe the same noun, they must follow a particular order in
English. If this order is not followed, the sentence may sound wrong or confusing, especially in examinations.

STANDARD ORDER OF ADJECTIVES

1. Opinion – what you think about the noun

2. Size – how big or small it is
3. Age – how old or new it is
4. Colour – the colour of the noun
 5. Origin – where it comes from
6. Material – what it is made of

EXPLANATION OF EACH CATEGORY

1. Opinion: This shows personal judgment or feeling. Examples:

 beautiful
 ugly
 lovely
 interesting

Sentence:

 She wore a beautiful dress.

2. Size: Shows how big or small something is. Examples:

 big
 small
 large
 tiny

Sentence:

 He lives in a big house.

3. Age: Shows how old or new something is. Examples:

 old
 new
 young
 ancient

Sentence:

 They bought a new car.

4. Colour: Shows the colour of the noun. Examples:

 red
 blue
 brown
 black

Sentence:

 She has a black bag.

5. Origin: Shows where something comes from. Examples:

  Nigerian
 African
 Chinese
 English

Sentence:

 He bought a Nigerian fabric.

6. Material: Shows what something is made of. Examples:

 wooden
 plastic
 leather
 gold

Sentence:

 She sat on a wooden chair.

FULL EXAMPLE (ALL COMBINED)

Correct Order:

 A beautiful small old brown wooden table

 beautiful → opinion
 small → size
 old → age
 brown → colour
 wooden → material

MORE EXAMPLES

 a lovely big new white Nigerian house

 an ugly small old black leather bag
 a beautiful large ancient Greek statue

WEEK 2 PERIOD 2.

TOPIC: ORACY – PHONEMES /f/ AND /v/

A phoneme is the smallest unit of sound in a language that can change meaning.

/f/ Sound: This is a voiceless sound. During articulation, the lower lip touches the upper teeth, and air is
released forcefully. Examples: fan, fish, leaf, laugh etc.
/v/ Sound: This is a voiced consonant. During articulation, the lower lip also touch the upper teeth and vocal
cords vibrate while air passes out. Examples: van, vase, love, river

Minimal Pairs

 fan / van
 fine / vine
 ferry / very

WEEK 2 PERIOD 3.

TOPIC: TYPES OF COMPOSITION

Composition is the art of writing essays in a clear, correct, and organized manner.

1. Narrative Essay: A narrative essay tells a story or event that happened in the past.

Features:

a. Uses past tense

b. Has a storyline
c. Includes characters, setting, and plot
d. Events are arranged in chronological order

Example Topics:

a. My First Day in Secondary School

b. How I Spent My Last Holiday

2. Descriptive Essay: A descriptive essay gives a clear and vivid picture of a person, place, object, or
animal.

Features:

a. Uses adjectives
b. Uses figurative language (simile, metaphor)
c. Appeals to the five senses
d. Written mainly in present tense

Example Topics

a. My Best Teacher
b. Our School Library

3. Argumentative Essay: An argumentative essay discusses an issue by presenting points for and against
the topic.
Features:

a. Logical presentation of ideas

b. Use of facts and examples
c. Clear stand taken by the writer

Example Topics

a. Mothers are more important than fathers

b. Boarding schools are better than day schools

4. Expository Essay: An expository essay explains or gives information about a topic using facts and
examples.

Features:

a. Informative and factual

b. Clear and logical explanation
c. No personal feelings

Example Topics

a. The Causes of Road Accidents

b. How to Prevent Examination Malpractice

WEEK 2 – EVALUATION TEST

OBJECTIVE

1. Which essay tells a story?

A. Descriptive
B. Narrative
C. Expository
D. Argumentative

2. The /v/ sound is ______

A. voiceless
B. silent
C. voiced
D. nasal

THEORY

1. Explain any three types of composition.

 2. Write five words each with /f/ and /v/ sounds.

WEEK 3 PERIOD 1

TOPIC: ADVERB

Definition

An adverb is a word that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb.

Types of Adverbs

Adverb of Manner: This answers the question ‘how’, thereby, showing how an action was performed.
Examples: slowly, neatly, grudgingly, beautifully, angrily, happily, sadly, immediately

Adverb of Time: This answers the question ‘when, thereby, showing the time or when an action was
performed. Examples: today, yesterday, later, then, earlier, before, after, tomorrow etc

Adverb of Place: This answers the question ‘where, thereby, showing the place or where an action was
performed. Examples: here, there, etc

Adverb of Frequency: This answers the question ‘how often’, thereby, showing how often an action was
performed. Examples: always, often, regularly, rarely, occasionally etc.

Adverb of Degree: This answers the question ‘to what extent, thereby, showing to what extent an action was
performed. Examples: very, so, too, extremely, etc

WEEK 3 PERIOD 2.

TOPIC: ORACY – PHONEMES /dʒ/ AND /tʃ/

Description of /dʒ/: It is a voiced affricate sound. During articulation, the tip of the tongue touches the roof of
the mouth (just behind the teeth), air is briefly trapped and then, released slowly with vibration in the throat.

 Examples of /dʒ/ Sound: jug, giant, major, judge, agent, edge, joy, etc.

Sentence Examples

a. The jug is full of water.

b. She felt great joy.
c. The man is a judge.
Description of /tʃ/: It is a voiceless affricate sound. During articulation, the tip of the tongue touches the roof
of the mouth (just behind the teeth. The air is stopped and released suddenly and there is no vibration in the
throat

Examples of /tʃ/ sound: chair, church, teacher, picture, nature, match, watch, etc

WEEK 3 PERIOD 3

TOPIC: DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY – ELEMENTS

A descriptive essay is a composition that gives a clear and vivid picture of a person, place, object, or animal
so that the reader can imagine it clearly.

ELEMENTS OF A DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY

A good descriptive essay has three main parts:

1. Introduction
2. Body
3. Conclusion

1. INTRODUCTION: The introduction is the opening paragraph of the essay. It tells the reader what or
who is being described.

Functions of the Introduction

a. Introduces the subject

b. Arouses the reader’s interest
c. Gives a brief background

What a Good Introduction Should Contain

a. Name or identity of the subject

b. General description

Example

Topic: My Best Friend

My best friend is Ada, a kind and hardworking girl who has been my companion since primary school.

2. BODY: The body is the main part of the essay where detailed description is given.

What the Body Contains

 Physical appearance
 Size and shape
 Colour
 Behaviour and habits
  Special features

Order of Description

Descriptions should be arranged logically, for example:

a. from head to toe (for a person)

b. from outside to inside (for a place)

Example

Ada is tall and slim, with bright eyes and a cheerful smile. She speaks politely and always helps others in class.

Language Used in the Body

a. Adjectives: Ada is tall and slim.

b. Figurative expressions (similes, metaphors)
o Her smile is like sunshine.

3. CONCLUSION: The conclusion is the final paragraph of the essay.

Functions of the Conclusion

a. It summarizes the description.

b. It expresses the writer’s final opinion or feeling.

What a Good Conclusion Should Do

 Restate the importance of the subject

 End the essay properly

Example

In conclusion, Ada is not only my best friend but also a source of inspiration to me.

COMMON ERRORS IN DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS

a. Poor introduction
b. Repetition of ideas
c. Lack of adjectives
d. No proper conclusion

WEEK 3 – EVALUATION TEST

THEORY

1. Write a descriptive essay on ‘My favorite teacher’.

WEEK 4 PERIOD 2

TOPIC: GRAMMAR – CONJUNCTION (VERY IN-DEPTH)

A conjunction is a word used to join words, phrases, or clauses together in a sentence.

Examples:

 I came and I saw him.

 She wanted to go but she was tired.

TYPES OF CONJUNCTIONS

A. Coordinating Conjunctions

They join words or clauses of equal importance. This means that they are used to join two simple sentences
together. They are known by the acronym FANBOYS which stands for: for. and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

Examples:

a. He is poor but honest.

b. You can stay or leave.

B. Subordinating Conjunctions: They join a main clause to a subordinate clause. Examples:

because, although, when, while, if, since, though etc.

Examples:

a. I stayed at home because it rained.

b. Although she was tired, she continued reading.

C. Correlating Conjunctions: They are pairs of words that work together to link words, phrases or clauses
together. Examples: either…or, neither…nor, not only…but also, both…and.

a. I love both apples and oranges.

b. He is not only rich but also famous.

Functions of conjunctions

a. Improve sentence flow

b. Avoid repetition
c. Link ideas logically in essays

WEEK 4 PERIOD 3
TOPIC: ORACY- PHONEMES /k/ AND /g/
The sounds /k/ and /g/ are velar plosive consonants. They are both made at the back of the mouth, where the
back of the tongue touches the soft palate (velum). The difference between them is that /k/ is voiceless,
while /g/ is voiced.

Description of the Sounds

Sound Type Description Example Words

/k/ Voiceless Produced without vibration of the vocal cords cat, come, cook, pack
/g/ Voiced Produced with vibration of the vocal cords goat, girl, bag, game

Minimal Pairs (showing contrast)

/k/ /g/
coat goat
came game
car guard
back bag
cool goal

Examples in Sentences

1. The cat chased the goat.

2. He came early to the game.
3. The car is parked near the gate.
4. I put my bag at the back of the chair.

WEEK 4 PERIOD 4
TOPIC: ARGUMENTATIVE WRITING (INTRODUCTION)

Argumentative writing is a style of writing where the writer presents a claim and supports it with reasons,
evidence, and counter-arguments to persuade the reader.

Features of Argumentative Writing

1. Thesis Statement: The main idea or claim.

2. Arguments: Points that support the thesis.
3. Counter-Arguments: Opposing views and their refutation.
4. Evidence: Facts, examples, statistics, or expert opinions.
5. Formal and Persuasive Language: Logical, clear, and respectful tone.

Structure of an Argumentative Essay

 1. Introduction: Present topic and thesis statement. State your position clearly.
2. Body Paragraphs: Present arguments, supporting evidence, and refute counter-arguments logically.
Each paragraph contains one point which must be backed up by examples, facts and figures.
3. Conclusion: Restate thesis, summarize main points, and end with a strong closing statement.

Example Topics:

 Should students be allowed to use mobile phones in school?

 Is social media harmful to teenagers?
 Should uniforms be compulsory in schools?

WEEK 4 – EVALUATION TEST

THEORY

1. Define a conjunction.
2. Mention two types of conjunctions and give two examples each.
3. Write a short paragraph supporting or opposing school uniforms.

WEEK 5 PERIOD 1

TOPIC: READING – SUPPORTING DETAILS

Supporting Details: Supporting details are facts, examples, or explanations that help to explain the main
idea of a paragraph.

Example:
Main Idea: Exercise is important.
Supporting Details:

a. It improves health
b. It prevents diseases

TRANSITION MARKERS: These are words that help link ideas smoothly.

Examples:

 firstly, secondly
 however
 moreover
 therefore
 finally
 in addition
 furthermore
 also

WEEK 5 PERIOD 2
TOPIC: ORACY – PHONEMES /s/ AND /z/

THE /s/ SOUND (VOICELESS): /s/ is a voiceless alveolar fricative. “Voiceless” means there is no
vibration in the throat. During articulation, the tip of the tongue is placed close to the ridge behind the upper
teeth air passes between the tongue and the ridge behind the upper teeth, producing a hissing sound.

Examples of /s/: sun, school, lesson, bus, basic, class, etc.

SENTENCE EXAMPLES

 The sun is hot.

 Please sit down.
 I ate rice.

4. THE /z/ SOUND (VOICED): /z/ is a voiced alveolar fricative. “Voiced” means the vocal cords vibrate.
The mouth position is the same as /s/, but with vibration.

Examples of /z/: zero, buzz, zero, nose, music, boys, prize, etc.

SENTENCE EXAMPLES

 We went to the zoo.

 She has a rose flower.
 He won a prize.

WEEK 5 PERIOD 3

TOPIC: EXPOSITORY ESSAY – LOGICAL SEQUENCE

An expository essay is a type of composition that explains, describes, or gives factual information about a
topic. The writer’s aim is to inform or educate the reader, not to entertain or argue. In an expository essay,
facts, examples, and explanations are used, ideas are explained clearly and personal opinions and emotions are
avoided. An expository essay is written to:

a. Explain how something works

b. Describe reasons or causes
c. Give information or instructions
d. Educate the reader on an issue

Examples of Expository Topics

a. The Causes of Road Accidents

b. How to Prevent Examination Malpractice
c. The Importance of Clean Water
d. Effects of Environmental Pollution

ARRANGEMENT OF IDEAS IN AN EXPOSITORY ESSAY

A good expository essay is divided into three main parts:

A. INTRODUCTION: The introduction is the opening paragraph of the essay. It introduces the topic
and prepares the reader for what the essay will explain. A good introduction should contain:

a. A brief explanation of the topic

b. A clear statement of what will be discussed

Example Introduction

Topic: The Importance of Clean Water

Clean water is essential for human survival and good health. This essay explains the importance of clean water
and why it must be protected.

B. BODY – EXPLANATION OF POINTS IN LOGICAL ORDER (VERY IMPORTANT)

The body is the main part of the expository essay. Each paragraph explains one main point clearly.

LOGICAL ORDER OF IDEAS

To make the essay clear and easy to understand, ideas must be arranged in a logical order.

1. CAUSE TO EFFECT

This method explains:

a. Causes (reasons something happens)

b. Effects (results of those causes)

Example:

Topic: Causes of Road Accidents

Causes

a. Over-speeding
b. Reckless driving

Effects

a. Loss of lives
b. Damage to property

2. SIMPLE TO COMPLEX: This method starts with easy ideas first, then more difficult or detailed
ideas later

Example:

Topic: How to Maintain Personal Hygiene

a. Washing hands regularly

b. Bathing daily
c. Keeping the environment clean

3. GENERAL TO SPECIFIC: This method starts with a general idea, then moves to specific examples
or details.

Example:

Topic: Environmental Pollution

 Pollution affects the environment

 Water pollution contaminates rivers
 Air pollution causes breathing problems

USE OF TRANSITION WORDS: Transition words help connect ideas smoothly.

Examples:

 firstly, secondly
 moreover
 as a result
 therefore
 finally

WEEK 5 – EVALUATION TEST

1. Explain supporting details.

2. Write five transition markers.
3. Write an outline on The Importance of Clean Water.

WEEK 6 PERIOD 2
TOPIC: PARTS OF SPEECH: PREPOSITION

A preposition is a word used to show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and another word in a
sentence. It usually shows position, direction, time, or manner.

Common Prepositions are in, on, at, under, above, over, behind, beside, between, among, to, from, with, by,
for, before, after, during

Uses of Prepositions

1. To Show Place or Position

a. The book is on the table.

b. The bag is under the bed.

2. To Show Direction or Movement

 a. She walked to school.
b. He came from the market.

3. To Show Time

a. The lesson starts at 9 a.m.

b. We travelled during the holiday.

4. To Show Relationship or Instrument

a. The girl came with her mother.

b. The letter was written by the teacher.

Prepositional Phrase

A prepositional phrase begins with a preposition and ends with a noun or pronoun.

Examples:

 in the classroom
 under the tree
 beside the road.

WEEK 6 PERIOD 3
TOPIC: ORACY SKILLS: USING SONGS AND TONGUE TWISTERS TO COMPARE /θ/ AND /ð/

The /θ/ Sound (Voiceless dental fricative): During articulation, the tip of the tongue is placed between the
upper and lower teeth, the teeth are slightly apart and air passes out freely. The vocal cords do not vibrate

Examples:
thin, think, thank, tooth, three

The /ð/ Sound (Voiced dental fricative): During articulation, the tip of the tongue is placed between the
upper and lower teeth. The tongue position is the same as /θ/. Air passes out gradually between the tongue
and teeth. The airflow is restricted but not stopped and the vocal cords vibrate

Examples:
this, that, those, them, father, mother, bathe

Using Tongue Twisters

 /θ/: Thirty-three thieves thought they thrilled the throne.

 /ð/: This, that, those are their things.

WEEK 6 PERIOD 4
TOPIC: WRITING: DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY – ARRANGEMENT IN LOGICAL SEQUENCE

A descriptive essay is a type of composition in which a writer describes a person, place, object, or event
vividly, so that the reader can imagine it clearly.

Logical Sequence

Logical sequence means arranging ideas in a clear, orderly, and meaningful way so the essay flows
smoothly.

Arrangement of a Descriptive Essay

1. Introduction: This introduces and gives a general overview of what is being described.

Example:
My school is one of the most attractive places in my community.

2. Body

 This is the main part of the essay. Make sure t make use of adjectives and sensory details (sight, sound,
smell). Ideas must be arranged logically, such as:

a. From general to specific

b. From outside to inside
c. From top to bottom

Example (Describing a School):

a. Location and surroundings

b. Buildings and facilities
c. Teachers and students

3. Conclusion: This part summarizes the description. You are expected to state personal feelings

Example:
I am proud to be a student of such a wonderful school.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

a. Poor paragraphing
b. Jumping ideas without order
c. Using too many adjectives without meaning

WEEK 6 – EVALUATION TEST

1. Define a preposition.
2. State two uses of prepositions.
3. Mention two examples of words that contain the /θ/ sound.
4. Mention two examples of words that contain the /ð/ sound.
5. What is meant by logical arrangement of ideas in descriptive writing?