Basic 8 · English Language
Questions in Discussion, Predicting in Non-Fiction, Relative Clauses, Essay Introductions and Monologues
In this topic you will use questions in discussions and debates, make predictions when reading non-fiction, use defining and non-defining relative clauses, write introductions for different essay types and study monologues and dialogues.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Use questions to deepen discussions and debates
- Predict the content of non-fiction texts
- Use defining and non-defining relative clauses correctly
- Write introductions for different types of essays
- Distinguish between monologues and dialogues
What you already know
- Asking questions and relative pronouns
- Writing hooks
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
Lesson 1
- Strand
- Oral Language
- Sub-strand
- Conversation
- Indicator
- B8.1.1.1.2 – Ask and respond to specific questions with elaboration by making comments that contribute to texts issues or topics under discussion
Introduction
In a debate, speakers do not simply give speeches. They question each other's points. Good questions test ideas and move a discussion forward.
1. Questions That Move a Discussion
| Purpose | Example |
|---|---|
| asking for evidence | What evidence supports that point? |
| asking for explanation | Could you explain what you mean by that? |
| asking for an example | Can you give an example from Ghana? |
| challenging politely | Have you considered the effect on farmers? |
| linking ideas | How does that connect to what Kofi said? |
2. Features of a Debate
A debate is a formal discussion of a motion, such as "Mobile phones should be allowed in schools". The proposers speak for the motion and the opposers against it. A chairperson controls the debate, and a timekeeper keeps speakers within their time. Speakers begin with "Mr Chairman, honourable judges, ladies and gentlemen..." and state whether they support or oppose the motion.
3. Handling Questions
When questioned, stay calm. Listen fully, restate the question if needed, answer directly and support your answer with evidence. Attack ideas, not people. It is better to say "I disagree because..." than "That is a foolish point". If someone makes a strong point, you may accept it and then show why your side is still stronger: "That may be true, but..."
4. Sample Exchange
Proposer: "Mobile phones help learners to research their work." Opposer: "Mr Chairman, may I ask what evidence shows that learners use phones for research and not social media?" Proposer: "Thank you for that question. A survey in our school found that most learners use phones for both. With clear rules, they can be guided towards learning."
New words
- motion
- The topic of a formal debate.
- proposer
- A speaker who supports the motion.
- opposer
- A speaker who argues against the motion.
Summary
- Discussion questions ask for evidence, explanation, examples and links.
- In debates, respond calmly with evidence and attack ideas, not people.
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. The topic of a debate is called the…
- A. motion
- B. chairperson
- C. opposer
- D. verdict
Show answer
Answer: motionDebate topic.2. A timekeeper keeps speakers within their time.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueDebate role.3. A speaker who argues against the motion is the ______.
Show answer
Answer: opposerAgainst.4. Write one polite question challenging a speaker's point.
Show answer
Answer: Could you give evidence for that point? (any polite question)Polite challenge.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Reading
- Sub-strand
- Comprehension
- Indicator
- B8.2.1.1.2 – Use prediction to assess and improve engagement and understanding of non-fiction texts
Introduction
Before reading a newspaper article or a science chapter, you can often guess much of what it contains. This prepares your mind to learn.
1. Before You Read
Look at the title, headings, pictures, charts and bold words. Ask yourself what you already know about the topic and what you expect to learn. Write two or three predictions. This activates your background knowledge, so that new ideas have something to attach to.
2. Reading Passage: Headings Only
Title: Why Bees Matter to Ghana's Farmers
Headings: "A Tiny Worker", "Bees and Our Crops", "Threats to Bees", "How Farmers Can Help".
Predictions: The article will explain how bees pollinate crops. It will list dangers such as pesticides and bush fires. It will suggest actions such as planting flowers and using fewer chemicals.
3. The Article
A Tiny Worker. A single honeybee may visit thousands of flowers in one day, carrying pollen from one plant to another.
Bees and Our Crops. Many crops, including mangoes, watermelons, cashew and vegetables, give larger harvests when bees pollinate them. Honey and beeswax also provide income for beekeepers in the Bono and northern regions.
Threats to Bees. Careless use of pesticides, bush burning and the loss of trees all reduce bee numbers.
How Farmers Can Help. Farmers can spray at times when bees are not active, protect flowering trees and keep hives.
4. Confirming Predictions
After reading, compare the text with your predictions. Most were right, but you may not have predicted the link to cashew or beekeeping income. Note new information in your book. If a prediction was wrong, that is not a failure: revising your ideas is exactly what learning means.
New words
- pollinate
- To carry pollen from one flower to another.
- background knowledge
- What you already know about a topic.
- confirm
- To show that something is correct.
Summary
- Use titles, headings and pictures to predict the content of non-fiction.
- After reading, confirm or revise your predictions and note new information.
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which threatens bees?
- A. careless use of pesticides
- B. flowers
- C. honey
- D. mangoes
Show answer
Answer: careless use of pesticidesArticle.2. Bees help crops to give larger harvests.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TruePollination.3. Carrying pollen between flowers is called pollination; bees ______ crops.
Show answer
Answer: pollinateVerb.4. State two ways farmers can help bees.
Show answer
Answer: Spray when bees are not active and protect flowering trees (or keep hives).From the article.
Lesson 3
- Strand
- Grammar
- Sub-strand
- Pronouns
- Indicator
- B8.3.1.1.2 – Demonstrate use of relative pronouns correctly in speaking and writing
Introduction
Compare: "My brother who lives in Kumasi is a nurse" and "My brother, who lives in Kumasi, is a nurse." The commas change the meaning.
1. Defining Relative Clauses
Defining relative clause: A clause that identifies which person or thing is meant. It is necessary and has no commas.
In "My brother who lives in Kumasi is a nurse", the clause tells us which brother. It suggests that I have more than one brother. Without the clause, the reader would not know which one I mean.
2. Non-Defining Relative Clauses
Non-defining relative clause: A clause that adds extra information about something already identified. It is separated by commas.
In "My brother, who lives in Kumasi, is a nurse", I have one brother, and the clause only adds information. You could remove it and the sentence would still make sense: "My brother is a nurse."
3. Comparing the Two
| Feature | Defining | Non-defining |
|---|---|---|
| purpose | identifies the noun | adds extra information |
| commas | none | yes |
| can use "that" | yes | no |
| can be removed | no, meaning changes | yes |
| example | The girls who passed were happy. | Lake Bosomtwe, which lies near Kumasi, is a crater lake. |
4. Practice
Add commas where needed
Punctuate: "Kwame Nkrumah who became Ghana's first president was born at Nkroful."
- We already know who Kwame Nkrumah is.
- The clause only adds information, so it is non-defining.
Answer: Kwame Nkrumah, who became Ghana's first president, was born at Nkroful.
Proper nouns are already identified, so clauses after them are usually non-defining and need commas. Do not use "that" in a non-defining clause: write "Accra, which is the capital", not "Accra, that is the capital".
5. Relative Clauses in Your Writing
Relative clauses help you combine short sentences into longer, more mature ones. Instead of "Kumasi is a large city. It is in the Ashanti Region. Many traders live there", you can write "Kumasi, which is in the Ashanti Region, is a large city where many traders live". Try not to pack too many clauses into one sentence, or it becomes hard to follow.
New words
- defining clause
- A clause that identifies a noun.
- non-defining clause
- A clause that adds extra information.
- comma
- A punctuation mark that shows a pause.
Summary
- Defining clauses identify the noun and take no commas.
- Non-defining clauses add extra information, take commas and cannot use "that".
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which is punctuated correctly?
- A. Accra, which is the capital, is busy.
- B. Accra which is the capital is busy.
- C. Accra, that is the capital, is busy.
- D. Accra which, is the capital is busy.
Show answer
Answer: Accra, which is the capital, is busy.Non-defining.2. A non-defining clause can be removed from a sentence.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueExtra information.3. Non-defining clauses are separated by ______.
Show answer
Answer: commasPunctuation.4. Explain the difference in meaning: "My sister who lives in Tema" and "My sister, who lives in Tema".
Show answer
Answer: The first suggests I have more than one sister; the second suggests I have one sister.Meaning.
Lesson 4
- Strand
- Writing
- Sub-strand
- Paragraph Development
- Indicator
- B8.4.1.2.1 – Record and use different techniques to capture the reader’s attention in introductory paragraphs
Introduction
The introduction of a story is different from the introduction of an argument. Each type of essay needs its own kind of opening.
1. Essay Types and Introductions
| Essay type | Good introduction includes |
|---|---|
| narrative | setting, character and a moment of interest |
| descriptive | the subject and a strong general impression |
| expository | the topic, why it matters, and the points to be explained |
| argumentative | the issue, background and a clear position |
| letter or speech | the purpose, after the proper greeting |
2. Models
Narrative: "The bell had not yet rung when I saw the smoke rising from the science block. I dropped my bag and ran."
Descriptive: "Makola Market is not so much a place as a living creature, breathing noise, colour and the smell of smoked fish."
Expository: "Malaria remains one of the most serious diseases in Ghana. To fight it, we need to understand how it spreads, how it is treated and how it can be prevented."
Argumentative: "Some people believe that girls should stay at home to help their mothers. I strongly disagree, because educating girls benefits families, communities and the nation."
3. The Thesis Statement
In expository and argumentative essays, the last sentence of the introduction usually states the thesis, which is the main point you will develop. It may list your main ideas, so the reader knows what is coming. In narratives, you do not state a thesis; you draw the reader into the story.
4. Length and Balance
An introduction should be short, usually one paragraph of three to five sentences. Do not include all your details here. Keep the main points for the body paragraphs. After writing the whole essay, read the introduction again and improve it if your ideas have changed.
New words
- expository essay
- An essay that explains a topic.
- argumentative essay
- An essay that defends a position.
- thesis
- The main point of an essay.
Summary
- Each essay type needs an introduction suited to its purpose.
- Expository and argumentative essays usually end the introduction with a thesis.
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. An essay that defends a position is…
- A. argumentative
- B. narrative
- C. descriptive
- D. a letter
Show answer
Answer: argumentativeArgument.2. Narrative introductions must state a thesis.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: FalseThey draw readers in.3. An essay that explains a topic is ______.
Show answer
Answer: expositoryExplains.4. Write a thesis statement for an essay on the benefits of exercise.
Show answer
Answer: Regular exercise strengthens the body, improves mood and helps learners to concentrate.Main point.
Lesson 5
- Strand
- Literature
- Sub-strand
- Drama
- Indicator
- B8.5.1.1.3 – Examine how monologues and dialogues are used to convey characters in narratives and play scripts
Introduction
Sometimes one character speaks alone, sharing private thoughts. At other times two characters talk together. These are monologues and dialogues.
1. Definitions
Monologue: A long speech by one character, spoken to the audience or to other characters.
Dialogue: A conversation between two or more characters.
2. Comparing the Two
| Feature | Monologue | Dialogue |
|---|---|---|
| speakers | one | two or more |
| purpose | reveals thoughts and feelings | moves the action, shows relationships |
| style | continuous speech | short exchanges |
| where found | plays, stories, speeches | plays, stories, conversations |
3. A Short Monologue
Efua, alone on stage, holding a letter: "So they want me to leave school and marry. Marry! I am only fifteen. Mother says it is for the good of the family, and the man has money. But what will money do for the dream I carry? I want to wear a white coat, not a wedding cloth. Oh, Grandmother, if you were here, you would know what to say."
4. A Short Dialogue
Kofi: "Why are you so quiet today?"
Ama: "My father has lost his job."
Kofi: "I am sorry. How can I help?"
Ama: "Just stay with me for a while."
Notice how the short lines show friendship and sadness without any description.
5. Performing Monologues and Dialogues
When performing a monologue, vary your voice and pause to show changing feelings. Use your face and body to show who you are speaking to. In a dialogue, listen to your partner and respond naturally. Stage directions, usually in brackets or italics, tell actors how to move and speak.
6. Monologues in Everyday Life
Monologues are not only found on stage. A preacher's sermon, a comedian's stand-up act and a storyteller's tale are all long speeches by one person. In Ghanaian theatre, comedians often speak directly to the audience in a monologue, mixing local languages and English. Listening to such speakers shows how one voice can hold a crowd by changing its pace, volume and tone.
New words
- monologue
- A long speech by one character.
- dialogue
- A conversation between characters.
- stage direction
- An instruction to an actor in a script.
Summary
- A monologue is one character's long speech; a dialogue is a conversation between characters.
- Monologues reveal inner feelings, and dialogues show relationships and move the action.
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. A long speech by one character is a…
- A. monologue
- B. dialogue
- C. chorus
- D. ballad
Show answer
Answer: monologueOne speaker.2. Dialogue involves two or more speakers.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueConversation.3. An instruction to an actor in a script is a stage ______.
Show answer
Answer: directionScript note.4. What does Efua's monologue reveal about her?
Show answer
Answer: She wants to stay in school and become a doctor and is unhappy about marrying at fifteen.Inner feelings.
Homework
- Write a debate speech of about 150 words on a motion of your choice.
- Write five sentences with non-defining relative clauses.
- Write a short dialogue between a parent and a child about school.