Shona Language Paper 2 Study Notes

Performance Measurement in Shona Language Examination Paper

Overview of the Examination Structure

The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level paper for the Shona language includes various sections focusing on language usage, poetry, drama, and written comprehension. The exam is designated as Paper 2, specifically addressing topics including Maumbirwo eMutauro (Patterns of Language), Nhetembo (Poetry), Mitambo (Drama), and Nganonyorwa (Written Comprehension). This specimen paper is structured into three main parts, designated as CHIKAMU A, CHIKAMU B, and CHIKAMU C.

CHIKAMU A: Mashandisirwo eMutauro [Language Usage]

This section contains a total of 25 marks and consists of two questions that require detailed responses.

Question 1: Language Patterns

  1. (a) Fill in the table below with appropriate prefixes (mupanda).

    • Zita
    • Mupanda

  2. (b) Discuss the differences between the following language patterns using examples:

    • (i) mupanda 3 and mupanda 18 (2 marks)
    • (ii) mupanda 2a and mupanda 2 (2 marks)
    • (iii) mupanda 1 and mupanda la (2 marks)
    • Total for this question: [12 marks]
Question 2: Understanding Lexical Items

  1. (a) Explain the lexical meanings of words in the following context, specifying the name for each definition.

    • Context: "Vana vadiki vechikoro vakapedza kuita mitambo. Vose vakagariswa pasi ndokunyarara. Mumwe mudzidzisi akadeedzera vaye vainge vakunda mumutambo uyu ndokuvapa mibairo yemari zhinji."

  2. (b) Provide two examples of different forms of lexical categories illustrated.

    • Total for this question: [12 marks]
Question 3: Actions and Their Roots

  1. Read the following actions and respond to the questions below:

    • (i) kufamba-famba
    • (ii) kuvhota
    • (iii) kupfupika
    • (iv) kunzvenga
    • (v) kudyisa
    • (vi) ifa

  2. (a) Identify the roots of the actions listed above (6 marks).

  3. (b) Mention three types of roots with examples (6 marks).

    • Total for this question: [12 marks]
Question 4: Transforming Words to Verbal Forms

  1. (a) Convert the following words into infinitive forms (zvindori):

    • tete
    • vamwe
    • mombe
    • iwe
    • ava
    • vaye
    • murefu
    • bere
    • omene
    • dzvuku
    • uswa
    • vano
    • munhu

  2. (b) Discuss how two variations of verbs function concerning names and definitions with a supporting example for each.

    • Total for this question: [12 marks]

CHIKAMU B: Nhetembo (Poetry)

In this section, candidates are required to answer one question.

Question 5: Analysis of a Selected Poem

Candidates must select one poem they liked and explain five aspects it covers alongside four reasons that contributed to their preference for it.

  • Total for this question: [25 marks]
Question 6: Love Poems

Candidates should select three love poems by different authors, highlighting three themes related to love from each poem discussed.

  • Total for this question: [25 marks]
Question 7: Thanksgiving Poems

Using two poems written by the same author that express gratitude, candidates should identify three themes discussed in each poem.

  • Total for this question: [25 marks]

CHIKAMU C: Mitambo neNganonyorwa (Drama and Written Comprehension)

Respond to one question from drama and one from written comprehension.

Question 8: Analyzing Challenges in Modern Life

Discuss the challenges of modern life as portrayed in the referenced play.

  • Total for this question: [25 marks]
Question 9: Identifying Negative Traits

Identify negative traits present in the following five locations:

  • (a) paMarket Square (5 marks)
  • (b) pamba paVaMachona (5 marks)
  • (c) pabhawa (5 marks)
  • (d) pachipatara (5 marks)
  • (e) kumaflats (ari kumaAvenues) (5 marks)
  • Overall total for this question: [25 marks]
Question 10: Lesson from a Narrative

What are the eight lessons derived from the specified narrative?

  • Total for this question: [25 marks]
Question 11: Cohesion between Content and Title

Provide an analysis detailing how the content aligns with the title of the narrative.

  • Total for this question: [25 marks]

This specimen paper illustrates the complexity and variety of tasks students are tested on, including language manipulation, comprehension, and literary analysis. Each section emphasizes critical thinking and thorough understanding of the Shona language and its literary forms.