Basic 9 · English Language
Preparing for the Term in English Language
In this topic you will review the speaking, reading, grammar and writing skills you built in Basic 8, identify your strengths for the B.E.C.E. and set clear targets for your final year.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Recall key skills from Basic 8 English
- Identify personal strengths and areas to improve
- Set learning targets for the term
What you already know
- English Language, Basic 8
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
- Strand
- English Language
- Sub-strand
- Term Preparation
Introduction
English is more than one subject on your timetable. It is the language of your other examinations, so every improvement here helps you everywhere.
1. The Five Areas of English
| Strand | What it covers | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| oral language | speaking and listening | interviews, debates and discussions |
| reading | comprehension and summary | understanding every subject |
| grammar | correct forms and punctuation | clear communication |
| writing | paragraphs, essays and letters | examination answers |
| literature | prose, drama and poetry | thinking about people and ideas |
2. What the B.E.C.E. Tests
The B.E.C.E. English paper tests your knowledge of grammar and vocabulary, your understanding of written passages, your ability to write and your response to literature. Questions are usually a mix of objective items and written answers. You should be able to choose the correct form of a word, answer questions on a passage and write a composition with clear paragraphs. This term's work builds these skills in a planned way, week by week.
3. Finding Your Strengths
| Skill | Strong | Needs work |
|---|---|---|
| I can speak confidently in class. | ||
| I can find the main idea in a passage. | ||
| I use punctuation correctly. | ||
| I can plan and write a paragraph. | ||
| I can explain how an author shows character. |
Be honest as you fill in the table. A weakness is simply a skill you have not yet practised enough. Look at the feedback on your Basic 8 work, and notice the mistakes that keep returning.
4. Setting Targets
A good target is specific, realistic and timed. "I will improve my English" is too vague. "I will read one newspaper article each week and write down five new words" is a target that you can check. Set two targets for this term, and put them where you will see them each day. Reading widely is the single best way to improve your English, because it builds vocabulary, grammar and ideas together. Read books, newspapers and anything you enjoy.
5. Building a Reading Habit
Try to read for fifteen minutes each day. Keep a small notebook for new words, and write each one in a sentence of your own.
New words
- strand
- One main area of a subject.
- target
- A goal that you plan to reach.
- composition
- A piece of written work.
Summary
- English has five strands, and all of them support your examination.
- Set specific, realistic and timed targets, and read every day.
Class activity: Personal Learning Plan
- Complete the audit table.
- Write two targets for the term.
- Share one target with a partner.
You need: Printed English review cards, Exercise books, Pencils, Chalkboard, Chalk
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which is the most specific target?
- A. I will read one article a week
- B. I will do better
- C. I will try hard
- D. I will improve
Show answer
Answer: I will read one article a weekSpecific and measurable.2. Reading widely helps vocabulary.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueIt builds language.3. A piece of written work is a ______.
Show answer
Answer: compositionWriting.4. Name the five strands of English.
Show answer
Answer: Oral language, reading, grammar, writing and literature.Strands.
Homework
- Choose a book or newspaper to read this week, and write down five new words.