English term 1

Polite Language

  • Definition of Polite Language: Polite language is the use of respectful and considerate words in communication to maintain positive relationships.

    • Examples of Polite Language:

    • "I beg your pardon"

    • "Thank you."

    • "Excuse me"

    • "I am sorry"

    • "May I please?"

    • "Welcome"

  • Introduction to Polite Language:

    • Using polite language when introducing oneself helps create a positive first impression and shows respect for the other person.

    • Common Phrases for Introduction:

    • "Good morning."

    • "Good afternoon."

    • "My name is…"

    • "Nice to meet you."

    • Different settings require different types of introductions:

    • Formal Setting:

      • Use titles and last names (e.g., "Mrs. Rutu", "Dr. Hamay", "Prof. Wambua").

      • Accompanied by gestures, such as a handshake.

    • Informal Setting:

      • More relaxed; examples include "hello", "hey"

  • Importance of Polite Language:

    • Shows respect.

    • Builds leadership roles.

    • Establishes good personal connections.

    • Example of formal introduction in a scenario:

    • "Good morning Mr. President, I am Liam Kebabe. It is an honor meeting you."

    • Example of informal introduction among relatives:

    • "Long time no see, cousins! Hello!"

Nouns

  • Definition of Nouns: Nouns are naming words that identify people, places, things, or ideas.

  • Types of Nouns:

    • Common Nouns:

    • General names for people, places, things, or ideas (e.g., boy, girl, pencil, book).

    • Written in lowercase, except at the beginning of sentences.

    • Proper Nouns:

    • Specific names (e.g., Mary, Kenya, Mt. Elgon).

    • Collective Nouns:

    • Names for a group of people or things.

    • Concrete Nouns:

    • Nouns that can be seen or touched (e.g., table, pen, ball, water, book).

    • Abstract Nouns:

    • Nouns that cannot be seen (e.g., love, peace, anger).

  • Exercises on Nouns:

    • Replace underlined words with common nouns:

    1. We ate at Hilton. → We ate at a hotel.

    2. I come from Rwanda. → I come from a country.

    3. Everyone is shopping at… → Everyone is shopping at a mall.

    4. The man has died. → Choral Jones has died.

    • Examples of noun types:

    • Concrete: table, ball, water

    • Abstract: happiness, anger, joy

Independent Reading

  • Definition of Independent Reading: Reading on one's own, with minimal assistance from others.

  • Importance of Independent Reading:

    • Expands vocabulary.

    • Enhances reading skills.

    • Provides entertainment.

    • Aids in critical thinking.

    • Improves concentration.

  • Key Considerations When Selecting Reading Materials:

    • Language level.

    • Length or print size.

    • Genre: fiction or non-fiction.

Bad Reading Habits

  • Common bad reading habits:

    • Pointing words with a ruler or finger when reading.

    • Moving lips while reading.

    • Moving head while reading.

    • Vocalizing words excessively (using the voice box).

    • Regression of words (rereading words multiple times).

    • Reading one word at a time instead of phrases.

Nouns: Count and Non-Count

  • Count Nouns: Nouns that can be expressed in plural (e.g., dog - dogs, teacher - teachers).

  • Non-Count Nouns (Mass Nouns): Nouns that cannot be counted, without plural forms (e.g., water, sugar, rice).

  • Pluralization Rules:

    • Most nouns add "s" for plural (e.g., book - books).

    • Nouns ending in "sh", "ch", "s", or "x" add "es" (e.g., box - boxes, church - churches).

    • Nouns ending in a consonant and y, change y to i and add "es" (e.g., baby - babies).

    • Irregular forms (e.g., man - men, mouse - mice).

    • Some nouns remain the same in plural (e.g., deer, fish).

  • Specific irregular plural forms:

    • Child - children.

    • Cactus - cacti.

Punctuation Marks

  • Definition: Punctuation marks are symbols used in writing to organize structure and convey meaning.

  • Examples of Punctuation Marks:

    • Full Stop (.): Marks the end of a sentence.

    • Example: "Nairobi is the biggest city."

    • Exclamation Mark (!): Emphasizes a comment or phrase.

    • Example: "What a lovely day!"

    • Question Mark (?): Used at the end of direct questions.

    • Example: "What is your name?"

    • Comma (,): Used for pauses in sentences, listing items, etc.

  • Exercises on Punctuation:

    • Punctuate the following sentences:

    1. Bee sting.

    2. Watch out! There is a wasp above your head.

    3. How can we prevent infections?

Verbs

  • Definition of a Verb: A verb is a doing word that shows action, state, or occurrence.

    • Two Types of Verbs:

    1. Lexical Verbs: Main verbs in sentences that do not require helping verbs (e.g., talk, walk, eat).

    2. Auxiliary Verbs: Helping verbs used with main verbs.

  • Classification of Lexical Verbs:

    • Regular Verbs: Formed by adding "ed" for past simple and past participle (e.g., call - called).

    • Irregular Verbs: Do not follow a standard pattern for past forms (e.g., come - came).

Simple Tenses

  • Simple Present Tense: Expresses habitual actions, general truths.

    • Example: "She eats fish."

    • Third Person Singular: Adds "s" or "es" (e.g., he runs, she goes).

  • Simple Past Tense: Talks about completed actions before now.

    • Example: "He ran to the store."

Comparative and Superlative Adjectives

  • Comparative Form: Used for comparing two people or things.

    • Example: "He is quicker than John."

  • Superlative Form: Used for comparing three or more things.

    • Example: "He is the quickest in the class."

  • Irregular Adjectives: Some adjectives form comparatives and superlatives in unique ways (e.g., good - better - best, bad - worse - worst)