Basic 8 · Ghanaian Language · Concrete Nouns
Countable and Mass Nouns, Improving Letters and Using Proverbs in Speech
In this topic you will classify concrete nouns as countable or mass nouns, revise and improve semi-formal letters, and use proverbs correctly in speech and writing.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Classify concrete nouns as countable or mass nouns
- Revise a semi-formal letter for layout, tone and language
- Use proverbs suitably in speech and writing
What you already know
- Concrete nouns, semi-formal letters, proverbs and idioms
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
- Concrete Nouns
- Indicator
- B8.4.2.1.1 – Explore the use of nouns and pronouns in an increasing range of texts and classify them
Introduction
You can count eggs and goats, but you cannot count water or salt. Concrete nouns divide into countable nouns and mass nouns.
1. Countable Nouns
Countable noun: A noun for things that can be counted individually.
Countable nouns have singular and plural forms and can be used with numbers. In Twi: "kesua baako" (one egg), "nkesua mmienu" (two eggs); "akokɔ baako" (one fowl), "nkokɔ mmiɛnsa" (three fowls).
2. Mass Nouns
Mass noun: A noun for a substance that cannot be counted individually, such as water or salt.
| Twi | English |
|---|---|
| nsuo | water |
| nkyene | salt |
| ngo | oil |
| mogya | blood |
| anwea | sand |
| asikyire | sugar |
Mass nouns are measured instead of counted. We use containers or measures with them, for example a cup of water or a bottle of oil. In Twi you might say "nsuo kuruwa baako" (one cup of water).
3. Numbers and Word Order
In Twi, numbers come after the noun: "nwoma mmienu" (two books). Other Ghanaian languages also place numbers after the noun. Remember this when translating from English, where the number comes first. Adjectives usually stand between the noun and the number: "nkokɔ akɛseɛ mmiɛnsa" (three big fowls).
4. Common Errors
Learners sometimes try to make mass nouns plural or use them with numbers, as in "two waters". When you must count them, use a measure: "two cups of water". Check your use of plural prefixes, and read your sentences aloud to hear whether they sound natural.
New words
- countable noun
- A noun for things that can be counted.
- mass noun
- A noun for a substance that is measured.
- measure
- A unit or container used to find an amount.
- quantity
- An amount of something.
Summary
- Countable nouns have plurals and take numbers; mass nouns are measured.
- In Twi, numbers follow the noun, and adjectives come before numbers.
- Use measures such as cups and bottles with mass nouns.
Class activity: Market Measures
- List items sold at a market in your Ghanaian language.
- Sort them into countable and mass nouns.
- Write phrases showing how each is sold, such as a cup of salt.
You need: Locally made puppets, Printed pronoun cards, Chalkboard, Chalk
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which is a mass noun?
- A. nsuo (water)
- B. akokɔ (fowl)
- C. nwoma (book)
- D. dua (tree)
Show answer
Answer: nsuo (water)Measured.2. In Twi, a number usually comes…
- A. after the noun
- B. before the noun
- C. at the end of a paragraph
- D. never
Show answer
Answer: after the nounWord order.3. Mass nouns are measured instead of counted.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueMeasures.4. A noun for things that can be counted is a ______ noun.
Show answer
Answer: countableCounting.5. Give two countable and two mass nouns in your language.
Show answer
Answer: e.g. Twi: akokɔ, nwoma; nsuo, nkyene.Any correct.6. Translate into your language: "three big fowls".
Show answer
Answer: e.g. Twi: nkokɔ akɛseɛ mmiɛnsa.Word order.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Composition Writing
- Sub-strand
- Letter Writing
- Indicator
- B8.5.1.1.1 – Develop coherent essays using the features of given text types
Introduction
A good letter is rarely perfect the first time. Reading it again as the receiver would read it shows you what to improve.
1. A Checklist
| Area | Question |
|---|---|
| layout | Are the address, date, salutation, subscription and name in place? |
| opening | Have I greeted the reader and asked after their health? |
| purpose | Is the reason for writing clear? |
| tone | Is the letter respectful, with no slang? |
| paragraphs | Does each paragraph have one idea? |
| language | Are spelling, special letters and grammar correct? |
2. Before and After (translated)
Before: "Uncle, I want money for books. Send it quickly."
After: "Dear Uncle, I greet you with respect and hope that you and your family are well. I am writing to ask for your help. My school has asked each learner to buy two textbooks, and my parents cannot afford them this month. I would be very grateful if you could assist me. Thank you, and may God bless you."
The revised version greets, explains the reason, asks politely and thanks the reader. It is more likely to receive a good response.
3. Common Mistakes
- Leaving out the date or address.
- Forgetting to greet before stating the purpose.
- Using slang or English words needlessly.
- Writing one long paragraph.
- Ending with the wrong subscription.
4. Topics for Practice
Common examination topics include writing to an uncle about school needs, to a teacher to explain an absence, to a pastor or imam to ask for support for a youth programme, or to a family friend to thank them for a gift. For each, think about your relationship with the reader and what you want them to do.
New words
- revise
- To improve a piece of writing.
- receiver
- The person a letter is written to.
- polite
- Showing good manners and respect.
- assist
- To help.
Summary
- Check layout, opening, purpose, tone, paragraphs and language.
- Polite letters greet, explain, ask respectfully and thank.
- Think about your relationship with the reader and your purpose.
Class activity: Letter Clinic
- Exchange your semi-formal letters.
- Check your partner's letter with the checklist.
- Rewrite your letter with the improvements.
You need: Printed Ghanaian-language model text, Exercise books, Pencils
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which is polite?
- A. I would be grateful if you could help me.
- B. Send it quickly.
- C. Give me money now.
- D. You must help me.
Show answer
Answer: I would be grateful if you could help me.Polite request.2. What comes first in the body of a semi-formal letter?
- A. greetings and enquiries
- B. the demand
- C. the signature
- D. the closing
Show answer
Answer: greetings and enquiriesCustom.3. Each paragraph should have one main idea.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueOrganisation.4. The person a letter is written to is the ______.
Show answer
Answer: receiverReader.5. State three common mistakes in letters.
Show answer
Answer: Leaving out the date, forgetting greetings, using slang (or one long paragraph).Any three.6. Why is the revised letter more likely to succeed?
Show answer
Answer: It is respectful, gives reasons and thanks the reader, so the reader wants to help.Persuasion.
Lesson 3
- Strand
- Literature
- Sub-strand
- Literature
- Indicator
- B8.6.1.1.1 – Discuss the features of proverbs and idioms
Introduction
Knowing a proverb is one thing; knowing when to use it is another. A proverb in the right place adds wisdom, but one in the wrong place sounds foolish.
1. When to Use Proverbs
| Occasion | Purpose |
|---|---|
| giving advice | guides a young person gently |
| settling a dispute | calms people and points to the wise path |
| speeches at ceremonies | shows respect and skill |
| storytelling | sums up the lesson |
| essays | adds weight to the introduction or conclusion |
2. Choosing the Right Proverb
Choose a proverb
A group of learners refuses to work together on a project, and each wants to do it alone. Which proverb suits this situation?
- The problem is lack of cooperation.
- "Tikoro nkɔ agyina" (one head does not go into council) shows that people need each other's ideas.
- "Dua koro gye mframa a, ɛbu" also shows that unity gives strength.
Answer: Either proverb suits the situation, because both teach cooperation.
3. Proverbs in Essays
A proverb makes a strong opening or ending. For example, an essay on unity might begin with "Dua koro gye mframa a, ɛbu" and then explain: "This proverb reminds us that a person who stands alone can easily fall." Always make sure the reader can see the link between the proverb and your point.
4. Respect in Using Proverbs
In many communities, younger people show respect when using a proverb in front of elders, for example by saying "as our elders say". Do not use proverbs to insult people. Learn their exact words, because a changed proverb can lose its meaning. Ask elders to explain proverbs you hear, and record them in your notebook.
New words
- occasion
- A particular event or time.
- dispute
- A disagreement.
- cooperation
- Working together.
- wisdom
- Good judgement based on knowledge and experience.
Summary
- Proverbs are used for advice, settling disputes, speeches, stories and essays.
- Choose a proverb that truly fits the situation and show the link.
- Use proverbs respectfully and learn their exact words.
Class activity: Proverb Match
- Read short situations from daily life.
- Choose a proverb that fits each one.
- Explain your choices to the class.
You need: Printed proverb, Idiom cards, Printed pictures of familiar Ghanaian objects, Calabash
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Proverbs in a dispute are used to…
- A. calm people and point to the wise path
- B. start a fight
- C. sell goods
- D. tell the time
Show answer
Answer: calm people and point to the wise pathPurpose.2. Which proverb teaches unity?
- A. Dua koro gye mframa a, ɛbu
- B. Obi nkyerɛ abɔfra Nyame
- C. Sɛ wo werɛ fi na wosan kɔfa a, yɛnkyi
- D. none of them
Show answer
Answer: Dua koro gye mframa a, ɛbuUnity.3. Proverbs should not be used to insult people.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueRespect.4. A disagreement is a ______.
Show answer
Answer: disputeQuarrel.5. Name three occasions when proverbs are used.
Show answer
Answer: Giving advice, settling disputes, speeches (or stories, essays).Any three.6. Why must you show the link between a proverb and your point in an essay?
Show answer
Answer: So the reader understands why the proverb is relevant and it strengthens your argument.Relevance.
Homework
- Write ten sentences using countable and mass nouns.
- Write a short speech in your language using two proverbs.