Basic 7 · Ghanaian Language · Pronoun
Types of Pronouns, Writing a Narrative Essay and Components of Prose
In this topic you will categorise pronouns according to their types in your Ghanaian language, write a three-paragraph narrative essay, and discuss the components of prose as written literature.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Categorise pronouns into personal, possessive, reflexive, demonstrative and interrogative types
- Write a three-paragraph narrative essay using the features of narrative writing
- Explain the components of prose such as plot, setting, characters and theme
What you already know
- Nouns and the three-paragraph essay plan
- Components of oral literature
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
Lesson 1
- Strand
- Language & Usage
- Sub-strand
- Pronoun
- Indicator
- B7.4.2.1.2 – Categorize pronouns according to their types and construct sentences with them
Introduction
Pronouns stand in place of nouns. Every Ghanaian language has its own pronouns for "I", "you", "he", "she", "we" and "they", and for showing ownership and pointing.
1. Personal Pronouns in Twi
| English | Twi (subject) | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I | me- | Mekɔ. (I go.) |
| you (singular) | wo- | Wokɔ. (You go.) |
| he / she / it | ɔ- / ɛ- | Ɔkɔ. (He or she goes.) |
| we | yɛ- | Yɛkɔ. (We go.) |
| you (plural) | mo- | Mokɔ. (You all go.) |
| they | wɔ- | Wɔkɔ. (They go.) |
In Twi, subject pronouns are often joined to the verb. One pronoun, "ɔ", is used for both "he" and "she", so the context shows who is meant.
2. Other Types of Pronouns
| Type | Twi | English |
|---|---|---|
| possessive | me deɛ, wo deɛ, ne deɛ | mine, yours, his/hers |
| reflexive | me ho, wo ho, ne ho | myself, yourself, himself/herself |
| demonstrative | yei, ɛno | this, that |
| interrogative | hwan?, ɛdeɛn? | who?, what? |
Examples: "Nwoma yi yɛ me deɛ." (This book is mine.) "Mapira me ho." (I have hurt myself.) "Hwan na ɔbaeɛ?" (Who came?)
3. Constructing Sentences with Pronouns
Use pronouns to avoid repeating nouns: "Ama kɔɔ dwam. Ɔtɔɔ nkateɛ." (Ama went to the market. She bought groundnuts.) Make sure each pronoun clearly refers to one person or thing, and choose the correct type for the meaning you want.
4. Pronouns and Respect
In some Ghanaian languages, the plural "you" can be used to show respect when speaking to an elder, just as some languages use special respectful forms. Listen to how elders are addressed in your community and follow that practice.
New words
- personal pronoun
- A pronoun for a person, such as I or they.
- possessive pronoun
- A pronoun that shows ownership, such as mine.
- reflexive pronoun
- A pronoun referring back to the subject, such as myself.
- interrogative pronoun
- A pronoun used to ask questions, such as who.
Summary
- Pronouns include personal, possessive, reflexive, demonstrative and interrogative types.
- In Twi, subject pronouns are often joined to verbs, and "ɔ" means both he and she.
- Use pronouns clearly to avoid repetition and show respect where customary.
Class activity: Pronoun Puppets
- Use puppets to act a short conversation in your Ghanaian language.
- Use at least one pronoun of each type.
- Other groups identify the pronouns used.
You need: Locally made puppets, Printed pronoun cards, Chalkboard, Chalk
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. In Twi, "yɛ-" means…
- A. we
- B. they
- C. you
- D. I
Show answer
Answer: weYɛkɔ: we go.2. "Me ho" is a…
- A. reflexive pronoun
- B. possessive pronoun
- C. demonstrative pronoun
- D. noun
Show answer
Answer: reflexive pronounMyself.3. In Twi, "ɔ" can mean both he and she.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueContext decides.4. A pronoun that shows ownership is a ______ pronoun.
Show answer
Answer: possessivee.g. me deɛ.5. Give two interrogative pronouns in your language and their meanings.
Show answer
Answer: e.g. Twi: hwan (who), ɛdeɛn (what).Question words.6. Why must a pronoun clearly refer to one noun?
Show answer
Answer: So that the listener or reader knows exactly who or what is meant.Clarity.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Writing
- Sub-strand
- Narrative Writing
- Indicator
- B7.5.1.1.2 – Develop a three-paragraph essay using the features of a given text type
Introduction
You have planned your essay; now it is time to write it. A well-written narrative keeps the reader interested from the first line to the last.
1. Writing the Introduction
Begin with a hook, such as a question, a proverb or an exciting moment: "I will never forget the night the river overflowed." Then give the setting (when and where) and introduce the main characters. Keep the introduction short; it should make the reader want to continue.
2. Writing the Body
Tell the main events in order. Use linking words for time (first, then, after that, suddenly). Include descriptive details of what you saw, heard and felt, and add one or two lines of dialogue to bring characters to life. Show the problem clearly and how it was solved.
3. Writing the Conclusion
End by telling how the story finished and how you felt. Give the lesson learned, perhaps with a suitable proverb. A strong ending leaves the reader thinking.
4. Model Essay (translated into English)
Introduction: "Ɛnnɛ nyɛ ɔkyena (Today is not tomorrow)," my grandmother always says. I understood this proverb fully on the night the Densu River overflowed in our village near Nsawam.
Body: It had rained for three days. At midnight, we heard shouting outside. Water was rushing into the houses. My father carried my little brother, and I held my grandmother's hand. We waded through the cold, muddy water to the school on the hill. There, many families gathered, wet and frightened, while the men went back to rescue the animals.
Conclusion: By morning, the water had gone down, but many farms were destroyed. We were sad, yet grateful that everyone was safe. I learned that we must be prepared, because the future can be very different from today.
5. Revising and Editing
Check the order of events, the tense, spelling with special letters, punctuation and paragraphing. Ask a friend to read your essay and tell you which part was most interesting and what was unclear.
New words
- body paragraph
- The middle paragraph that tells the main events.
- dialogue
- The words spoken by characters.
- revise
- To improve the content and organisation of writing.
- edit
- To correct spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Summary
- Begin with a hook and the setting, tell events in order in the body, and end with the outcome and lesson.
- Use linking words, descriptive details and dialogue.
- Revise and edit your essay before handing it in.
Class activity: Write and Share
- Write a three-paragraph narrative essay in your Ghanaian language.
- Read it to a partner.
- Revise it using your partner's comments.
You need: Printed Ghanaian-language model text, Exercise books, Pencils
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which is a good hook?
- A. "I will never forget the night the river overflowed."
- B. "This is my essay."
- C. "The end."
- D. "My name is Kofi."
Show answer
Answer: "I will never forget the night the river overflowed."Catches interest.2. Correcting spelling and punctuation is called…
- A. editing
- B. planning
- C. hooking
- D. translating
Show answer
Answer: editingFinal check.3. The body should tell events in order.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueTime sequence.4. Improving the content and organisation of writing is called ______.
Show answer
Answer: revisingImproving ideas.5. What should a narrative conclusion include?
Show answer
Answer: How the story ended, feelings, and the lesson learned.Ending elements.6. How can a proverb make a narrative essay better?
Show answer
Answer: It adds wisdom, links the story to cultural values and makes the lesson memorable.Cultural depth.
Lesson 3
- Strand
- Literature
- Sub-strand
- Prose
- Indicator
- B7.6.1.1.3 – Discuss the components of written literature (prose)
Introduction
Prose is written in ordinary sentences and paragraphs, not in lines of verse. Novels and short stories in Ghanaian languages, such as those used in schools, are forms of prose.
1. What Is Prose?
Prose: Written literature in ordinary sentences and paragraphs, such as novels, novellas and short stories.
Prose can be fiction (imaginary stories) or non-fiction (true accounts, such as biographies). Many Ghanaian-language novels tell stories of village life, family, love, greed, education and tradition.
2. Components of Prose
| Component | Meaning |
|---|---|
| plot | the sequence of events in the story |
| setting | the time and place of the story |
| characters | the people or animals in the story |
| theme | the main idea or message, such as honesty or greed |
| conflict | the problem or struggle in the story |
| point of view | who tells the story: first person ("I") or third person ("he/she") |
| style | the writer's use of language, such as proverbs, imagery and dialogue |
3. Types of Characters
| Type | Meaning |
|---|---|
| main character (protagonist) | the central person in the story |
| antagonist | the person who opposes the main character |
| minor characters | people with small roles |
| round character | a character with many qualities who changes |
| flat character | a simple character who does not change |
4. The Plot Structure
Most plots follow a pattern: exposition (introduction of characters and setting), rising action (problems begin), climax (the most exciting point), falling action (events after the climax) and resolution (how the story ends). Recognising this pattern helps you follow and discuss any novel or short story.
New words
- prose
- Written literature in sentences and paragraphs.
- plot
- The sequence of events in a story.
- theme
- The main message of a story.
- protagonist
- The main character in a story.
Summary
- Prose is written literature in ordinary sentences, including novels and short stories.
- Its components include plot, setting, characters, theme, conflict, point of view and style.
- Plots move from exposition through rising action, climax and falling action to resolution.
Class activity: Prose Analysis
- Read a short story in your Ghanaian language.
- Identify its plot, setting, characters, theme and conflict.
- Present your analysis on chart paper.
You need: Ghanaian-language storybook, Printed story-sequence cards, Printed character cards
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. The time and place of a story is its…
- A. setting
- B. plot
- C. theme
- D. style
Show answer
Answer: settingWhen and where.2. The person who opposes the main character is the…
- A. antagonist
- B. protagonist
- C. narrator
- D. author
Show answer
Answer: antagonistOpponent.3. A novel is a form of prose.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueWritten in paragraphs.4. The main message of a story is its ______.
Show answer
Answer: themee.g. honesty.5. Name five components of prose.
Show answer
Answer: Plot, setting, characters, theme, conflict (or point of view, style).Any five.6. Explain the difference between a round and a flat character.
Show answer
Answer: A round character has many qualities and changes during the story; a flat character is simple and does not change.Depth and change.
Homework
- Write ten sentences using pronouns in your Ghanaian language.
- Read a short story and write its setting, main character and theme.