Basic 8 · English Language
Turn-Taking in Meetings, Using Non-Fiction Texts, Future Continuous and Perfect, and Precise Revision
In this topic you will take turns in formal meetings, use non-fiction features to study, use the future continuous and future perfect, and revise writing to make it more precise.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Take turns in formal meetings using correct procedures
- Use non-fiction features to research a topic
- Form and use the future continuous and future perfect
- Revise writing using precise and sensory words
What you already know
- Group turn-taking, non-fiction features and future forms
- Sensory language
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 and Everyday Discourse
- Indicator
- B8.1.1.1.5 – Demonstrate appropriate turn taking for effective oral communication
Introduction
School clubs, class councils and community groups hold meetings to make decisions. Formal meetings have rules that give everyone a fair turn.
1. Procedure of a Meeting
- The chairperson opens the meeting and welcomes members.
- The secretary reads the minutes of the last meeting.
- Members discuss the items on the agenda one by one.
- A member makes a proposal, called a motion, and another seconds it.
- Members vote on the motion.
- The chairperson closes the meeting.
2. Terms Used in Meetings
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| agenda | the list of items to discuss |
| minutes | the written record of a meeting |
| motion | a formal proposal |
| quorum | the minimum number of members needed |
| address the chair | to speak through the chairperson |
| point of order | a question about whether rules are being followed |
3. Speaking in a Meeting
In formal meetings, members raise a hand and wait for the chairperson to give them the floor. They begin, "Madam Chairperson, I would like to suggest..." Speakers keep to the item under discussion, do not attack other members and speak briefly. If you disagree, say so respectfully: "With respect, Mr Chairman, I think we should consider the cost."
4. Sample Exchange
Chairperson: "Item three is the class excursion. The floor is open." Yaa: "Madam Chairperson, I propose that we visit Kakum National Park." Chairperson: "Is there a seconder?" Kojo: "I second the motion." Chairperson: "Those in favour? Those against? The motion is carried."
5. Minutes of a Meeting
Minutes record what was decided, not every word that was said. They give the date, time and place of the meeting, the names of those present and absent, the matters discussed, the decisions made and who will carry them out. The secretary reads them at the next meeting, where they are confirmed as correct. Writing good minutes needs careful listening and clear, formal English, usually in the past tense.
6. Why Rules Matter
The rules of meetings may seem strict, but they protect everyone. They stop the loudest person from controlling the discussion, make sure decisions are fair and keep a clear record. Learning these rules in a school club prepares you for leadership in churches, mosques, associations, businesses and even Parliament.
New words
- agenda
- A list of items to discuss at a meeting.
- minutes
- The written record of a meeting.
- quorum
- The minimum number of members needed for a meeting.
Summary
- Meetings follow a procedure of minutes, agenda items, motions and votes.
- Members speak through the chairperson, politely and to the point.
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. The written record of a meeting is the…
- A. minutes
- B. agenda
- C. quorum
- D. motion
Show answer
Answer: minutesRecord.2. Members should speak through the chairperson.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueAddress the chair.3. A list of items to discuss is an ______.
Show answer
Answer: agendaPlan.4. Write a sentence proposing a motion.
Show answer
Answer: Madam Chairperson, I propose that we clean the school compound on Friday.Formal language.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Reading
- Sub-strand
- Comprehension
- Indicator
- B8.2.1.2.1 – Identify the main text features of non-fiction texts
Introduction
To write a good report, you need to find, understand and record information from non-fiction texts. These are research skills.
1. Steps in Research
- Write down your research question, for example "How is cocoa processed?"
- Choose suitable sources: textbooks, encyclopedias, reliable websites.
- Use the contents, index and headings to find the right pages.
- Skim to check whether the section is useful, then read carefully.
- Take notes in your own words.
- Record your sources.
2. Note-Making
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| key words | write only the important words |
| bullet points | list facts briefly |
| table | organise facts under headings |
| mind map | link ideas around a central topic |
3. Reliable Sources
Ask four questions about a source. Who wrote it? Is the writer an expert? When was it written? Do other sources agree? An official website or a school textbook is usually more reliable than an anonymous post.
4. Avoiding Plagiarism
Plagiarism: Copying another person's work and presenting it as your own.
Write notes in your own words and say where you found the information, for example: "According to my Social Studies textbook..." Copying whole paragraphs from a book or website is dishonest, and you learn little from it. Using quotation marks for exact words and giving the source is the honest way.
5. From Notes to Writing
Arrange your notes under headings, then write a paragraph for each one. Use the features you have studied: a clear title, headings and perhaps a table or diagram. This turns research into a well-organised report.
6. Presenting Your Research
When you present research, begin by stating your question, then share your main findings under clear headings. Use a table or diagram if it helps. Tell listeners where your information came from, and end with a short conclusion. Practise so that you can look at the audience rather than read from your notes. Being able to find, organise and share information is one of the most useful skills you will take from school.
New words
- research
- Searching for information on a topic.
- plagiarism
- Copying another person's work as your own.
- source
- Where information comes from.
Summary
- Research means asking a question, finding sources, reading and taking notes.
- Use reliable sources, write in your own words and avoid plagiarism.
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Copying someone's work as your own is…
- A. plagiarism
- B. research
- C. revision
- D. skimming
Show answer
Answer: plagiarismDishonest.2. Notes should be written in your own words.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueAvoid copying.3. Where information comes from is its ______.
Show answer
Answer: sourceOrigin.4. State two questions for judging a source.
Show answer
Answer: Who wrote it? When was it written? (or Do other sources agree?)Any two.
Lesson 3
- Strand
- Grammar
- Sub-strand
- Verbs
- Indicator
- B8.3.1.1.4 – Use verb forms correctly when talking about future events
Introduction
"This time tomorrow, I will be travelling to Kumasi. By Friday, I will have finished my project." These two forms give exact pictures of the future.
1. Future Continuous
Future continuous: A form showing an action in progress at a certain time in the future: will be + verb-ing.
Examples: "At eight o'clock tomorrow, we will be writing our test." "This time next year, I will be attending Senior High School." The form also sounds polite when asking about plans: "Will you be using the computer this afternoon?"
2. Future Perfect
Future perfect: A form showing an action that will be completed before a certain time in the future: will have + past participle.
Examples: "By noon, the farmers will have harvested the maize." "By the end of the term, we will have read three novels." Time expressions such as "by Friday", "by then" and "before the end of the year" often go with this form.
3. Comparing Future Forms
| Form | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| simple future | I will eat at seven. | the action starts at seven |
| future continuous | I will be eating at seven. | the action is in progress at seven |
| future perfect | I will have eaten by seven. | the action is finished before seven |
4. Using a Timeline
A timeline can show the difference. Draw a line for tomorrow and mark 7:00. An action that begins at 7:00 is simple future. A longer action passing through 7:00 is future continuous. An action finished before 7:00 is future perfect. Thinking about time in this way helps you choose the right form.
5. Using Future Forms in Writing
These forms help you write about goals and plans. In a personal statement or letter you might write: "By the time I complete JHS, I will have learned to speak confidently in public. This time next year, I will be preparing for the BECE. In ten years, I will be working as a civil engineer." Using the correct forms makes your writing exact and shows a strong command of English.
New words
- future continuous
- A form for an action in progress in the future.
- future perfect
- A form for an action finished before a future time.
- past participle
- The verb form used with have, such as eaten.
Summary
- The future continuous uses will be + verb-ing; the future perfect uses will have + past participle.
- Time expressions such as "by Friday" often show the future perfect.
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. "By noon, she will have finished." is…
- A. future perfect
- B. future continuous
- C. simple past
- D. present perfect
Show answer
Answer: future perfectFinished before.2. "I will be travelling" is the future continuous.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: Truewill be + -ing.3. By next week, we ______ (finish) the project.
Show answer
Answer: will have finishedFuture perfect.4. Write a sentence in the future continuous.
Show answer
Answer: This time tomorrow, I will be playing football.will be + -ing.
Lesson 4
- Strand
- Writing
- Sub-strand
- Descriptive Writing
- Indicator
- B8.4.2.1.2 – Use precise words phrases and sensory language to convey a vivid mental picture of places and events
Introduction
The final stage of good writing is polishing: changing general words into exact ones, and making every sentence count.
1. Precise Nouns and Verbs
| General | Precise |
|---|---|
| vehicle | trotro, taxi, tipper truck |
| bird | weaver bird, kite, guinea fowl |
| food | kelewele, tuo zaafi, waakye |
| walk | stroll, limp, march, stagger |
| said | whispered, snapped, muttered, announced |
| look | stare, glance, peer, glare |
2. Removing Weak Words
Words such as "thing", "stuff", "nice", "good", "very" and "really" often add little. Replace them with exact words. Instead of "He got a nice thing for his mother", write "He bought his mother a blue headscarf". Also cut empty phrases: write "because" instead of "due to the fact that".
3. A Revision Example
Before: "It was a nice day. We went to a place near the sea. There were a lot of people and many things to see."
After: "A cool breeze blew in from the Gulf of Guinea as we reached Cape Coast. Vendors sold roasted plantain beside the castle walls, while fishermen mended their nets."
4. Reading Your Work Aloud
Read your work aloud. Where you stumble, the sentence may be too long. Where you feel bored, the writing may be too general. Check each paragraph for a clear point, and make sure that sensory details help the reader. Then proofread for spelling and punctuation.
5. Holiday Practice
During the holidays, keep a diary, read for pleasure, write letters to relatives and practise describing what you see. Regular practice over the holiday will keep your English strong for the next term.
6. Reviewing the Term
Look back through your exercise book. Which piece of writing are you most proud of? Which errors do you keep making? Check the targets you set in the first week and tick those you have reached. Choose one or two new targets for next term. Reflecting in this way helps you take charge of your own learning.
New words
- precise
- Exact and accurate.
- proofread
- To check writing for mistakes.
- general word
- A word with a broad meaning.
Summary
- Replace general and weak words with precise nouns and verbs.
- Read your writing aloud, cut empty phrases and proofread carefully.
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. A more precise word for "walk" is…
- A. limp
- B. thing
- C. nice
- D. good
Show answer
Answer: limpExact verb.2. "Thing" and "stuff" are precise words.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: FalseToo general.3. To check writing for mistakes is to ______.
Show answer
Answer: proofreadFinal check.4. Improve: "He got a nice thing for his sister."
Show answer
Answer: He bought his sister a pretty blue dress. (any precise sentence)Precise words.
Homework
- Write the minutes of a short class meeting.
- Research a topic and write a short report in your own words.
- Revise your best piece of writing from the term.