Grade 8 Study Guide English Home Language

Senior Phase Grade 8 • Study Guide

English Home Language CAPS IEB English Home Language

texts for comprehension exercises, speeches and reading.

• Includes with Roald Dahl’s The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar & Six More • Use for the literature component. tips for better writing, critical reading and understanding.

• Contains levels of questions and activities to develop language skills.

• Various explanations on grammar and syntax.

• Complete examples of writing tasks.

• Practical independent reading and broadens vocabulary.

• Encourages • Use in school or at home.

home classroom college workplace

9 781990

Study Guide

1908-E-EHL-SG01

948039

8

English First Additional Language Study guide

CAPS aligned

J Petersen W Pichler

2008-A-FAL-SG01

Í4(È-A-FAL-SG01jÎ

Grade 8

Study Guide G08 ~ English First Additional Language

CONTENTS LESSON ELEMENTS ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 9 PREFACE �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 10 YEAR PLAN ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 11 UNIT 1: Weeks 1 – 2...........................................................................................................12 Lesson 1: Traditional ceremonies........................................................................................12 SECTION 1: LISTENING AND SPEAKING ���������������������������������������������������������� 13 Activity 1: Participate in a group discussion..........................................................13 Activity 2: Do a listening comprehension...............................................................13 SECTION 2: READING AND VIEWING ��������������������������������������������������������������� 13 Activity 3: Discuss the features of a short story.....................................................13 Activity 4: Read a short story.................................................................................14 Activity 5: Discuss a short story.............................................................................16 Activity 6: Answer questions on a short story........................................................16 SECTION 3: WRITING AND PRESENTING �������������������������������������������������������� 17 Activity 7: Plan a narrative essay...........................................................................17 Activity 8: Draft a narrative essay..........................................................................18 Activity 9: Edit a narrative essay............................................................................18 Activity 10: Write a narrative essay........................................................................19 SECTION 4: LANGUAGE STRUCTURES AND CONVENTIONS ����������������������� 19 Activity 11: Subject-verb agreement......................................................................19 Activity 12: Adverbs...............................................................................................20 UNIT 1: Weeks 3 – 4 ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 22 Lesson 2: My parliament .................................................................................................... 22 SECTION 1: LISTENING AND SPEAKING ���������������������������������������������������������� 23 Activity 13: Listen to a speech...............................................................................23 Activity 14: Prepare a speech................................................................................23 SECTION 2: READING AND VIEWING ��������������������������������������������������������������� 24 Activity 15: Read a speech....................................................................................24 Activity 16: Discuss a speech................................................................................26 Activity 17: Do a comprehension...........................................................................26 Activity 18: Independent reading...........................................................................27 SECTION 3: WRITING AND PRESENTING �������������������������������������������������������� 27 Activity 19: Plan a speech.....................................................................................27 Activity 20: Draft a speech.....................................................................................28 Activity 21: Edit a speech......................................................................................28 Activity 22: Write a speech....................................................................................28 SECTION 4: LANGUAGE STRUCTURES AND CONVENTIONS ����������������������� 28 Activity 23: Finite and infinite verbs.......................................................................28 UNIT 1: Weeks 5 – 6...........................................................................................................30 Lesson 3: Visual media ......................................................................................................30 SECTION 1: LISTENING AND SPEAKING ���������������������������������������������������������� 31 Activity 24: Discuss an audio-visual text................................................................31 Activity 25: Do a listening comprehension.............................................................31 Activity 26: Reconstruct scenes.............................................................................32 1

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Study Guide G08 ~ English First Additional Language

SECTION 2: READING AND VIEWING ���������������������������������������������������������������32 Activity 27: Read a novel.......................................................................................32 Activity 28: Identify the key features of a novel.....................................................33 Activity 29: Compare a novel.................................................................................34 Activity 30: Read for comprehension.....................................................................34 SECTION 3: WRITING AND PRESENTING ��������������������������������������������������������35 Activity 31: Plan a friendly letter............................................................................35 Activity 32: Draft a friendly letter............................................................................36 Activity 33: Edit a friendly letter.............................................................................36 Activity 34: Write a friendly letter...........................................................................36 SECTION 4: LANGUAGE STRUCTURES AND CONVENTIONS �����������������������37 Activity 35: Degrees of comparison.......................................................................37 Activity 36: Clauses...............................................................................................38 UNIT 1: Weeks 7 – 8...........................................................................................................40 Lesson 4: Being a boss.......................................................................................................40 SECTION 1: LISTENING AND SPEAKING ����������������������������������������������������������41 Activity 37: Discuss a magazine article.................................................................41 Activity 38: Present an unprepared speech...........................................................41 SECTION 2: READING AND VIEWING ���������������������������������������������������������������41 Activity 39: Read a magazine article.....................................................................41 Activity 40: Discuss a magazine article.................................................................42 Activity 41: Answer questions................................................................................43 Activity 42: Read a poem.......................................................................................43 Activity 43: Discuss a poem...................................................................................44 SECTION 3: WRITING AND PRESENTING ��������������������������������������������������������45 Activity 44: Plan a magazine article.......................................................................45 Activity 45: Draft a magazine article......................................................................45 Activity 46: Edit and revise a magazine article......................................................45 Activity 47: Write a magazine article......................................................................45 SECTION 4: LANGUAGE STRUCTURES AND CONVENTIONS �����������������������46 Activity 48: Simple tense.......................................................................................46 Activity 49: Apostrophe..........................................................................................46 UNIT 1: Weeks 9 – 10.........................................................................................................48 Lesson 5: Community tourism.............................................................................................48 SECTION 1: LISTENING AND SPEAKING ����������������������������������������������������������49 Activity 50: Do a listening comprehension.............................................................49 Activity 51: Participate in a discussion...................................................................49 Activity 52: Do an interview ..................................................................................49 SECTION 2: READING AND VIEWING ���������������������������������������������������������������50 Activity 53: Read an investigative report...............................................................50 Activity 54: Discuss an investigative report...........................................................51 Activity 55: Read a poem.......................................................................................52 Activity 56: Discuss a poem...................................................................................53 SECTION 3: WRITING AND PRESENTING ��������������������������������������������������������53 Activity 57: Plan an investigative report.................................................................53 Activity 58: Draft an investigative report................................................................53 Activity 59: Edit an investigative report..................................................................54 © Impaq

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Study Guide G08 ~ English First Additional Language

Activity 60: Write an investigative report................................................................54 SECTION 4: LANGUAGE STRUCTURES AND CONVENTIONS ����������������������� 54 Activity 61: Sentences...........................................................................................54 UNIT 2: Weeks 1 – 2 ..........................................................................................................56 Lesson 6: Conservation.......................................................................................................56 SECTION 1: LISTENING AND SPEAKING ���������������������������������������������������������� 57 Activity 62: Give directions....................................................................................57 Activity 63: Do a listening comprehension.............................................................57 SECTION 2: READING AND VIEWING ��������������������������������������������������������������� 57 Activity 64: Pre-read a text....................................................................................57 Activity 65: Read an information text.....................................................................58 Activity 66: Answer questions................................................................................59 Activity 67: Make a summary.................................................................................59 Activity 68: Read a poem.......................................................................................59 Activity 69: Discuss a poem...................................................................................60 SECTION 3: WRITING AND PRESENTING �������������������������������������������������������� 61 Activity 70: Plan an instructional text.....................................................................61 Activity 71: Draft an instructional text....................................................................61 Activity 72: Edit an instructional text......................................................................62 Activity 73: Write an instructional text....................................................................62 SECTION 4: LANGUAGE STRUCTURES AND CONVENTIONS ����������������������� 62 Activity 74: Nouns..................................................................................................62 UNIT 2: Weeks 3 – 4 ..........................................................................................................64 Lesson 7: Fracking..............................................................................................................64 SECTION 1: LISTENING AND SPEAKING ���������������������������������������������������������� 65 Activity 75: Participate in a debate........................................................................65 SECTION 2: READING AND VIEWING ��������������������������������������������������������������� 66 Activity 76: Pre-read an article...............................................................................66 Activity 77: Read an article....................................................................................66 Activity 78: Discuss the features of an article........................................................67 Activity 79: Do a comprehension...........................................................................68 Activity 80: Read a poem.......................................................................................68 Activity 81: Discuss a poem...................................................................................69 SECTION 3: WRITING AND PRESENTING �������������������������������������������������������� 69 Activity 82: Plan a dialogue...................................................................................69 Activity 83: Draft a dialogue...................................................................................69 Activity 84: Edit a dialogue....................................................................................70 Activity 85: Write a dialogue..................................................................................70 SECTION 4: LANGUAGE STRUCTURES AND CONVENTIONS ����������������������� 70 Activity 86: Direct and indirect speech...................................................................70 Activity 87: Homonyms and homophones.............................................................71

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Study Guide G08 ~ English First Additional Language

UNIT 2: Weeks 5 – 6 ..........................................................................................................73 Lesson 8: Table Mountain....................................................................................................73 SECTION 1: LISTENING AND SPEAKING ���������������������������������������������������������� 74 Activity 88: Listen to an interview..........................................................................74 Activity 89: Do an interview...................................................................................74 SECTION 2: READING AND VIEWING ��������������������������������������������������������������� 75 Activity 90: Read a play.........................................................................................75 Activity 91: Discuss a play.....................................................................................76 Activity 92: Read a poem.......................................................................................77 Activity 93: Discuss a poem...................................................................................78 Activity 94: Do a comprehension...........................................................................78 SECTION 3: WRITING AND PRESENTING �������������������������������������������������������� 80 Activity 95: Plan a written interview.......................................................................80 Activity 96: Draft a written interview.......................................................................81 Activity 97: Edit a written interview........................................................................81 Activity 98: Write the interview...............................................................................81 SECTION 4: LANGUAGE STRUCTURES AND CONVENTIONS ����������������������� 81 Activity 99: Puns....................................................................................................81 Activity 100: Adverbs of place and frequency........................................................82 UNIT 2: Weeks 7 – 8 ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 83 Lesson 9: Love the earth!....................................................................................................83 SECTION 1: LISTENING AND SPEAKING ���������������������������������������������������������� 84 Activity 101: Participate in a group discussion......................................................84 Activity 102: Do a listening comprehension...........................................................84 SECTION 2: READING AND VIEWING ��������������������������������������������������������������� 85 Activity 103: Read a short story.............................................................................85 Activity 104: Do a comprehension.........................................................................86 Activity 105: Read a poem.....................................................................................86 Activity 106: Discuss a poem.................................................................................87 SECTION 3: WRITING AND PRESENTING �������������������������������������������������������� 87 Activity 107: Plan a story review ...........................................................................87 Activity 108: Draft a story review...........................................................................88 Activity 109: Edit a story review.............................................................................88 Activity 110: Write a story review...........................................................................89 SECTION 4: LANGUAGE STRUCTURES AND CONVENTIONS ����������������������� 89 Activity 111: Prefixes..............................................................................................89 Activity 112: Suffixes..............................................................................................89 UNIT 3: Weeks 1 – 2 ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 91 Lesson 10: Social media.....................................................................................................91 SECTION 1: LISTENING AND SPEAKING ���������������������������������������������������������� 92 Activity 113: Do a listening comprehension ..........................................................92 Activity 114: Participate in a discussion.................................................................92 SECTION 2: READING AND VIEWING ��������������������������������������������������������������� 93 Activity 115: Read a play.......................................................................................93 Activity 116: Do a comprehension.........................................................................96 Activity 117: Read a poem.....................................................................................96 Activity 118: Discuss a poem.................................................................................97 © Impaq

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Study Guide G08 ~ English First Additional Language

SECTION 3: WRITING AND PRESENTING �������������������������������������������������������� 97 Activity 119: Plan a dialogue..................................................................................97 Activity 120: Draft a dialogue.................................................................................98 Activity 121: Edit a dialogue..................................................................................98 Activity 122: Write a dialogue................................................................................98 SECTION 4: LANGUAGE STRUCTURES AND CONVENTIONS ����������������������� 99 Activity 123: Continuous tenses............................................................................99 UNIT 3: Weeks 3 – 4 �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 100 Lesson 11: The world of art .............................................................................................. 100 SECTION 1: LISTENING AND SPEAKING �������������������������������������������������������� 101 Activity 124: Do a listening comprehension.........................................................101 Activity 125: Participate in a group discussion....................................................101 SECTION 2: READING AND VIEWING ������������������������������������������������������������� 102 Activity 126: Pre-read a newspaper article..........................................................102 Activity 127: Read a newspaper article...............................................................102 Activity 128: Answer questions on a newspaper article.......................................103 Activity 129: Read a poem...................................................................................103 Activity 130: Discuss a poem...............................................................................104 SECTION 3: WRITING AND PRESENTING ������������������������������������������������������ 104 Activity 131: Plan a letter to the press.................................................................104 Activity 132: Draft a letter to the press.................................................................105 Activity 133: Edit a letter to the press..................................................................106 Activity 134: Write a letter to the press................................................................106 SECTION 4: LANGUAGE STRUCTURES AND CONVENTIONS ��������������������� 106 Activity 135: Adverbs of manner, place and degree............................................106 Activity 136: Types of sentences.........................................................................107 UNIT 3: Weeks 5 – 6 ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 108 Lesson 12: We’re hiring!....................................................................................................108 SECTION 1: LISTENING AND SPEAKING ���������������������������������������������������������������������� 109 Activity 137: Present an unprepared speech.......................................................109 Activity 138: Listen to a speech ..........................................................................109 SECTION 2: READING AND VIEWING ������������������������������������������������������������� 110 Activity 139: Read a CV....................................................................................... 110 Activity 140: Discuss the features of a CV........................................................... 111 Activity 141: Read a poem................................................................................... 112 Activity 142: Discuss a poem............................................................................... 112 Activity 143: Study a cartoon for comprehension................................................ 113 SECTION 3: WRITING AND PRESENTING ������������������������������������������������������ 114 Activity 144: Plan a CV........................................................................................ 114 Activity 145: Draft a CV....................................................................................... 114 Activity 146: Edit a CV......................................................................................... 115 Activity 147: Write a CV....................................................................................... 115 SECTION 4: LANGUAGE STRUCTURES AND CONVENTIONS ��������������������� 115 Activity 148: Sentences....................................................................................... 115 Activity 149: Spelling: The doubling rule.............................................................. 116

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Study Guide G08 ~ English First Additional Language

UNIT 3: Weeks 7 – 8 ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 117 Lesson 13: Study abroad. See the world.......................................................................... 117 SECTION 1: LISTENING AND SPEAKING �������������������������������������������������������� 118 Activity 150: Listen to an information text............................................................ 118 Activity 151: Tell a story....................................................................................... 118 SECTION 2: READING AND VIEWING ������������������������������������������������������������� 119 Activity 152: Read a personal recount................................................................. 119 Activity 153: Discuss a personal recount.............................................................120 Activity 154: Read a poem...................................................................................121 Activity 155: Discuss a poem...............................................................................121 Activity 156: Do a comprehension.......................................................................122 SECTION 3: WRITING AND PRESENTING ������������������������������������������������������123 Activity 157: Plan a story.....................................................................................123 Activity 158: Draft a story.....................................................................................123 Activity 159: Edit a story......................................................................................124 Activity 160: Write a story....................................................................................124 SECTION 4: LANGUAGE STRUCTURES AND CONVENTIONS ���������������������124 Activity 161: Prepositions....................................................................................124 Activity 162: Idioms..............................................................................................125 UNIT 3: Weeks 9 – 10 ......................................................................................................127 Lesson 14: Success in sport ............................................................................................127 SECTION 1: LISTENING AND SPEAKING ��������������������������������������������������������128 Activity 163: Listen to a short story......................................................................128 Activity 164: Do prepared reading.......................................................................128 SECTION 2: READING AND VIEWING �������������������������������������������������������������128 Activity 165: Read a short story...........................................................................128 Activity 166: Discuss a short story.......................................................................130 Activity 167: Do a comprehension.......................................................................130 Activity 168: Read and discuss a poem...............................................................131 SECTION 3: WRITING AND PRESENTING ������������������������������������������������������132 Activity 169: Plan a descriptive essay.................................................................132 Activity 170: Draft a descriptive essay.................................................................133 Activity 171: Edit a descriptive essay..................................................................133 Activity 172: Write a descriptive essay................................................................133 SECTION 4: LANGUAGE STRUCTURES AND CONVENTIONS ���������������������133 Activity 173: Nouns..............................................................................................133 UNIT 4: Weeks 1 – 2 �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������135 Lesson 15: Celebrity role models .....................................................................................135 SECTION 1: LISTENING AND SPEAKING.........................................................136 Activity 174: Do a listening comprehension.........................................................136 Activity 175: Discuss celebrity role models..........................................................136 SECTION 2: READING AND VIEWING �������������������������������������������������������������136 Activity 176: Read a magazine article.................................................................136 Activity 177: Discuss a magazine article.............................................................138 Activity 178: Do a comprehension.......................................................................138 Activity 179: Write a summary.............................................................................140 SECTION 3: WRITING AND PRESENTING ������������������������������������������������������140 © Impaq

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Study Guide G08 ~ English First Additional Language

Activity 180: Plan a magazine article...................................................................140 Activity 181: Draft a magazine article..................................................................141 Activity 182: Edit a magazine article....................................................................141 Activity 183: Write a magazine article..................................................................142 SECTION 4: LANGUAGE STRUCTURES AND CONVENTIONS ��������������������� 142 Activity 184: Gerund............................................................................................142 Activity 185: Fact and opinion..............................................................................142 UNIT 4: Weeks 3 – 4.........................................................................................................144 Lesson 16: Healthy relationships......................................................................................144 SECTION 1: LISTENING AND SPEAKING �������������������������������������������������������� 145 Activity 186: Participate in a debate....................................................................145 Activity 187: Participate in a group discussion....................................................146 SECTION 2: READING AND VIEWING ������������������������������������������������������������� 146 Activity 188: Read a story....................................................................................146 Activity 189: Discuss a story................................................................................149 Activity 190: Do a comprehension.......................................................................149 SECTION 3: WRITING AND PRESENTING ������������������������������������������������������ 149 Activity 191: Plan a diary entry............................................................................149 Activity 192: Draft a diary entry............................................................................150 Activity 193: Edit a diary entry.............................................................................151 Activity 194: Write a diary entry...........................................................................151 SECTION 4: LANGUAGE STRUCTURES AND CONVENTIONS ��������������������� 151 Activity 195: Moods.............................................................................................151 UNIT 4: Weeks 5 – 6 ........................................................................................................153 Lesson 17: Be cyber smart................................................................................................153 SECTION 1: LISTENING AND SPEAKING �������������������������������������������������������� 154 Activity 196: Listen to a text read aloud...............................................................154 Activity 197: Participate in a dialogue..................................................................154 SECTION 2: READING AND VIEWING ������������������������������������������������������������� 154 Activity 198: Read a blog post.............................................................................154 Activity 199: Discuss a blog post.........................................................................156 Activity 200: Do a comprehension.......................................................................156 Activity 201: Read a poem...................................................................................156 Activity 202: Discuss a poem...............................................................................157 SECTION 3: WRITING AND PRESENTING ������������������������������������������������������ 157 Activity 203: Plan a blog post..............................................................................157 Activity 204: Draft a blog post..............................................................................158 Activity 205: Edit a blog post...............................................................................158 Activity 206: Write a blog post.............................................................................158 SECTION 4: LANGUAGE STRUCTURES AND CONVENTIONS ��������������������� 159 Activity 207: Bias and prejudice...........................................................................159 Activity 208: Relative pronouns...........................................................................159 UNIT 4: Weeks 7 – 8 ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 161 Lesson 18: Take time out...................................................................................................161 SECTION 1: LISTENING AND SPEAKING �������������������������������������������������������� 162 Activity 209: Do a listening comprehension.........................................................162 7

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Study Guide G08 ~ English First Additional Language

Activity 210: Do prepared reading.......................................................................162 Activity 211: Participate in an interview................................................................162 SECTION 2: READING AND VIEWING ������������������������������������������������������������� 162 Activity 212: Do a comprehension.......................................................................162 Activity 213: Write a summary.............................................................................164 Activity 214: Revise a short story/novel...............................................................164 Activity 215: Revise a drama/play.......................................................................165 Activity 216: Revise poetry..................................................................................165 SECTION 3: WRITING AND PRESENTING ������������������������������������������������������ 166 Activity 217: Revise essay writing.......................................................................166 Activity 218: Revise transactional texts...............................................................167 SECTION 4: LANGUAGE STRUCTURES AND CONVENTIONS ��������������������� 167 Activity 219: Revise parts of speech....................................................................167 Activity 220: Revise question forms.....................................................................168 REFERENCES..................................................................................................................170 RUBRICS .........................................................................................................................172

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Study Guide G08 ~ English First Additional Language

LESSON ELEMENTS VOCABULARY

The meaning of new words to fully understand the text/content.

TIPS

A useful hint to help improve skills.

LANGUAGE STRUCTURES AND CONVENTIONS Key language elements to be studied, understood and applied to the content of the lesson.

ACTIVITY

Formative assessment to test progress and knowledge.

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Study Guide G08 ~ English First Additional Language

PREFACE RECOMMENDED BOOKS Some age-appropriate books: • To Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee) • The Angel Experiment (The Maximum Ride series) (James Patterson) • The Harry Potter series (J.K. Rowling) • Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie (Jordan Sonnenblick) • Maniac Magee (Jerry Spinelli) • The Twilight Saga (Stephenie Meyer) • The Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins)

INTRODUCTION The study guide has been organised into four units and 18 lessons. Each lesson is taught over two weeks.

Units 1 and 3 each have five themed lessons, and units 2 and 4 have four themed lessons.

At the end of units 1 and 3, you will write tests; and at the end of units 2 and 4, you will write examinations.

Each lesson has four sections: • Listening and speaking • Reading and viewing • Writing and presenting • Language structures and conventions At the beginning of each lesson is a list of items you will cover. At the end of each lesson are remedial and extension activities, which can be completed if time allows.

Each section comprises a number of activities which are detailed in your portfolio book. Your facilitator will use the rubrics at the back of this guide to assess your tasks.

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Study Guide G08 ~ English First Additional Language

YEAR PLAN UNIT

DATE DATE STARTED COMPLETED

LESSON Lesson 1: Traditional ceremonies Lesson 2: My parliament

1

Lesson 3: Visual media Lesson 4: Being a boss Lesson 5: Community tourism Lesson 6: Conservation

2

Lesson 7: Fracking Lesson 8: Table Mountain Lesson 9: Love the earth!

Lesson 10: Social media Lesson 11: The world of art

3

Lesson 12: We’re hiring!

Lesson 13: Study abroad. See the worl.

Lesson 14: Success in sport Lesson 15: Celebrity role models

4

Lesson 16: Healthy relationships Lesson 17: Be cyber smart Lesson 18: Take time out

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Unit

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Study Guide G08 ~ English First Additional Language

UNIT 1: Weeks 1 – 2

Lesson 1: Traditional ceremonies In this lesson you will: • participate in a group discussion • do a listening comprehension • discuss features of a short story • read and discuss a short story • answer questions on a short story • plan, draft, edit and write a narrative essay • practise subject-verb agreement • practise adverbs

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Study Guide G08 ~ English First Additional Language

SECTION 1

SECTION 1:

Unit

1

LISTENING AND SPEAKING

Activity 1: Participate in a group discussion Traditional ceremonies are cultural events held on special occasions or specific days.

They are usually formal events, such as weddings, graduations and funerals, and include rituals performed according to tradition or custom.

1.

Have a discussion about traditional ceremonies.

Use these questions to guide your discussion: 1.

Which traditional ceremonies can you name?

2.

What do you know about these ceremonies?

3.

Can you describe them?

Activity 2: Do a listening comprehension 1.

Pay attention to the article on Zulu weddings your facilitator will read to you.

As you listen take notes on: 1.

The main idea in the article.

2.

Any unfamiliar words.

3.

Specific details in the article.

Have a short discussion about the content, using these questions: 1.

What is the main idea?

2.

Can you relate to the information in the article?

3.

What is lobola?

4.

What does the bride wear in a modern wedding?

5.

How do traditional and modern wedding ceremonies differ?

6.

What types of weddings have you been to?

SECTION 2

SECTION 2:

READING AND VIEWING

Activity 3: Discuss the features of a short story

A short story is longer than an essay and shorter than a novel. Short stories capture an event in a short space of time. A short story has a plot, characters and a setting.

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Unit

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2.

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Study Guide G08 ~ English First Additional Language

What does the plot, characters and setting refer to?

Compare a novel to a short story. What are the pros and cons of both?

Pros and cons refer to the advantages and disadvantages of something.

Activity 4: Read a short story Read the short story three times.

In this story, the author, Philip Baryaruha, relates his memories of growing up in a rural village in Uganda. He highlights the importance of treasuring memories.

Sweet memories

By Philip Baryaruha

Sweet memories are gifts we give ourselves.

Growing up in a simple village like Bushenyi District in Western Uganda, where I spent my childhood, was not just fun, it was a privilege and one that few get to experience. For those who have been lucky enough to live in a traditional village, there is a duty and obligation to share with current and future generations, our sweet memories; and we do this with honour.

The traditional village where I grew up is nestled between three hills and a forest. It is a community of farmers and herdsmen who awaken to the crowing of cocks and beautiful birdsong that fills the air with whispers or cries as sunrays begin to strike ever harder on grass that kisses the dew farewell for the day. Welcome to ‘mizirigyembe’ village; it’s a new day dawning.

Mizirigyembe; where the sun is taken for granted, the rain perpetually needed, and there is always high optimism for a good harvest. Here is a simple flow of life, led by the village chief, and everyone performing their duties.

As a child, my friends and I would wake to the sound of metallic milk containers knocking against each other as they were being carried by the milkmen. It was the younger boys’ job to hold the cows while the men were milking, and we counted on Ngabo, the most stubborn of cows, to kick someone before the end of the morning procedures.

Nathan, our chief milkman, commanded his fellow milkers with arrogance and authority, but still we would regularly hear a curse issued by a frustrated milkman who had spilled his milk. Stock, our old dog, lay next to the milk containers in anticipation of his morning cup of milk. Milking was an activity punctuated by songs in praise of the cows, in the hope they would produce more milk.

As kids, we obviously enjoyed holidays the most, largely because we didn’t have to bathe every morning, clean school uniforms in the evenings, nor look for punishment canes that would be used on us if we misbehaved at school. Village children had responsibilities such as looking after cattle, fetching water, finding and fixing fencing but we also found time to play with our version of a ball made from banana fibre.

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We also took it upon ourselves to ensure that older boys would provide knowledge to those who were younger, about the herbs, fruits, trees, and animals in our surroundings. Once in a while, on those excursions, we would hear the calls of an irritated mom whose son had left home without fetching firewood, and sometimes the distressed cries of a young girl after an encounter with a mean dog.

Midday could be so hot that both human and animal sought shade, except us children. You are forgiven for thinking we would run home for lunch; instead we fed on a variety of wild fruit, mangoes, guavas, or whatever else was in season. We also spent lunchtime trapping lazy guinea fowl and mudfish, and searching for wild honey.

By late afternoon we would be anticipating the unmistakable whistles of the milkmen ready to herd cattle for the day’s second milking session. This was different than the morning milking in that the heat of the day attracted enormous swarms of flies, and the young boys had to work doubly hard to keep them from the cows, using leafy branches to intimidate and swat them away.

The evenings saw village men gather to discuss various issues while having tea. Small boys were responsible for unfolding special wooden chairs for the occasion, and present them to individuals at the gathering.

As evenings wore on, my innocent brain would wonder where the sun went. It would slowly disappear behind one of our village hills but it always left some light for consolation. When that light disappeared it brought to a halt all children’s activities but we were usually entertained by a visitor or two who would regale us with beautiful stories, or taught us songs and proverbs. When guests had finished dining with the host family, they would bid us goodnight and would be escorted on their way by the head or father of the family they had visited.

There was one event that made our village a true marvel! From time to time the hill directly opposite our village, called Ishekye, would suddenly catch fire, usually around 8 p.m. or later. Many people associated the fire with the Bacwezi; people who were believed to be demigods and rumoured to have superior powers. Of that I have no knowledge but I can tell you that when the fire appeared, everyone would be happy. The intervals between fire occurences varied from weeks to months.

Whoever broke the news of the fire’s appearance would feel like a hero. Us kids would shout in unison ‘Ishekye yasia’, meaning ‘Ishekye is on fire’. It burnt so brightly it provided enough light to reach surrounding villages. We would celebrate its appearance playing and dancing, and the older villagers would astonish us with ancient stories related to the fire and our village. Everyone, including the elderly, would eat supper outside.

It was rare for this strange fire to disappear before we went to bed. Most often it would still be burning as we went to sleep, and we would wake in the morning to find, amazingly, that the hill was as green as ever. All the children would wake early to investigate whether the fire had been set by fabled humans that could live on burnt ground, after which they would make the announcement that ‘Ishekye is green’.

The funny thing is that after the fire, life would carry on as usual. The strange fire was part of us; a memory to treasure, a memory to keep, and a memory to share. Truly, some memories are ‘made of gold’.

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Study Guide G08 ~ English First Additional Language

Activity 5: Discuss a short story 1.

Discuss the features of the short story in Activity 4.

Use these questions: 1.

Are there characters in the story?

2.

What is the climax of the story?

3.

What is the setting?

4.

Is there a message in the story?

5.

If you had to illustrate the story, how would you do it?

Personal pronouns refer to people or things (I, you, she, he, they, them): ‘… an uninterested older boy could teach them about their environment …’

Possessive pronouns indicate ownership (his, hers): ‘… a curse issued by a frustrated milkman who had spilled his milk …’

Reflexive pronouns reflect back to the noun (himself, herself): ‘Sweet memories are gifts we give ourselves.’

Relative pronouns join one part of a sentence to another (whom, which, that, who, whose): ‘...look for punishment canes that would be used on us if we misbehaved at school.’

Activity 6: Answer questions on a short story Reread the story in Activity 4 and answer the questions.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

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What is the title of the story?

Who is the author?

Which country is the narrator from?

What was the name of the village the narrator grew up in?

What sound would wake the children?

What did the children do during their lunchtime?

What made the village a marvel?

Can you describe the sudden appearance of the fire?

What does ‘Ishekye yasia’ mean?

Who are the ‘Bacwezi’?

What do you think caused the fire?

How do you know the author enjoyed living in the village?

Can you compare how the serving of supper outside when the fire appears, is similar to traditional ceremonies discussed in Activity 1?

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SECTION 3

SECTION 3:

Unit

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WRITING AND PRESENTING

Activity 7: Plan a narrative essay

A narrative essay tells a story, or gives an account of events. It usually revolves around a plot or storyline, and sometimes has a message/deeper meaning.

• • • • • •

Tips on writing a narrative essay: P lan well as this allows your thoughts to progress logically.

The introduction always tells the reader the time and setting, and introduces the characters.

The body has a number of paragraphs. Each paragraph contains a new thought that builds up to the climax (the highlight of the story).

The conclusion summarises the story.

The characters develop and should be limited in number.

Use dialogue sparingly. The essay shouldn’t look like a play script.

Use the past tense.

Write a narrative essay about: The day I attended a traditional ceremony.

Your essay must be 180 – 210 words, have at least four to seven paragraphs, and include vivid descriptions.

1.

Plan your essay using a mind map.

A mind map is a diagram of ideas. It can include drawings, words, diagrams and pictures.

It is a way to bring your ideas together. Your main topic must be highlighted in the middle of the page with all the ideas branching out from it, like a spiderweb.

Planning and brainstorming tips: • Close your eyes and try to visualise a ‘picture’ of events.

• Write your ideas down on a piece of paper.

• Compile a list of potential events.

• Design a mind map or create a timeline of the story.

• Do not write full sentences at this stage. Consider all ideas from your list before deciding on those you want to use.

• Write your opening sentence. Make sure it is interesting to ‘hook’ the reader into wanting to know more.

• Decide on a closing sentence.

• Draw pictures of your characters if it will help.

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Study Guide G08 ~ English First Additional Language

Activity 8: Draft a narrative essay Write the first draft of your essay.

Write freely as ideas come to you; do not be concerned with spelling or grammar. Place question marks in the margins if you are concerned about spelling or anything else so you can easily find those queries when revising your essay. Leave spaces between lines so you can include the changes you will make later. Refer to your picture, notes or mind map as you work.

Remember to: • use your opening paragraph to introduce the characters and set the scene • have a main body of between two and four paragraphs • use the conclusion to tie up any loose ends.

Synonyms are words similar in meaning: big/huge.

Antonyms are words opposite in meaning: big/little.

Activity 9: Edit a narrative essay Edit your essay using these tips: • Read your draft carefully.

• Check your draft against the rubric to ensure you haven’t omitted anything important.

• Make sure your paragraphs are in the correct order and make sense.

• Improve word choice and descriptions, and remove unnecessary words.

• Correct grammar and punctuation if necessary.

• Go back to the question marks and queries you noted in the margin. Use a dictionary to check spelling.

• Proofread your essay.

Commas separate words in a list and act as brackets in a sentence.

Full stops indicate the end of a sentence.

Capital letters: the first letter of the first word at the beginning of a sentence is always a capital letter; proper nouns are also always capitalised.

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