Introduction
Practise reading the conversation below in your groups.
UMUTONI:Gatete, it is rude of you to keep us waiting.
GATETE:I am sorry. I have been in the library since 3 p.m.
MUBYEYI:It is okay, Gatete. What have you been doing in the library?
HIRWA:Reading ... surely, what else does someone do in the library?
UMUTONI:Come on Hirwa, we deserve an explanation. We have been in this room
since 3.30 p.m.
GATETE:Have you ever read Chinua Achebe’s novels?
A Man of the People is so interesting that I
couldn’t put it down.
MUBYEYI:Chinua Achebe is my favourite author. I
have read two of his novels since I joined this
school. I have read A Man of the People and
Things Fall Apart.
HIRWA:The best book I have ever read is Think Big, by
Dr. Ben Carson. The book is about Dr. Carson’s
own life. He talks about how he made it to
medical school to become a neurosurgeon. He
always took the last position in class...
UMUTONI: I read Think Big too. Dr. Carson and his
brother, Curtis, were not performing well in
school. The reason for this was because they were always watching TV.Their mother
stopped them from watching too much TV and they started performing well.
GATETE:See, I am not the only one who has walked on the moon!
MUBYEYI: (laughing) Okay, let us get on with the group discussion. We should say the
books we like reading. We should also say who our favourite author is.
HIRWA:I already said my favourite author is Dr. Ben Carson. I like reading motivational books.
UMUTONI:I have read Weep Not, Child. My favourite author is Ngugi wa Thiong’o.
I like Peter Abrahams too; I have read his novel Mine Boy. I love reading novels.
Generally I like reading fiction. I find non-fiction, for example, Ben Carson’s
book, a bit uninteresting.
MUTESI: What’s the difference?
GATETE:Fiction refers to imaginary writing; whereas non-fiction refers to true accounts
or stories ... Obviously you have all guessed who my favourite author is – Achebe.
MUBYEYI:I like short stories.I have read Chimamanda Ngozi’s A Private Experience. It
encourages us to be tolerant of each other. She might just be my favourite author!
Discussion
Get into small groups and read the following poem before discussing the answers to
the questions that follow.
Reading books
I have read many interesting books,
I like authors whose words are like hooks,
They keep the reader glued to the page
And have the right words for my age.
I have learnt lessons from books,
these words straighten crooks.
Read and you reason better,
even if it may be realised later.
I like reading plays
Here, I enjoy word plays
Give me that novel,
And I’ll find something novel
Give me a book,offer me books,
And watch my looks,
You’ll see a big smile,
As I slowly devour the pile.
1. What is the poem talking about?
2. Does your school have a library? What kinds of books are found in the library?
3. What kinds of books do you read for leisure? Who is your favourite author?
4. What are some of the magazines and newspapers published in Rwanda? Which ones
are your favourite?
5. Explain to your group what you think good reading habits are.
Read the following paragraph:
The school library was one of the best and richest outside-the-classroom sources of
knowledge. When Oades took us to the library in the first few days after my arrival at
Alliance, I stood at the door, mesmerised by the sight of shelves upon shelves of books in a
building devoted to nothing else but books. I had never seen so many in my life. I could not
believe that now I could go in, borrow books, return them, and get some more as often
as I wanted. I swore that I would read all the books in the library. There was no guidance,
but does one wait for a guiding hand when one is standing on the banks of a river, thirsty?
(From In the House of the Interpreter by Ngugi wa Thiong’o)
1. Write a description of a favourite book you’ve read. Share it with your desk mate.
Explain what makes the book memorable.
2. In small groups, choose a group leader and read the following excerpt for a novel
called Names and Secrets by Mark Mutali.
“From today, Chekai is a peace ambassador of the President in this district,” the visitor
announced.
He pulled out a shiny medal from his bag and hung it round Chekai’s neck. On the medal
were inscribed the words, Peace Ambassador. He also gave him a letter of congratulations. The
letter was signed by the President. Chekai was so proud to hold the letter. He felt like a hero. He
admired the President’s signature. He knew that life for him was going to change completely.
“Congratulations, Mr. Ambassador!” the visitor declared.
“Thank you, sir!” Chekai managed to speak amidst the tears of joy. He pulled out a white
handkerchief from his shorts and wiped his wet face. Odhis jumped forward, put his hand
on Chekai’s shoulder and helped to wipe away the tears. This caused laughter among the
teachers and other pupils.
“Chekai has won himself 100,000RWF for his essay entitled: To defeat the enemy, let
us be together as one. He will receive the money at the District Education Office in the
company of his parents.”
The clapping went on for a long time. The mood of excitement remained in school after
the visitor had gone. Everybody was friendly to Chekai.
The academic master made photocopies of Chekai’s essay. He pinned the copies on all
the notice boards and in all the classrooms. The whole school was excited as they read the essay.
3. Your group leader should now organise you to read a few paragraphs from a storybook.
Answer these questions after reading the paragraphs.
a) Do you like the story?
b) What is it about?
c) Why do you like or not like the story?
Your group leader should report the group findings in class.
Repeat the above group work with a whole storybook.
Choose a book you are familiar with.
B. Reading and Comprehension
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow.
Confessions of an AIDS victim
by Caroline Adallah
I looked across the hotel and at the same time, a young man seated at the far end smiled
at me. I smiled back. He wasn’t bad looking, was he? I looked past him to the clock on
the wall. It was some minutes to six in the evening. Aunt Alice would be expecting us for
the dinner celebration at her place any time from then. I had been staying with her in
Buruburu since I finished my university examinations.
I finished my drink, excused myself and headed to the ladies.
My move secured the anticipated result - the young
man followed seconds later. We met in the corridor.
“Congrats,” he said looking at my graduation gown.
“Thanks,” I said with a big smile.
“My name is Alex, and yours?”
“Cathy,” I said. “Those over there are your parents?” I answered with a nod.
“Here is my card,” he said producing a white gold-
printed business card. I could see he worked as a sales
representative with IBM.
“Do I expect your call tomorrow morning, say, at eleven?”
“That is fine with me.”
“Please, don’t forget to phone,” he recalled as I walked into the ladies.
That is how Alex entered my life − as a graduation package, three years ago. Was this a
suicidal move? I wonder. Through his well-known connections, he got me this job in
Eldoret and we have been lovers since then.
I have seen the better days of my life with Alex. Candle lit dinners, buffet lunches and
on some occasions, cocktails. Alex has been gentle and loving, and generous if I may add.
He has been paying my house rent, helped furnish my house and occasionally brings me
breathtaking gifts ... It is impossible to imagine how AIDS got into such tranquillity.
(From Confessions of an AIDS Victim, by Caroline Adallah)
Answer the following questions.
1. The following meanings are for words used in the passage. Look up the words in the
jumble below and place them against the correct meaning.
a) foresaw something in advance
b) something you do that appears like killing oneself
c) counter where drinks and foods are served and one takes his/her choice
d) calmness/peacefulness
2. We can best describe the first meeting between the narrator and Alex as
A. friendly. C. planned.
B. accidental. D. chance.
3. The narrator first met Alex
A. at a graduation party. C. at her aunt’s place.
B. at an entertainment place. D. in a hotel.
4. Name all the things Alex has done for the narrator.
5. Which words best describe the narrator?
A. Promiscuous and untrustworthy
B. Friendly, social and promiscuous
C. Untrustworthy, social, ambitious
D. Young, ambitious but promiscuous
6. This passage teaches us that HIV/AIDS can be spread through ______.
7. Do you think the narrator and Alex practised safe sex? Give a reason for your answer.
8. Explain what the narrator means by “It is impossible to imagine how AIDS got into such tranquillity.”
9. What can students do to help prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS?
Think about this
1. There is a young person in a certain school who has decided to abstain from sex. His
friends have been making fun of him. What do you think of this?
2. Research has shown that young people are the most affected by HIV/AIDS. Discuss
with members of your group how this affects our country’s economy.
C. Language use
Present perfect tense
Study the following sentences.
1. Mary has read the yellow book.
2. I have arranged the books in the library.
3. We have read the extract from the novel.
4. The reading lesson has ended now.
5. John has written poems.
This tense consists of a form of ‘have’ and a past participle. Here are examples in sentences:
1. We have read Things Fall Apart.
2. She has borrowed a storybook from the library.
3. I have enjoyed reading Mine Boy since I go to this library.
4. He has enjoyed reading the short story.
Fill in the gaps using the correct choice from the ones given.
1. My friend ........... this novel.
A. read C. has read
B. is reading D. have read
2. I ........... books in the library.
A. am arrange
B. have arranged
C. is arranging
D. has arranged
3. Mutesi ........... two storybooks from the library today.
A. is borrow C. has borrowed
B. has borrowing D. have borrowed
4. Gasana ........... at the library.
A. has arrived C. is arrived
B. have arrived D. arrive
5. Our group leader ........... us in reading a novel.
A. has led C. are leading
B. have led D. leading
6. I ........... this book today.
A. will reads C. has read
B. is reads D. have read
7. Which books ........... on this shelf?
A. have you arranged C. are you arranged
B. has you arranged D. will you arranged
8. Hirwa ........... his favourite author is William Shakespeare.
A. has said C. have said
B. will said D. is said
9. Amah Ata Aido ........... many books.
A. has wrote C. has written
B. have wrote D. have written
10. We ........... the library.
A. are clean C. has cleaned
B. have cleaned D. will cleaned
Change the following sentences into the present perfect tense.
For example:
I reminded them about the exercise the teacher left.
Answer: I have reminded them about the exercise the teacher has left.
1. John read the passage frequently.
2. Mary formed the words correctly.
3. The students arrived in the library.
4. I read the magazine.
5. I read Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart before.
6. The teacher forbade us to make noise in the library.
7. Ali borrowed the book
8. Who threw the book away?
9. Betty went to the library.
10. Daniel attempted all questions.
Make correct sentences from the table below.
D. Writing
Essay writing
Writing forms an important part in our learning of English. Authors write well. That is
why we enjoy reading their books. We write compositions in English. We also write essay
answers in the other subjects we learn at school. We should be able to write clearly and
coherently.
Before we start any writing task, we should bear in mind the following questions:
1. Who are we writing for? This determines the tone and formality of what we write.
2. What do we want to say? This enables us to gather information and to plan how we
wish to convey the message.
After writing down what we planned to write, we should read it out loud to ourselves.
Alternatively, we could verbalise it, depending on where we are. If we have written and
punctuated sentences well, we should find it easy to read. It will be easy to detect the
pauses.
We should always check for errors in what we have written. These include spelling errors,
vocabulary usage, and grammar. The checking should be thorough. A sentence should
express a complete thought. It is therefore meaningful on its own. For example:
1. Mark has written a novel.
2. Vincent and Molly have read that novel.
Planning your writing
A good writing plan includes an outline. This is the structure of your composition or story.
Decide how you will start the story, develop and conclude it.
Thereafter, make notes for these parts. Once you are through with the notes, write your
work. Do this by creatively joining the sentences. One idea should flow into another smoothly.
Use conjunctions and discourse markers. Also use figurative language appropriately.
You must read through your work once you are through. This will enable you to correct
mistakes. Ensure that your grammar is correct.
In writing, you can recount, explain, define or contrast something. Recounting means
saying how something happened. It actually means telling a story about what happened.
To explain means making something clear or easier to understand. You can make people
understand through a story. For example, myths help us understand the origins of some
things in life.
To define means to say what the meaning of something or a word is. You can tell a story
by helping your readers understand something.
Contrasting means comparing two things in order to show the differences between them.
A good writer should be able to recount a story. He or she should be able to explain or
define terms. In addition, the writer should be able to contrast events or issues in his or
her story. This is what you should desire to do.
Imagine you are the author of the story below. In your groups, make notes that would
have helped you write it. Compare your notes with those of your desk mate.
Beyond the barricades
by Muthoni wa Gichuru
“I will put this on the testing kit and shortly we will see what it shows.” she said pointing
at the testing kit. “This is what we’ll use to test your blood. If you see one line here, then
you know you are in the clear. If you see two lines rise then you are HIV positive,” she
explained.
“Now I have to sit here and watch my fate decided by lines,” Tracy said jokingly.
“Nothing can decide your fate except yourself, Tracy. Regardless of the results, you are the
one who will decide what kind of life you want to live.
”Tracy tried to keep her eyes away from the testing kit but she kept on glancing at it. She
managed to sit still for the first five minutes, and then she started fidgeting and finally
stood up and started pacing. The waiting seemed interminable and she wondered how ten
minutes had taken so long to elapse. Then when the waiting was over, and she wished the
minutes had dragged on forever.
*****
Tracy could not believe her eyes. She rubbed them and looked again and there it was! She
looked at the two lines and felt the strength draining from her body. She clutched on to the
desk to support herself. It cannot be. I can’t be..., she told herself.
“Did you say two lines mean that I am ...” she started and stopped and she looked into
Doctor Saa’s eyes looking for hope, for reassurance, that all was well.
“I’m sorry Tracy. According to this test, you are HIV positive,” the doctor told her #
sympathetically.
“Something is wrong; maybe you mixed my blood with that of someone else. Maybe your
testing kit is faulty. I could not possibly be HIV positive.”
“I am so sorry Tracy. There is no mistake. You have to accept the results so that you can
move on.”
“I’m telling you I am not HIV positive. I know that for sure,” Tracy said, heading for the
door.
Doctor Saa held Tracy’s arm and looked her in the eye.
“Tracy, you can get re-tested again at another clinic just to be sure. If the test comes out
positive, you will need to accept it so that you can start taking better care of yourself.
You are young and strong. You can beat this. Don’t let it destroy you. You have the strength
inside you to conquer all.”
Her words meant little to Tracy at that moment.
Write a story on the topic: ‘Fire at the Library’. Start by planning your work. Write notes
for the introduction, the body and the conclusion. Then write your work and check it for
grammatical errors.
E . Little laughter
TEACHER: School books are a magic car that will take you all over the world.
PUPIL: Then I must take mine to the garage and have them fitted with seat belts!
Practise reading the conversation below in your groups.UMUTONI:Gatete, it is rude of you to keep us waiting.GATETE:I am sorry. I have been in the library since 3 p.m.MUBYEYI:It is okay, Gatete. What have you been doing in the library?HIRWA:Reading ... surely, what else does someone do in the library?UMUTONI:Come on Hirwa, we deserve an explanation. We have been in this roomsince 3.30 p.m.GATETE:Have you ever read Chinua Achebe’s novels?
Get into small groups and read the following poem before discussing the answers tothe questions that follow.Reading booksI have read many interesting books,I like authors whose words are like hooks,They keep the reader glued to the page
1. What is the poem talking about?2. Does your school have a library? What kinds of books are found in the library?3. What kinds of books do you read for leisure? Who is your favourite author?4. What are some of the magazines and newspapers published in Rwanda? Which onesare your favourite?5. Explain to your group what you think good reading habits are.
1. Write a description of a favourite book you’ve read. Share it with your desk mate.Explain what makes the book memorable.2. In small groups, choose a group leader and read the following excerpt for a novelcalled Names and Secrets by Mark Mutali.“From today, Chekai is a peace ambassador of the President in this district,” the visitorannounced.He pulled out a shiny medal from his bag and hung it round Chekai’s neck. On the medalwere inscribed the words, Peace Ambassador. He also gave him a letter of congratulations. Theletter was signed by the President. Chekai was so proud to hold the letter. He felt like a hero. Headmired the President’s signature. He knew that life for him was going to change completely.“Congratulations, Mr. Ambassador!” the visitor declared.“Thank you, sir!” Chekai managed to speak amidst the tears of joy. He pulled out a whitehandkerchief from his shorts and wiped his wet face. Odhis jumped forward, put his handon Chekai’s shoulder and helped to wipe away the tears. This caused laughter among theteachers and other pupils.“Chekai has won himself 100,000RWF for his essay entitled: To defeat the enemy, letus be together as one. He will receive the money at the District Education Office in thecompany of his parents.”The clapping went on for a long time. The mood of excitement remained in school afterthe visitor had gone. Everybody was friendly to Chekai.The academic master made photocopies of Chekai’s essay. He pinned the copies on allthe notice boards and in all the classrooms. The whole school was excited as they read the essay.3. Your group leader should now organise you to read a few paragraphs from a storybook.Answer these questions after reading the paragraphs.a) Do you like the story?b) What is it about?c) Why do you like or not like the story?Your group leader should report the group findings in class.Repeat the above group work with a whole storybook.Choose a book you are familiar with.
Answer the following questions.1. The following meanings are for words used in the passage. Look up the words in thejumble below and place them against the correct meaning.a) foresaw something in advanceb) something you do that appears like killing oneselfc) counter where drinks and foods are served and one takes his/her choiced) calmness/peacefulness
2. We can best describe the first meeting between the narrator and Alex asA. friendly. C. planned.B. accidental. D. chance.3. The narrator first met AlexA. at a graduation party. C. at her aunt’s place.B. at an entertainment place. D. in a hotel.4. Name all the things Alex has done for the narrator.5. Which words best describe the narrator?A. Promiscuous and untrustworthyB. Friendly, social and promiscuousC. Untrustworthy, social, ambitiousD. Young, ambitious but promiscuous6. This passage teaches us that HIV/AIDS can be spread through ______.7. Do you think the narrator and Alex practised safe sex? Give a reason for your answer.8. Explain what the narrator means by “It is impossible to imagine how AIDS got into such tranquillity.”9. What can students do to help prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS?
Study the following sentences.1. Mary has read the yellow book.2. I have arranged the books in the library.3. We have read the extract from the novel.4. The reading lesson has ended now.5. John has written poems.
This tense consists of a form of ‘have’ and a past participle. Here are examples in sentences:1. We have read Things Fall Apart.2. She has borrowed a storybook from the library.3. I have enjoyed reading Mine Boy since I go to this library.4. He has enjoyed reading the short story.
Fill in the gaps using the correct choice from the ones given.1. My friend ........... this novel.A. read C. has readB. is reading D. have read2. I ........... books in the library.A. am arrangeB. have arrangedC. is arrangingD. has arranged3. Mutesi ........... two storybooks from the library today.A. is borrow C. has borrowedB. has borrowing D. have borrowed4. Gasana ........... at the library.A. has arrived C. is arrivedB. have arrived D. arrive5. Our group leader ........... us in reading a novel.A. has led C. are leadingB. have led D. leading6. I ........... this book today.A. will reads C. has readB. is reads D. have read7. Which books ........... on this shelf?A. have you arranged C. are you arrangedB. has you arranged D. will you arranged8. Hirwa ........... his favourite author is William Shakespeare.A. has said C. have saidB. will said D. is said9. Amah Ata Aido ........... many books.A. has wrote C. has writtenB. have wrote D. have written10. We ........... the library.A. are clean C. has cleanedB. have cleaned D. will cleaned
Imagine you are the author of the story below. In your groups, make notes that wouldhave helped you write it. Compare your notes with those of your desk mate.
Write a story on the topic: ‘Fire at the Library’. Start by planning your work. Write notesfor the introduction, the body and the conclusion. Then write your work and check it forgrammatical errors.