Basic 7 · Ghanaian Language · Sentences
Sentence Structures, Features of a Paragraph and Oral Literature
In this topic you will discuss simple, compound and complex sentences in your Ghanaian language, identify the features of a good paragraph, and describe the components of oral literature.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Identify and write simple, compound and complex sentences
- Describe the features of a paragraph
- Explain the components of oral literature
What you already know
- Translating sentences
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
- Sentences
- Indicator
- B7.4.1.1.2 – Discuss the types of sentence structure (simple compound and complex)
Introduction
Sentences can be short and simple or long and joined. Knowing the types of sentence structure helps you speak and write clearly and with variety in your Ghanaian language.
1. Simple Sentences
Simple sentence: A sentence with one subject and one main verb, expressing one complete idea.
Examples in Twi: "Ama di aduane." (Ama eats food.) "Kofi kɔ sukuu." (Kofi goes to school.) Each sentence has one subject (Ama, Kofi) and one verb (di, kɔ).
2. Compound Sentences
Compound sentence: Two or more simple sentences joined by a conjunction such as "and", "but" or "or".
In Twi, conjunctions include "na" (and), "nanso" (but) and "anaa" (or). Example: "Ama di aduane na Kofi nom nsuo." (Ama eats food and Kofi drinks water.) "Mekɔɔ dwam nanso manhu no." (I went to the market but I did not see him.)
3. Complex Sentences
Complex sentence: A sentence with a main clause and one or more dependent clauses joined by words such as "because", "when" or "if".
Twi examples use words like "ɛfiri sɛ" (because), "sɛ" (if/when) and "berɛ a" (when). "Merentumi mmra ɛfiri sɛ meyare." (I cannot come because I am sick.) "Sɛ osuo tɔ a, yɛrenkɔ." (If it rains, we will not go.)
| Type | Structure | English example |
|---|---|---|
| simple | one clause | The goat ate the grass. |
| compound | two main clauses + conjunction | The goat ate the grass and the sheep slept. |
| complex | main clause + dependent clause | The goat ate the grass because it was hungry. |
4. Using Variety
Good writers mix sentence types. Too many simple sentences sound choppy; too many complex sentences can confuse the reader. In speeches and storytelling, a short simple sentence after long ones can create emphasis: "The lion came closer and closer, its eyes shining in the dark. Then it stopped."
New words
- clause
- A group of words with a subject and a verb.
- conjunction
- A word that joins sentences or clauses.
- dependent clause
- A clause that cannot stand alone as a sentence.
- main clause
- A clause that can stand alone as a sentence.
Summary
- A simple sentence has one clause; a compound sentence joins two with a conjunction; a complex sentence has a main and a dependent clause.
- Use a variety of sentence types for clear and interesting speech and writing.
- Ghanaian languages have their own conjunctions, such as "na" and "nanso" in Twi.
Class activity: Sentence Builders
- Write five simple sentences in your Ghanaian language on cards.
- Join pairs of cards to form compound sentences.
- Add dependent clauses to form complex sentences.
You need: Printed Ghanaian-language sentence cards, Chalkboard, Chalk, Exercise books, Pencils
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. A sentence with only one subject and one verb is…
- A. simple
- B. compound
- C. complex
- D. a phrase
Show answer
Answer: simpleOne clause.2. In Twi, "nanso" means…
- A. but
- B. and
- C. because
- D. if
Show answer
Answer: butContrast conjunction.3. A complex sentence contains a dependent clause.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: Truee.g. "because I am sick".4. A word that joins two sentences is a ______.
Show answer
Answer: conjunctione.g. "na", "and".5. Join these into a compound sentence in your language: "Ama sings. Kofi dances."
Show answer
Answer: e.g. Twi: Ama to dwom na Kofi sa.With a conjunction.6. Why should writers use a variety of sentence types?
Show answer
Answer: To avoid choppy or confusing writing, keep readers interested and create emphasis.Variety and clarity.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Writing
- Sub-strand
- Structure and Organize Ideas in Composition Writing
- Indicator
- B7.5.1.1.1 – Discuss the features of a paragraph
Introduction
A paragraph is a group of sentences about one main idea. Like a family living in one house, all the sentences belong together.
1. Features of a Good Paragraph
| Feature | Meaning |
|---|---|
| topic sentence | states the main idea, often at the beginning |
| supporting sentences | give details, examples or reasons |
| unity | all sentences are about the same idea |
| coherence | sentences follow a logical order and are well linked |
| concluding sentence | sums up the idea |
| indentation | the first line starts a little in from the margin |
2. A Model Paragraph (translated into English)
"The Odwira festival is very important to the people of Akropong. It is celebrated every year to thank God and the ancestors for a good harvest. During the festival, the chief and his people purify the stools of the ancestors. There is also drumming, dancing and feasting. In addition, families settle disputes and welcome back relatives from the cities. Truly, Odwira brings the people together."
The first sentence is the topic sentence. The next four give supporting details. The last sentence concludes.
3. Linking Words in Paragraphs
Linking words give coherence. In Twi, "deɛ ɛdi kan" (first), "afei" (then), "bio" (also, again) and "awieɛ koraa" (finally) help to arrange ideas. Every language has such words; learn and use them in your writing.
4. Common Paragraph Problems
A paragraph without a topic sentence leaves readers confused. A paragraph that jumps from one idea to another lacks unity. A paragraph with no linking words feels jumpy. Read your paragraph again and remove any sentence that does not belong.
New words
- paragraph
- A group of sentences about one main idea.
- unity
- When all sentences support one idea.
- indentation
- Starting the first line slightly in from the margin.
- coherence
- The logical order and linking of ideas.
Summary
- A good paragraph has a topic sentence, supporting sentences, unity, coherence, a concluding sentence and indentation.
- Linking words in your Ghanaian language help to arrange ideas logically.
- Remove any sentence that does not support the main idea.
Class activity: Paragraph Puzzle
- Receive cut-up sentences of a paragraph in your Ghanaian language.
- Find the topic sentence and arrange the rest in a logical order.
- Read the paragraph aloud and explain your choices.
You need: Printed Ghanaian-language model text, Exercise books, Pencils
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. The sentence that states the main idea of a paragraph is the…
- A. topic sentence
- B. concluding sentence
- C. title
- D. conjunction
Show answer
Answer: topic sentenceUsually first.2. When all sentences in a paragraph are about one idea, the paragraph has…
- A. unity
- B. indentation
- C. a title
- D. dialogue
Show answer
Answer: unityOneness.3. The first line of a paragraph is often indented.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueStarts in from the margin.4. A group of sentences about one main idea is a ______.
Show answer
Answer: paragraphUnit of writing.5. Name four features of a good paragraph.
Show answer
Answer: Topic sentence, supporting sentences, unity, coherence (or concluding sentence, indentation).Any four.6. Explain the difference between unity and coherence.
Show answer
Answer: Unity means all sentences are about one idea; coherence means they are arranged logically and well linked.Content vs order.
Lesson 3
- Strand
- Literature
- Sub-strand
- Songs
- Indicator
- B7.6.1.1.2 – Discuss the components of oral literature
Introduction
Long before books, our ancestors passed on wisdom through stories, songs, proverbs and riddles told by word of mouth. This is oral literature, and it is still alive in our homes and communities.
1. What Is Oral Literature?
Oral literature: Literature that is spoken or sung and passed down from generation to generation by word of mouth.
2. Forms of Oral Literature
| Form | Example |
|---|---|
| folktales | Ananse stories (Akan), Yiyi stories (Ewe) |
| proverbs | "Obi nkyerɛ abɔfra Nyame." (No one shows a child God.) |
| riddles | questions with clever answers |
| songs | play songs, work songs, dirges, war songs |
| poetry | drum poetry, praise poetry, libation |
| myths and legends | stories of how towns or clans began |
3. Components of Oral Literature
| Component | Explanation |
|---|---|
| performer | the storyteller, singer or poet who presents the work |
| audience | the listeners, who often take part by singing, clapping and responding |
| occasion | the setting or event, such as evening storytelling, funerals or festivals |
| text (content) | the words, story or song itself |
| performance techniques | voice changes, gestures, facial expressions, songs and drumming |
| purpose | to teach morals, entertain, record history or praise |
4. Audience Participation
In Ghanaian storytelling, the audience is never silent. In Akan Anansesɛm, the storyteller begins with a formula such as "Yɛnse sɛ nsɛm no sɛ, yɛsɛ..." (We do not really mean it...), and listeners interrupt with songs called mmoguo. They may also comment on characters or ask questions. This makes oral literature a shared experience.
New words
- oral literature
- Literature passed on by word of mouth.
- folktale
- A traditional story passed down orally.
- performer
- The person who presents a story, song or poem.
- riddle
- A puzzling question with a clever answer.
Summary
- Oral literature includes folktales, proverbs, riddles, songs, poetry, myths and legends.
- Its components are the performer, audience, occasion, text, performance techniques and purpose.
- Audience participation through songs and responses makes oral literature a shared experience.
Class activity: Story Circle
- Sit in a circle and choose a storyteller.
- Tell a short folktale in your Ghanaian language with a song.
- The audience responds and identifies the components of the performance.
You need: Talking drum, Calabash rattle, Printed Ghanaian-language song cards
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Ananse stories are examples of…
- A. folktales
- B. novels
- C. newspapers
- D. textbooks
Show answer
Answer: folktalesOral stories.2. Songs sung by the audience during Akan storytelling are called…
- A. mmoguo
- B. adowa
- C. kete
- D. fontomfrom
Show answer
Answer: mmoguoInterlude songs.3. The audience takes part in Ghanaian oral performances.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueBy singing and responding.4. Literature passed on by word of mouth is ______ literature.
Show answer
Answer: oralSpoken.5. Name four components of oral literature.
Show answer
Answer: Performer, audience, occasion, text (or techniques, purpose).Any four.6. Explain two purposes of oral literature in Ghanaian communities.
Show answer
Answer: To teach morals and to record history (also entertain and praise).Any two.
Homework
- Write two simple, two compound and two complex sentences in your Ghanaian language.
- Collect a proverb and a riddle from an elder and explain their meanings.