S5: English

Key Unit Competence: To use language learnt in the context of myself and
                                                 my community.

Introductory activity
Picture observation and interpretation

After observing the picture above, answer the following
questions:
1. Discuss the activities that are taking place in the above picture.
2. Why do you think it is important to work together in the
    community?
3. Do you think community service (Umuganda) is a good thing?
    Explain your answer.
4. What are the benefits of involving all the people of all walks of
    life in communal services, regardless of their gender?

1 Describing the community

1.1.1 Learning activities: Reading and text analysis

Activity 1

Reading comprehension

Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow.

Community

Community is another fundamental concept used in sociology. Because
human civilization grows and develops in the lap of community. It is a
well-known fact that an individual rarely exists alone. He always lives with
his fellows in a group. It is also equally true that one can’t be a member of
all groups existing in the world. Hence an individual lives and establishes
relations with those people who reside in a close proximity with him i.e.
within definite territory.

It is also obvious and natural that people residing in a definite area develop
likeness, co-operation and fellow-feeling among themselves. As a result,
they share common customs, traditions, culture and develop common
social ideas among themselves. This fact of common social living within
a limited or definite geographical area gives birth to community.

However, the term community has been derived from two Latin words
‘Com’ and ‘Munis’ which means ‘together’ and ‘servicing’ respectively. It
consists of a group of people with common and shared interests. But in
common discourses, the term community is very often wrongly used such
as racial community, caste community, religious community etc.
Here the meaning of the term community differs from the one which is
used in sociology. The term community is also used both in a narrower
and broader sense. In a narrow sense, community refers to Hindu or
Muslim community but in a broader sense community may refer to a
nation or world community. It also refers to a village, a town or a tribal
community.

When a group of individuals or members of any group, small or large live
together and share a common life and have developed a strong sense of
awe feeling among them, they form a community. They enter into definite
social, economic and cultural relations and have developed a sense of
community consciousness which distinguishes them from others. A group
of individuals or group of families living in Physical Proximity with each
other in a definite geographical boundary constitutes a community.
But to understand the meaning of the term community we must have to
give a look towards the definitions given by sociologists. But sociologists
differ among themselves in their approach to the meaning of community.
Some puts emphasis on area or ecological aspects while others put
emphasis on psychological aspects.

Adapted from: (Mondal, 2012)

A. Reading comprehension
After reading the passage above, answer the questions that follow
1. According to the passage, what do you understand by the term
     community?

2. How does the term community differ according to a narrower and broader
      sense?

3. What do you think can happen to a community when people do not obey
     one another?

B. Vocabulary

1.1.2 Application activities

A. Vocabulary

Activity 1

Using given words, construct complete and meaningful sentences.
a) Community
b) Consciousness
c) Interests
d) Distinguish

B. Writing skills

Activity 2

Composition writing
In not more than 300 words, write a composition describing your community
and how it contributes to the development of your country.

1.2 Living happily in the community

1.2.1 Learning activities: Reading and text analysis

Activity 1

Reading comprehension
Read the following passage, then answer the questions that follow.

The Importance of Happiness in Beloved Communities
We live in a community because we are dependent on others for the
fulfilment of our needs. Community living teaches us to care for others and
share facilities like water, electricity road, markets etc. A neighborhood
police station provides help and security. We also need services of hospital,
ambulance and doctors.

Beloved communities are preferred, and when living in one you will be
happier and more satisfied, rather than living in a bitter and disconnected
community. Such little things can change the environment, and the mood of
those around you. When in a good mood, people will do good things to help
others, and when these good deeds occur, it can totally change the vibe of
the community. Not only can these things make a person’s day, but also, they
could potentially make more money for the entire body. Beloved communities
are what everyone should strive for. Little things everyone can do such as,

asking someone how their day is, or even taking time to compliment or thank
someone, is necessary in a community that radiates positivity.

Have you ever been in a good mood and have it ruined when hanging out
with people that aren’t as happy that day? Your mood changes and tends
to reflect what others are feeling, even if nothing in particular happened to
actually put you in that bad mood. You are what and who you are around.
Make people happy, and in return, without even realizing, they will make
those around them happy too. This is an important step in a beloved
community. Money, such a material thing, we live in a world where people
say money can’t and doesn’t buy us happiness, but is this really true? There
are many people who could use a little extra money, and it would make their
day, if they could get their hands on some. You never know how donating
a couple dollars to a charity, or tipping a waitress a little extra can actually
help people out greatly. You look at that little boy going from door to door
collecting money for cancer, or you look at that waitress and think nothing
more than oh she’s just doing her job. But you don’t know them, and you
don’t know their history.
Adapted: (Cram, 2023)

A. Comprehension questions

Choose the correct option
1. The above passage is about ________________.
a) importance of hospital
b) different type of services
c) importance of community living
d) living in society

2. People live in community because they are ________________.
a) independent
b) unhappy
c) rich
d) dependent

3. Beloved communities are preferred, and when ________________.
a) living in one makes you happier and more satisfied rather than living in
a bitter
b) living in one makes you sadder and more discouraged rather than living
in a worse
c) living in one you can earn more money rather than living in a better

4. What can happen once people have ruined someone’s good mood?

5. Discuss the importance of living in beloved community.

B. Vocabulary

Activity 2

Using a dictionary, find the meaning of the words and phrases below.

1.2.2 Application activities

A. Vocabulary

Activity 1

Read the sentences and fill in the missing gaps with the words below.
reflected, neighbourhood, compliments, community, environment,
fulfilment, disconnected community, bitter community

1. Those living in rural areas are likely to meet barriers to the _____________ of
      their aspirations.

2. Leonard spent hours walking and cycling around the _____________ looking
     for it.

3. _____________ can change the environment, and the mood of those around it.

4. The government insists that the dam will not harm _____________.

5. All the guests paid her extravagant __________________.

6. The culture of a nation is always _____________ in its language.

7. _____________ can totally change the vibe of the community.

B. Writing skills

Activity 2

Composition writing

In 300 words, discuss disadvantages of bitter, disconnected community in
your society.

1.3 Talking about myself

1.3.1 Learning activities: Reading and text analysis

Activity 1

Reading comprehension
Read the following passage, then answer the questions that follow.

Our responsibilities

In Rwanda, we have certain duties and responsibilities. We do these things
for harmony in the community, and for the safety and development of the
country. For instance, adults must pay tax. The country gets revenue or
income from taxation.

It is illegal not to pay tax. The government uses taxes to finance social
services like education, medical care, roads and recreational facilities. The
government also uses the money it gets from taxation to finance development
projects.

People who love their country will pay their taxes and encourage others to
do so. Adults should also participate in the democratic process by voting
for leaders of their choice. This gives them an opportunity to replace bad
leaders with good leaders. Adults must also obey the laws of the country and
respect the rights of other citizens. Laws regulate the behaviour of people in
the community. Citizens must aspire to live peacefully with their neighbours
and assist each other, where possible.

As a sign of commitment to their country, adults must participate in Umuganda.
This is a voluntary activity to harness community efforts for development.
They must also be ready to defend their country from foreign threats, when
necessary.

People must take good care of their families. They must raise their children
to be good citizens. They must also provide them with food, medical
care, education and good moral guidance. On the other hand, children
must obey their parents and respect elderly people. They must help their
parents with household chores. They must also study hard and obey the
rules and regulations of their schools. They must also keep their bodies and
surroundings clean to avoid diseases.

A. Comprehension questions
1. What are the main reasons why people must pay tax?
2. What do you think can happens to a country when people do not pay tax?
3. Explain what can happen to a community when people do not obey the
     laws of the land/country?

4. What can people do in order to improve their country?

5. State the reason why parents must take care of their children?

B. Vocabulary

Activity 2

Match the following words in column A with their meanings in column B

1.3.2 Application activities

A. Vocabulary

Activity 1

Read the following paragraph and fill in the gaps with the given words.

citizens, society, care, effects, actions, collaborative,
responsibilities, country

We need to know and learn our _____1_____ as good citizens. We are a
part of the _____2______ We must understand that each of us is responsible
for what we do in this society. Don’t think that our ______3______ will
have no effect on our ______4______ If the society gets hurt due to our
reckless actions, we are bound to be affected at some point of time. Our
_____5______ actions and thoughts have many ______6______ on the
overall society. So, our responsibility as good ______7______ of this country
is to ______8______ of the society and also to unite the entire country.

B. Writing skills

Activity 1

Summary writing
Choose any two responsibilities that people must carry out in the community
and write a paragraph on how we could make Rwanda a better country.

Activity 2

Composition writing
Choose any two responsibilities that people must carry out in the community
and write a paragraph on how we could make Rwanda a better country.

1.4 Recounting past activities

1.4.1 Learning activities: Reading and text analysis

Activity 1

Reading comprehension

Read the following passage, carefully and answer the questions that follow.

My visit to Rubavu District

Last August, I went to Lake Kivu with my family. I was so excited because it
was my first time to visit lake Kivu. We spent five days there. The first thing
which came to my mind when I arrived there was beach. When I stepped out
from the bus and breathed, I sniffed the smell of lake water. It made me more
excited to start my exploration.

My family and I visited many interesting places in Rubavu. We went to the
hot spring in that area. It was my first time to taste and bathe with natural
warm and salty water from the ground. My visit to BRALIRWA,the largest
brewer and soft beverage company in Rwanda and the international market
made my stay wonderful. I spent a great part of my time at the beach where I
met lovely people, even though there are so many lovely but noisy places in
Rubavu. I was not bored with them because each one is unique. Kivu beach
lies above the surface of water. From that place we could have an attractive
view of the lake which was the most gorgeous scenery I have ever seen.

There were both local and foreign tourists surfing or just sunbathing. The
best time to come to Kivu beach is in the evening to see the sunset. It was
so romantic. It is really a very nice beach to visit. The wind and waves were
just right to do water sport. I did not want to miss this chance and tried to do
parasailing. At first, I was so afraid to approach the lake because I feared that

the wind would blow me into water. When the sailor took us in a boat, I
turned around to see how long we had travelled. I could see the view of
Rubavu city from the water.

Finally, we came to the end of my trip in Rubavu. I felt that time run so fast. I
was so sad because I had to leave that beautiful place. In Rubavu, I did not
only enjoy my stay but I also visited and learned about its different beautiful
places which are part of its touristic attraction. I would always remember my
beautiful trip to Rubavu and I promise myself to go back there again at least
one more time.

Adapted from African Child, by Camara Laye

A. Comprehension questions
1. Why did the speaker and his family visit Rubavu?
2. Which attractive places did they visit?
3. According to you, why were they happy after visiting those places?
4. Where did the speaker spend most of his time during his stay in Rubavu?
5. Why is the evening the best time to visit Kivu beach?
6. Explain the reason why the speaker was afraid of parasailing?
7. According to the passage, does the speaker keep good memories about
      his visit to Rubavu. How do you know?

B. Vocabulary

Activity 2

Match the words in the table below with their respective meanings.

1.4.2 Application activities

A. Writing skills

Activity 1

Letter writing
Suppose that you have a friend who lives abroad and wishes to visit Rwanda,
write a letter to him/her describing another touristic place that he/she should
visit during his stay in Rwanda.

Activity 2

Composition writing

Write a 300-words essay about “the contribution of tourism to the development
of the Rwandan community.”

1.5 Talking about the community’s daily activities

1.5.1 Learning activities: Reading and text analysis

Activity 1

Reading comprehension
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Daily Activity

I wake up at 7 o’clock. I get up at 7.30. I make a cup of tea and then iron my
clothes. I have a shower and after get dressed. I usually wear a pair of jeans,
a blouse, a jumper or cardigan and boots in the winter, or a skirt and blouse
in the summer. I brush my hair, put on my make-up. I pack my bag with all
my teaching materials. I then put on my coat and leave the house. I walk to
the bus stop. I catch the bus at 8.15, and then I pay my ticket and sit down.
It takes about 45 minutes to get to my destination three miles away. I get off
the bus and walk to the school where I teach English. Class starts at 8.45
and ends at 12.20.

I have lunch at 12.30, I eat a baguette or sandwich at the local café. I sometimes
do some shopping before I walk back to school. I do some photocopying and
go back to my classroom. I teach in the afternoon from 1.25 to 5pm. I then
catch the bus back home and spend a couple of hours relaxing before I cook
dinner.

My son goes to work shortly after I reach home. Sometimes he cooks dinner
before I get home, and sometimes I cook. I like to eat rice with a sauce. I
chop the onions, fry them and then mix them with garlic, tomatoes, carrots,
spinach and chilies. I boil the rice and then add the sauce. After dinner I
wash up, sweep the floor, and tidy up a bit.

Then I make phone calls, mark my students’ work, and do the laundry. Then
I go on Facebook, or watch TV until about 10.30 when my son comes home.
We catch up on our day, and at about 11 o’clock I go to bed. So there are
lots of different daily activities that are carried out in community.

Adapted from: (Austen, 2018)

A. Comprehension questions

Read the following sentence and answer True or False according to
the passage.

1. The speaker is awake at 7 o’clock and get out of the bed immediately.
2. The speaker wears a pair of jeans, a blouse, a jumper, and boots in
      summer.
3. Getting to the destination takes the speaker 45 minutes.
4. Class starts at 8.45 minutes and ends at 5pm.
5. At about 11o’clock, it is time to bed for speaker’s family.

Answer the following questions
1. When does the speaker get out of the bed?
2. How long does it take the speaker to get at work?
3. State daily activities does the speaker do before leaving home for school.
4. What is the speaker’s favorite food?
5. Which activities do the school teachers neighbouring community do?

1.5.2 Application activities

A. Writing skills

Activity 1

Summary writing

In not more than 80 words summerise the daily activities of the person who
is speaking in the passage above.

1.6 Language structure: Present simple tense, past simple
        tense, possessive adjectives, and reflexive pronouns

1.6.1 The simple present and simple past tense

The present simple tense

The present simple tense is the most basic tense in the English language. There
are different uses of this tense in direct speech:
a) Facts, generalizations and universal truths.
b) Habits and routines.
c) Permanent situations.
d) Events that are certain to happen.
e) Arrangements that we can’t cha nge (timetables, official meetings).
f) State verbs (be, have, suppose, know etc.)

Facts, generalizations and universal truths
The present simple tense is used when talking about universal truths such as laws
of nature or things we believe are, or are not, true. It’s also used to generalize about
someone or something.

Examples:
1. Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius. (Universal Truth)
2. The Earth goes around the Sun. (Universal truth, fact)
3. Dogs are better than cats. (Generalization)
4. Berlin is the capital city of Germany. (Fact)
5. Kivu lake is located in the west of Rwanda. (fact)

Habits and routines
We also use this tense to describe actions that happen frequently. For example:
habits, routines, tendencies.

Examples:
1. We leave for work at 7:30 AM every morning. (Routine)
2. My husband watches the TV in the evening. (Habit, Routine)
3. Susan often meets with her friends after school. (Habit, Routine)
4. They usually play football on Sunday. (Habit, Routine)
5. James usually tells lies. (Tendency)

Adverbs of Frequency

The Present Simple is often used with frequency adverbs including the following:
Always, frequently/often, usually, seldom/rarely, never, every week/year,
sometimes/occasionally, from time to time, every now and then.