Giving Directions, Comparing and Placing Adverbs, Informal Letters and Non-Literary Texts

1. Language for Giving Directions

2. Prepositions of Place

3. Model Directions

Visitor: "Excuse me, could you please direct me to the headteacher's office?" Learner: "Certainly, Madam. Go straight through the main gate and walk along the path until you reach the flagpole. Turn left at the flagpole and pass the library on your right. The headteacher's office is the blue door at the end of the corridor, opposite the staff room. It will take you about two minutes."

4. Following Directions

When you receive directions, listen carefully, repeat the main steps to check ("So I turn left at the flagpole, then go to the end of the corridor?"), and ask if anything is unclear. Look out for the landmarks mentioned. If you are given written directions, read them one step at a time.

5. Giving Directions to a Place in Town

For places further away, use street names, well-known landmarks and means of transport: "Take a trotro to Kejetia. When you get down, walk past the Central Mosque and turn right at the Total filling station. The clinic is the yellow building opposite the bank." Always speak clearly and politely, and check that the listener has understood.

1. Comparison of Adverbs

2. Using Comparative Adverbs

Use comparative adverbs to compare two actions: "Kojo writes more neatly than his brother." Use superlative adverbs for three or more: "Of all the girls, Abena sang the most sweetly." One-syllable adverbs add -er and -est; adverbs ending in -ly use "more" and "most".

3. Adverbial Phrases

An adverbial phrase is a group of words that does the job of an adverb: "with great care" (how), "in the morning" (when), "under the table" (where), "every Sunday" (how often). Example: "She walks to school every morning with her brother." Adverbial phrases give extra detail and variety to sentences.

4. Placing Adverbs for Meaning

The position of some adverbs changes the meaning. "Only Kofi passed the test" (no one else passed). "Kofi only passed the test" (he passed but did not do well). "Kofi passed only the test" (he passed nothing else). Place words such as "only", "just", "even" and "almost" next to the word they describe.

5. Starting Sentences with Adverbs

Starting a sentence with an adverb can make writing more interesting: "Slowly, the lion moved towards its prey." "Suddenly, the lights went out." "Unfortunately, the match was cancelled." Put a comma after the adverb when it begins the sentence.

6. Adverbs of Frequency in Daily Routines

Adverbs of frequency are useful for describing routines. They can be arranged from most to least often: always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, never. "I always wake up at five o'clock. I usually sweep the compound before breakfast. I often help my mother at the market on Saturdays, but I rarely go to the cinema. I never miss church on Sundays." Notice that they come before the main verb but after the verb "be": "She is always cheerful."

1. Format of an Informal Letter

2. Model Informal Letter

Asanteman JHS, P. O. Box 45, Kumasi. 10th October, 2025.

Dear Kwesi,

I hope you and your family are well. We are all fine here in Kumasi. I am writing to tell you about my new school and to ask about yours.

My school is very big, with more than six hundred learners. My favourite subject is Science because our teacher, Mr Darko, does many experiments with us. Last week we made a simple electric circuit and lit a small bulb. I have also joined the school choir, and we are preparing for the district music festival.

How is your new school in Takoradi? Have you made new friends? Do you still play football every evening? Please write back soon and tell me everything.

Greet Auntie Esi and Uncle Fiifi for me. I look forward to seeing you during the Christmas holidays.

Your loving cousin, Ama

3. Language of Informal Letters

Informal letters use a friendly, relaxed tone. You may use contractions ("I'm", "can't"), questions to the reader and personal news. However, avoid slang and text-message spellings such as "u" and "4". Paragraphs should still be organised, each with its own idea.

4. Common Errors

Common errors include omitting the date, writing a full name at the end instead of the first name, using formal phrases such as "Yours faithfully" (which belongs to formal letters) and forgetting to answer the question in the topic. Always check that every part of the letter is present.

1. Literary and Non-Literary Texts

Literary texts, such as stories, poems and plays, are written to entertain and express feelings, using imagination and figurative language. Non-literary texts are written to inform, instruct or persuade. They use clear, direct language and special layouts so readers can find information quickly.

2. Types of Non-Literary Texts

3. Sample Notice

NOTICE. INTER-HOUSE ATHLETICS COMPETITION. All learners are informed that the annual inter-house athletics competition will take place on Friday, 24th October, 2025, at the school park from 8:00 a.m. Learners should wear their house colours. Parents are welcome. Signed: Mr K. Boadu, Sports Master.

4. Reading Non-Literary Texts

Read non-literary texts by scanning for the information you need: dates, times, places, prices or instructions. Look at the layout, headings, bold words, pictures and tables. Ask: Who wrote it? Who is it for? What does it want me to know or do?

5. Questions on the Notice

6. Writing a Notice

To write a good notice, put the word NOTICE at the top, followed by a clear heading. In one or two short paragraphs, state what will happen, when, where and who should attend or take action. Keep the language brief and formal. End with the name and position of the person issuing the notice. A notice should be readable at a glance, so avoid long explanations.