Debating, Timed Reading, Adjectives in Context, Persuasive Writing and Reading Fluently

1. Structure of a Debate

The motion is the statement being debated, for example, "This house believes that learners should use phones in school." Speakers take turns, and they must keep to their time. Addressing the chair is customary: "Madam Chairperson, ladies and gentlemen..."

2. Building an Argument

3. Rhetorical Techniques

Speak with confidence and at a steady pace. Look at your audience. Use your notes as a guide, and do not read every word. Respond to what the other side has said, and do not simply repeat your own points. This is called rebuttal, and it shows that you have listened.

4. Turn-Taking and Respect

Do not interrupt or shout. Wait for your turn, and raise your hand for a point of information if the rules allow it. Criticise arguments, not people. Do not use insults or personal attacks, and thank the speaker before you disagree: "My opponent has made an interesting point, however..." Good debaters often shake hands at the end. In a democracy, learning to disagree without hostility is one of the most valuable skills a citizen can have.

1. Skimming and Scanning

Skimming is what you do when you look quickly at a newspaper to see what it is about. Scanning is what you do when you look for your name on a list. In a timed test, you should skim first, read the questions, then scan to find answers. Finally, read the relevant part closely to check.

2. Timed Reading: Public Notice

GHANA EDUCATION SERVICE. NOTICE TO ALL BASIC 9 CANDIDATES. Registration for the School Mock Examination will open on 6th October and close on 17th October. Candidates must bring two passport-size photographs and a registration fee of GH₵30, which is to be paid to the class teacher. Late registration will attract a fee of GH₵10. The examination will begin on 10th November at 8:30 a.m. Candidates must arrive at least 30 minutes before the start. No mobile phones are allowed in the hall. Signed: The Headteacher.

3. Tips for Timed Reading

4. Improving Reading Speed

Speed improves with practice. Avoid moving your lips as you read, and do not go back over each word. Read groups of words together, and use your finger or a pencil as a guide. Reading more each day builds your speed. However, speed without understanding is of little use, so check that you have understood. If you are told to answer "in your own words", make sure that you do so, and do not copy from the text.

1. Comparatives and Superlatives

Use the comparative for two things, and the superlative for three or more: "Kofi is taller than Yaw," and "Kofi is the tallest in the class." Do not use double forms like "more taller". The word "than" comes after a comparative. Note that we say "different from", and "similar to".

2. Adjective Phrases

Adjectives can be modified by adverbs: "extremely hot", "rather quiet", "quite old". Some adjectives are followed by particular prepositions: "afraid of", "good at", "interested in", "proud of", "responsible for". These are common in Ghanaian English errors: we say "interested in", and not "interested on". Learn these pairs.

3. Editing Practice

4. Using Precise Language

In examinations, your language shows your thinking. Replace "a lot of" with exact words where you can: "seven in ten". Use strong adjectives: "scorching" rather than "very hot". Choose words that fit the tone. "Slim" is polite, whereas "skinny" is less so. Good writers choose words with care, and they know the feelings that a word carries. This is the difference between denotation, a word's literal meaning, and connotation, the feeling it suggests.

1. Structure of an Argumentative Essay

2. Planning

3. Model Essay

Should Basic 9 learners do community service? I firmly believe that they should, because it builds character and helps society.

First, community service teaches responsibility. When learners clean a clinic or tutor young children, they learn that their actions matter. Second, it connects schools with their communities. Many towns need help with sanitation, and young people have time and energy to give.

Some people argue that learners need all their time for study. However, a few hours a month would not harm their results. Indeed, service may teach skills, such as teamwork, that help in school.

In conclusion, community service benefits both learners and society. Schools should make it a part of every Basic 9 year.

4. Language for Argument

Use formal language, and avoid slang. Do not make false claims. Use reasons, examples and facts. Stay polite when you discuss the opposing view. Dealing with it shows that you are fair and well-informed. End with a clear statement of what should be done. Check your essay for grammar and spelling.

1. What Is Fluency?

Fluency: The ability to read accurately, smoothly and with expression.

2. Passage for Reading Aloud

The rain began just after midnight. At first it was only a whisper on the roof, but soon it was drumming hard, and the gutter overflowed. Kojo lay awake, listening. He knew what the sound meant. By morning, the river would cross the road, and the school would be cut off again. He thought of the examination in three weeks, and of the books he had not yet read. Quietly, he got out of bed, lit the lantern, and opened his notebook. If the river wanted a fight, he would give it one.

3. Practising the Passage

The passage begins quietly, so start in a calm voice. Grow more intense with "drumming hard". Pause after "He knew what the sound meant." End with determination on the last line. Fluency helps the listener to understand, and it helps you to understand as well.

4. Sequence in the Passage

The events move from the outside world to Kojo's mind and then to action. The final line is a metaphor: the river is an opponent, and Kojo is ready to fight it. It shows his determination. Notice how the sequence supports the theme of perseverance. Reading fluently and analysing sequence go together, because good expression depends on understanding how a passage develops.