English SME & SSE copy 1

Key Unit Competence: To use language learnt in the context of National assets.

INTRODUCTORY ACTIVITY

8.1. Talking about national assets

8.1.1. LEARNING ACTIVITY

•  Text 1: Resources in Rwanda

Read the passage below and attempt questions that follow.

Overview of resources in Rwanda’s chief natural resources includes tin ore, gold, methane and tungsten ore. The significant export commodities in 2010 included tin ore, columbite, tantalite and tungsten ore. In 2010, the country’s tantalum production accounted for 15% of the global tantalum production.

Peat increased by 10%, and tin increased by 46%. The country’s quarrying and mining sector accounted for only 0.7% of the GDP.

For industrial minerals, about 100,000 tons of cement were produced by Cimerwa in 2010. The company planned to construct a new cement plant by the end of 2011. It was expected to produce 700,000 tons of cement per year. The company planned to export cement to eastern Congo and Burundi.

In 2010, however, the demand for cement in Rwanda increased to almost 460,000 tonnes. Therefore, cement had to be imported to meet this growing demand. Demand for cement was expected to reach 680,000 tons by 2015.

Metals In 2008, Trans Afrika Resources Limited carried out gold exploration activities in Gicumbi District.

This site had resources that amounted to 5.55 million metric tons of gold. In 2010, Central Multi-Services SARL mined cassiterite at the rate of almost 300 tons/year. In the same year, Wolfram Mining and Processing produced 120 tons/year of tungsten. Euro trade International produced about 480 tons/year.

Equally, Natural Resources Development Rwanda Ltd produced between 12 and 36 tons/year. of tungsten.

For fossil fuels, Rwanda’s Lake Kivu was estimated to contain 60 billion m3 of natural gas. In 2010, KibuyePower1 Limited extracted natural gas from Lake Kivu. Kivuwatt Limited planned to construct a gas-fired power station to extract natural gas from Lake Kivu. Mining activities surrounding River Sebeya in the Western Province were suspended due to pollution. These activities were polluting River Sebeya, which is a source of livelihood for the local people.

Mining in this area will continue only after the execution of proper environment protection measures.

Adopted from Geography for Rwandan schools, Senior 4, student book.(REB)

•  Comprehension questions

1. According to the passage, what are the main resources in Rwanda?

2. How much has the quarrying and mining sectors contribute towards the GDP?

3. Why do you think the demand for cement increased at a high rate?

4. Where, according to the passage were gold exploration activities carried out?

5. What did Kivuwatt Limited plan in 2010?

6. Explain the consequences of polluting River Sebeya.

• Text 2: Thirteen held for felling trees

Read the newspaper article provided below and answer the questions that follow:

Nyagatare – Thirteen people have been arrested for illegally transporting a rare type of an indigenous tree that is found in the natural forests located in Nyagatare and Gatsibo districts. The tree known by its scientific name as, Euclea schimperi is also locally referred to as imishikiri.

According to the police, the tree, which is a raw material for manufacturing of perfumes and other cosmetics, is smuggled through Uganda to India, Philippines and Singapore, among other destinations. Police spokesman Superintendent Theos Badege confirmed the arrests, adding that illegal exploitation of trees was unacceptable.

He warned those involved in the illegal act that they would face the full force of the law. “We work closely with the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA). So, when such cases appear, we enforce the law,” said police spokesman. “Illegal cutting of trees is punishable by the law ... we don’t mind the reasons. Suspects are held by the police and will appear before the court to answer charges.”

Phoebe Mukamana, an official of the Rwanda National Forest Authority in the province, said the tree species were endangered. Mukamana noted that the evergreen Euclea schimperi is close to its ecological limit and very rare. She said the felling of this tree species had been silently on-going for a while. “The tree’s habitat is found in the isolated, scattered woodland in the districts of Gatsibo, Nyagatare and Kayonza. The cutting of the tree infringes law no. 47/1988 of 5/12/1988 on the protection of forests,” she explained. Fred Atuhe Sabiti, the Mayor of Nyagatare, the most affected district, said authorities were determined to curb the illegal acts.

He said at least 90 percent of those involved in cutting the trees had been nabbed. “Courts at first handled it as a mere crime of cutting trees ... but this is now known as an organized crime of smuggling a special tree from Rwanda.

They now hand down maximum punishments that range from six months to three years,” he said. All the 13 suspects are expected to appear in court today.

By: Stephen Rwembeho Published: July 12, 2012(New times)

•  Comprehension questions

a. From the newspaper extract, point out the measures put in place by the government of Rwanda to prevent illegal exploitation of trees and to conserve forests.

b. Apart from the legal actions taken against those who cause deforestation, suggest other measures that the leaders in the above district should take to solve the problem.

c. Do you think forest conservation and management is important in Rwanda?

d. Write down your findings and present them in a class discussion.

8.1.2. APPLICATION ACTIVITY

Vocabulary, sentence and summary writing

1. Explain the following words as used in the passage.

a. natural resources

b. demand

c. investments

d. production

e. species

f. cosmetics

g. Suspects

h. infringe

i. nab

j. woodland

2. Construct grammatically correct sentences with each of the above terms.

3. Write a summary of the above article in not more than 20 lines.

8.2. Talking about the role of national assets

8.2.1. LEARNING ACTIVITY

Reading and text analysis.

8.2.2. APPLICATION ACTIVITY

Vocabulary, sentence and composition writing

1. 1. Use a dictionary and thesaurus to look for the missing meanings of the words in the table below.

1. Use each of the above words or phrases in your own sentence.

2. Write a 150 composition about what to be done to preserve public places and assets.

8.3. Talking about problems related to the national assets

8.3.1. LEARNING ACTIVITY

Reading and text analysis.

Text: Volcanoes National Park

Read the text below and attempt the questions that follow:

The Volcanoes National Park is located in the Northwestern region of Rwanda.

The park is also known as the Volcanoes National Park. It is connected to the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Gahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. The establishment of Virunga National Park dates to 1925 under King Albert I of Belgium.

This was part of the first African national parks known as the Volcanoes National Park. The Volcanoes National Park is known for its mountain gorillas which are an endangered species. The Rwandan government has conserved and protected this habitat to ensure that the population of these endangered animals increases. This has been achieved through intervention measures such as the mountain gorilla naming locally known as “Kwita-Izina”

The Volcanoes National Park sits on five of the eight volcanoes. They are the Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo Mountains. The mountains have rain and bamboo forests. The Volcanoes National Park is naturally endowed with tourist attractions that have placed it on the world map as the most well conserved and protected environment and homeland to the mountain gorillas.

The park also has the forest giraffe, African elephants and buffaloes. The park is threatened by poaching and encroachment from neighboring communities. Poachers from neighboring countries especially the Democratic Republic of Congo kill elephants for their ivory and kidnap the young mountain gorillas for trafficking.

The government together with other international partners has created a team of professional game rangers to ensure that poaching and other human related threats are minimized in the park. This park is the major source of foreign exchange in the country. It contributes the greatest percentage of the tourism earnings in Rwanda. 

Text adapted from geography for Rwandan schools senior 4 student’s book p376.

• Comprehension questions:

a. Where is Volcanoes National Park located?

b. With the above text, give the reasons why Virunga national park is regarded as a national asset.

c. Mention some animals which are found in the Virunga national park.

d. What according to the passage is threatening the existence of the Volcanoes national park? Explain in detail.

8.3.2. APPLICATION ACTIVITY

Vocabulary, sentence and essay writing

I. Use a dictionary and thesaurus to look up the missing meanings of

the words.

1. endangered

2. species

3. endowed

4. threatened

5. encroachment

II. Use each of the above words or phrases in your own sentence.

III. Write a 300-word essay discussing measures to be taken to protect Virunga national park.

8.4. Describing a visit to a national park

8.4.1. LEARNING ACTIVITY

Reading and text analysis.

•  Text. A memorable visit to Rwanda

Read the article below and answer the questions that follow.

David Luiz’s memorable visit to Rwanda.

David, accompanied by his mother and fiancée, began his trip by visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where he paid respects to the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. He learned about the causes of the genocide and how Rwandans have built anew nation on a foundation of dignity and togetherness. David and his family honoured the victims by laying a wreath and observing a moment of silence.

He went on to meet the president of Rwanda, H.E. Paul Kagame, before heading to SingitaKwitonda Lodge in the Northern Province. There, David planted an indigenous tree as part of efforts to reforest areas surrounding the stunning Volcanoes National Park-home to the endangered mountain gorillas.

Kicking off day two, David and his family trekked through the volcanoes to see Rwanda’s mountain gorillas. During the incredible wildlife experience, they learnt about the country’s successful efforts to conserve and protect the gorillas and their habitat.

David then attended a national league football match at Kigali Regional Stadium where he met players, young Rwandans from the Irebero Goalkeeper Training Centre and enthusiastic fans.

David concluded his trip by meeting hundreds of Arsenal fans at the Kigali Convention Centre where he answered questions on his experience in Rwanda, his life and football career.

David’s trip was part of Visit Rwanda’s groundbreaking partnership with us, which also includes a focus on football development through a unique partnership between the club, the Rwandan Football Federation and the National Ministry of Sports and Culture to develop and nurture local football talent at the grassroots level for girls and boys.

David Luiz said: “It has been incredible to learn about this wonderful country and experience the welcoming spirit of the Rwandan people. I came with the curiosity to learn about the country, considering what it went through 25 years ago. I have to say I was inspired by how fast it has moved forward and how it has become a progressive, fast-growing nation with so many amazing things to see and do.

“My family and I are so thankful for the opportunity to come here and see the passion of football fans, experience Rwanda’s culture and witness breath-taking scenery. From trekking to see mountain gorillas to watching local football and mixing with fans of all ages, it has been a humbling and wonderful experience. We can’t wait to come back and see even more of this beautiful country. I’m going to recommend all my friends to spend their holidays in Rwanda.”The Arsenal Football Club article.

•  Comprehension questions:

1. What attracted David Luiz when he arrived in Virunga national park?

2. Why was David’s trip to Rwanda very significant? Provide details.

3. Explain the importance of preserving tourism sites in Rwanda.

4. What did David like most about Rwanda during his visit?

5. From reading the text above, what advice would you give to a person visiting Rwanda for the first time?

8.4.2. APPLICATION ACTIVITY

Vocabulary, sentence and summary writing

1. 1. Use a dictionary and thesaurus to look up the missing meanings of the words or phrases in the table below.

2. Use the words provided on the table above to construct correct sentences.

3. Summarize the article “David Luiz’s memorable visit to Rwanda”

8.5. Language structure: Adverbs of frequency, determiners, a few and very few, definite and indefinite articles

I. Adverbs of frequency

Adverbs of frequency tell how often an action takes place. Examples of such adverbs include; rarely, often, sometimes seldom, usually, always etc. They all answer the question “how often”. If the verb is a form of are, is, was or were ,then the adverb occurs after the verb.

Adverbs of frequency usually occur in the middle position, as in the examples below:

2. The old man is always in such a hurry.

3. I sometimes go to visit the national park.

4. Tourists often stay at Singita hotel when they come to visit the Virunga national park.

5. Tom is always happy.

6. I was often nervous when I was living with him.

Exercise:

Put the verb in the correct tense with the adverb of frequency provided in the brackets.

1. Our teacher, Mrs. Jones, (never/be) late for her lessons.

2. I (often/clean) my bedroom at the weekend.

3. My brother (hardly ever/help) me with my homework.

4. I (sometimes/be) bored in the math lessons.

5. We (rarely/watch) football on TV.

6. You and Tony(never/play) computer games with me.

II. Quantifiers

Definition:

A quantifier is a word or a phrase which is used before a noun to indicate the amount or quantity. “some”, “many”, “a lot of” and “a few “are examples of quantifiers. Quantifiers can be used with both countable and uncountable nouns

• Affirmative statements: I would like some tea and bread please.
•  Offers: Would you be interested in some advice?

It is used with both countable and uncountable nouns.

I. A great deal

This expression is all synonymous with large quantity quantifiers or numbers

(when referring to countable things)

Example:

When the national assets are well treated, the country benefits a great deal of money.

II. A few and (very) few

Both are used for the countable nouns.

The difference in meaning is subtle, but usually (very) few puts a little more attention on the negative—that there is not a large number (of people or things). A few puts a little more attention on the positive—that there is a small number (of people or things).

Examples:

a. Most of his books are boring, but there are a few that I like. [=I like a small number of them]

b. Most of his books are boring. There are (very) few that I like. [=there are not many that I like]

III. Determiners

Definition:

Determiners are all those words that precede and show how a noun is being used in a sentence.

 It precedes and modifies nouns.

1. The definite article the

This article usually precedes a specific noun or a noun that was previously mentioned in speech or writing.

It is required when the noun being referred to represents something that is one of a kind rather than the generic.

Example:

The piece of music I heard was cool.

The as used here implies reference to a specific or identifiable piece of music rather than all types of music. It is required when the noun it refers to represents something named earlier in the text.

The definite article is also used with certain kinds of proper nouns such as:

Geographical places: The River Nile, The West, The national park, The Museum. Public institutions/facilities/groups: The Sheraton, The Catholic Church

Newspapers: The New Times, The New Vision, The Monitor, The LA Times,The New York Times

2. Indefinite article - “a/an”

The two indefinite articles, a and an are used to refer to an unspecified count noun in a less specified manner. 

For instance: a cat. This refers to an unspecified cat.

‘a’ is used before singular count-nouns that begin with consonant sounds.

Examples: a phone, a basket, a stick, a university.

‘an’ is used before singular count-nouns that begin with vowels or vowel-like sounds.

Example:

an orange, an hour, an army, an armed group of people, an ostrich, etc.

Exercises:

I. Complete the dialogues with a,an and the. Capitalize as necessary.

1. A: I have …………. idea. let’s go on……. picnic Saturday.

B: ok

2. A: Did you have fun at………picnic yesterday?

B: Sure, I did. And you?

3. A: You’d better have ………. good reason for being late.

B: I do

4. A: Did you think…………reason Mike gave for being late was believable?

B: Not really

5. A: Where is my blue shirt?

B: It is……. washing machine.

II. Complete the sentences with a great deal and a few

1. I have visited …………. cities in the United State. So, I still need to visit more places.

2. There isn’t ……. money in my bank account.

3. I haven’t gotten ………. mails lately, and I can’t manage yours very easily.

4. I can’t go with you because I have got ……. tasks to do.

8.6. END UNIT ASSESSMENT

I. Write the following sentences by inserting the adverbs of frequency provided in the brackets.

1. They go swimming in the lake. (sometimes)

2. The weather is bad in November. (always)

3. Peggy and Frank are late. (usually)

4. I have met him before. (never)

5. John watches TV. (seldom)

6. I was in contact with my sister. (often)

7. She will love him. (always)

II. Complete the sentences with (very) few, a few,

1. ……………. students paid for the trip, so it was cancelled. (few/a few)

2. I heard the cheers…………………. minutes before midnight. (few/a few)

3. Many people were invited, but …………. came, so the meeting did not take place. (few/a few)

III. Analyse the following case study by answering the questions that follow.

Factors influencing forest exploitation

John Richards is a European who decided to spend his summer holidays in Rwanda. While in the country, he visited various areas. He was very pleased by what he saw. He wrote this down in his notebook: Rwanda is a country that is so rich with flora and fauna. The country’s geography is well-balanced. Its climate is good. The drainage is good, and the infrastructure is well developed. The Eastern Province is made up of savanna grasslands with beautiful bushes and thickets in Akagera National Park. The northern region beautifully rolls with hills and mountains that are covered by evergreen trees. The forests offer a home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The Nyungwe Forest has tall trees that almost reach the heavens. The wonderful canopy walk was a great experience. Rwanda’s people are warm and very hardworking. There is a lot of potential for exploitation in the forests of this green land of a thousand hills. I will definitely come back here.

a. Account for the variation of the plant cover of Rwanda witnessed by John.

b. Identify the forested areas that are mentioned in the story.

c. Name the forest resources that are available for exploitation.

d. Explain the factors that influence the exploitation of forests that have been mentioned by Mr. Richards.

e. Evaluate the importance of forest resources to Rwanda.