Kcse F2 English Topicals

F2 TOPICAL REVISION
ENGLISH
A SERIES OF KCSE TOPICAL REVISION
QUESTIONS IN ENGLISH & LITERATURE.
A Comprehensive Detailed Analysis

of Past KCSE Questions. Candidates are
Hereby Advised to Pay Key Attention to
this Crucial Quick Revision Kit.
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KCSE TOPICAL REVISION MWALIMU AGENCY
FUNCTIONAL WRITING
1. You are the principal of Baraka Teachers Training College and one of your graduates Mr.
Christopher Lipwoni has applied for employment as a teacher at Lirhanda boarding primary school. The
head teacher of that primary school has send you an email requesting you to avail more information
about Mr. Christopher Lipwoni to enable the school decide whether to employ him or not. In the
space provided below, write a sample report that you intend to email to the head teacher. Remember to
copy the report to the DEO Kakamega East District
2. Imagine that you have been put in charge of a farewell party for your classmates. Write a recipe
for the meal you would prepare for the occasion.
3.Imagine that you are the library captain in your school. Write a memo to the class prefects asking
them to ensure that students observe the library rules, especially regarding silence, prompt return
of books, appropriate dressing and observing opening and closing time.
4. You are invited to give a speech on the role of the youth in fostering peace in your country by a friend
overseas. You are unable to travel due to unforeseen circumstances. E-mail your speech to your friend to
present it on your behalf.
5.You are the manager in Tala Fruits Company you sadly learn that one of the employees in your
company has passed on in a fatal accident.
a) Write a memo to inform all the other employees of the news and remind them to contribute funds
towards giving the deceased a good send off.(12 marks)
b) Write a condolence note to the spouse of the deceased. (8 marks)
6.Students in your school have raised concern about their safety. In a bid to address these concerns, the
Principal appoints a four-member committee to investigate the state of student safety and
recommendations. You are chosen the secretary of this committee. Write down the report that you will
present to your Principal. (20 marks)
7.(20MARKS)
You are the school captain in your school. The school has been performing dismally and you are asked to
visit a top performing school for bench marking for three days. Write a report of your findings and give
recommendations that would benefit the school.
8.You have been confirmed as the president of the student council. The Deputy Principal is away on
official duties. Write a REPORT on the current situation on discipline in the school and what the student
council membership is doing to enhance positive student conduct. Be sure to include:
i) Class attendance
ii) Time keeping
iii) Student conduct in the Dining hall
iv) Student conduct in the dormitories
v) Noise levels
9. Imagine you are the Secretary of the Drama Club at Upendo High School. The National Drama
Festival is scheduled to take place in three weeks’ time. The Patron has informed you that you need
to have a meeting with the other members of the cast who are also the club members to plan for the
FOR MORE KCSE RESOURCES &MARKING SCHEMES CONTACT 0746 222 000
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festival which will take place at Meru High School. Write a notification of meeting. (20
marks)
10. There has been a changeover in the Administration of your school. The chairperson of the school
Student Council Executive which comprises of eight members calls for a familiarization meeting
with the Principal.
The Executive has the following members: The School Chair the Deputy, the Dining Hall Prefect, the
Games Captain, the Medical Prefect and three Dorm Prefects.
The following issues were addressed in the meeting:
(i) Introduction of members
(ii) Election of Council Members
(iii) The Role of Council in School
(iv) Motivation of members
(v) Discipline of members
(vi) Any other Business
During the meeting, the Dining Hall prefect sends his apology due to an on-going exam, while two Dorm
Prefects are away due to fees.
As the Secretary of the Student Council Executive Committee, write the Minutes of your first meeting
with the new Principal.
CLOSE TEST
1. Fill in each of the blank space in the passage below with the most appropriate word. *
(1) ..............the deliberations began yesterday, it was evident that the climate of suspicion
and (2)................... blood still reigned. The M.P’s and (3) ................ of their political parties
must acknowledge cardinal principal (4) ....................making accusation and issuing threats.
They are deliberating on the (5).................. of Kenya.
They were (6) .............. by the people of Kenya to sit in the August House to (7).......... the
people. They must remember that they are not discussing a constitution for themselves or any other. They
are not (8) ............. a constitution for president Kibaki or Prime Minister Raila Odinga or any other
individual (9) .......... may be having (10)......... for high office.
2. This may not be such a drab year after all (1) ……some good may yet be reported in the education
sector following Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) decision to (2) ……….KCSE
examination candidates online.
Registering all candidates (3)........….is one way towards making the registration process
efficient and accountable. (4) ……….. this does not mean scrapping the time tested manual method, it is
surely a (5) ........…. in the right direction.
Also it is but one of (6) ……...……………reforms being undertaken in education matters
to reduce time school managers, students and parents expend ahead of national examinations.It would also
significantly reduce (7) ……of Academies registering weak students (8)……..other examination
centers and make it easier for candidates to (9) ………. the status of their registration and
(10).....……..perennial complaints of non-registration
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3. Read the passage below and fill in each blank space with the appropriate word.
Garbage, garbage and more garbage; easy to generate but difficult to (1)_______ of. But if
we stopped complaining about its chocking (2)_____ for even one minute, we would realise that
there is (3)______ that we can do about it – perhaps even earn a living (4) _______ it.
There are women groups that have been making and selling high (5)______ manure from
domestic waste such as potato and banana peels. In so doing they create employment for (6)_______
and those who collect the garbage for them. The manure is said to be so ______ that it causes
crops to yield three times as much as other types of manure ________ fertilizers. This boosts our agricultural
sector (9)________.
In a country like Britain, waste paper can now be eaten. It is softened and sweetened
(10) ___a certain technology then fed to cows. Such cows are said to produce creamier milk.
4: Fill each of the blank spaces in the passage below with the most appropriate word.
The decision (1)……….....information ministers (2)…………...single out the Media (3) ……….
what is clearly an intrusive audit of (4) ………..performance prior to , (5) ……... , and after
the highly problematic December 2007 election should not come as a surprise.
(6)…………..has come as a surprise. (7) …...……...…..the somewhat muted response from
the media fraternity. From a lot that is usually vocal in the (8) ……….. of its rights (9) ............…
both real and imaginary foes, the silence is (10) ………..….frightening than government’s
seemingly single minded determination to gag the media.
5. Read the passage below and fill in the blank spaces with an appropriate word. (10mks)
Most parents innocently believe __________________(i) parental guidance with regard to television
watching means making sure that your child does not sit too close to the set. They believe that sitting
close to the TV ____________________(ii) hurt their eyes. Unfortunately, the harmful effects of
electronic media go much deeper _______________________(iii) just the physiological damage of x-rays
on the brain and eyes. This is especially so with children under the __________(iv)
of seven, whose senses are only ____________________(v) beginning to develop. Electronic
media has been discovered to hamper young children’s __________________(vi) to create their own
inner pictures - which is the foundation of all creativity.Imitation is the key
______________________(vii) this early age. A child can only to be truly human from human beings
themselves; not from electronic gadgets, __________________(viii) do faithfully represent humanness.
Studies show consistently how watching TV slants creative play in young children. Nightmares
_____________________(ix) ensue from the violent scenes watched.Television anaesthetizes our higher
brain function ______________________(x) disrupts the balance and interaction between left and right
hemispheres.
6. Read the passage below and fill in each blank space with an appropriate word.
Nothing has changed the face of the global economy (1) than the expansion of international trade.
(2) impact has been decisive on large and (3) economies alike. Most
global trade is among industrialized countries, but (4) countries are gaining an increasing share of
world trade.
However, globalization is not without its problems. Many countries seek to (5) local industries from
increased competition. Inevitably, one country’s exports are (6) country’s imports,
but whereas expanding export markets are seen as beneficial (7) economic
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growth, increasing openness to (8) is often seen, by both governments and ordinary people, as
threatening the goods and (9) produced in the home country.
Governments shield local industries from (10) competition through such measures as
putting tariffs on imports and subsidizing production.
Adapted from: The Knowledge Book, National Geographic, Washington D.C. 2008.
7.Read the passage below and fill in each blank space with an appropriate word.
Gender 1. …against the African woman is not 2 ….very widespread but also deeply embedded in African
Societies. Several factors combine to 3. …..the African woman. First, we have primitive and irrational
4……about the natural inferiority of the woman. 5. ……, many negative cultural practices, female genital
6.…, bride price and confinement to specified spaces, injure, humiliate and 7. …..the person of the
woman. Thirdly , the abject poverty and abysmal ignorance prevailing in many 8. …..societies deny the
African woman the means, the knowledge and the power to make 9. ………..decisions about her life.
Last but not 10. ……., the African man’s chauvinistic greed for power and insensitivity to the needs of his
mother, daughter, sister and companion is a regrettable hindrance to female emancipation.
8. Read the passage below and fill in each blank space with an appropriate word
Kenyans (1) _________________ a lot from the newly elected government. All the promises (2)
________________ during campaigns ought to be (3) __________________. (4)
______________________ it is quite unrealistic to expect a lot out of nothing. We all need to work extra
hard in our respective activities so as to (5) _________________ on dreams. Things will never fall (6)
_______________ above. (7) ______________ of all of us are needed to realize vision (8)
________________ meeting our basic needs. Above all that, we must (9) _______________ national
unity and (10) ___________ for the progress of all.
9.Fill the blanks in the passage below with an appropriate word (10 marks)
The chorus of praise for the Meteorological Department for (1)………………………..predicting when
the rains would begin is a public vote of confidence in the institution. The weatherman (2)
……………………… the exact day of the first deluge of the new rainy season and the duration. (3)
………………………….. it is disappointing that despite the accuracy, the country has once again been
caught napping. This is, (4) …………………………….. partly due to the skepticism arising from the past
predictions. But more worrying is the exposure of the lack of
(5)……………………………………to deal with floods. A country whose vast (6)
……………………………. of land have been ravaged by a lengthy drought is now awash with water
does not know how to deal with. It is a sorry state (7) ………………………… suffering and agony when
it rains and also when it shines. The perennial utter (8)
………………………………… of the people, agencies and the national and county leadership is
astounding and costly. Seven people have died in the past two days and there is every indication (9)
……………………………………… there will be more deaths and destruction of (10)
…………………………………………..
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10.Read the passage below and fill in each blank space with an appropriate word.
Although the government has--1--------------------a number of county schools to national status, most of
them have not shown any--2-------------------------achievement to warrant their newly-acquired title. Thus,
the-3------------------- is for government to provide adequate resources to prepare the schools to take their
rightful place and ultimately-4--------------alternative centers of excellence. The reason for elevating more
schools to national status is-5-----------------------just in name, but to offer opportunities for more primary
school leavers to benefit--6-------------------------------- the resources in these institutions. ---7----------------
-------that is not achieved, and then the drive to expand national schools will become an academic
exercise. After form four, the -8---------------------------------will be looking for progression to universities
or other tertiary institutions. Statistics indicate that about-9-----------------------------------third of the
candidate, 149,717 out of 482,133 who registered for the exams, scored grades C+ and above, --10---------
--------------for university admission.
ORAL SKILLS
1. Read the poem below and answer the questions that follow:-
ESCAPE FROM THE CITY
I seek a quiet country life
Without the city’s bursting strife
I seek the sight of trees ablaze
Instead of streets that form amaze
Barbara Klinger
i) Identify two sound patterns in this poem and state their effectiveness
a) i) rhyme Life Ablaze Strife Amaze
ii) Which words in the poem contain dipthongs?
iii) How could you say the first line of this poem and why?
iv) Describe the rhyme scheme of the poem above
b) In each of the following groups of words, one of the underlined is different from
the rest.Identify the word with the different sound:-
i) purse further fury nurse
ii) three thick theme these
iii) have fame rake fate
iv) heir honest honoraria harbour
v) committee constitution command commodity
c) Read the item below and answer the questions that follow:-
If freaky Fred found fifty feet of fresh fruit and fed forty feet to his friend Frank,
how many feet of fresh fruit did freeky Fred find?
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i) Classify the oral item above
ii) Identify two characteristics of this genre
iii) State four functions of this genre
d) Explain the meaning of the following idiomatic expressions :-

i) They were taught by the word of mouth
ii) The guest of honour asked us to lend him our ears
iii) Politicians must now walk the talk
iv) Daisy has the gift of the gab
e) You are a TV presenter with “Duond Joka Nyanam” station. You have been assigned the
duty to interview an important and famous writer in the name of Ngugi Wa Thiong’o. How
would you prepare yourself for an effective session with a view to producing a good programme?
2. a) Read the poem below and then answer the questions that follow:-
SWEET AND LOW
Sweet and low, sweet and low,
Wind of the western sea,
Low, low, breath and blow,
Wind of the western sea!
Over the rolling waters go,
Come from the dying moon, and blow,
Blow him again to me;
While my little one, while my pretty one, sleeps.
Sleep and rest, sleep and rest,

Father will come to thee soon;
Rest, rest on mother’s breast;
Father will come to his babe n the nest,
Silver sails all out of the west
Under the silver moon;
Sleep my little one, sleep, my pretty one, sleep.
Alfred lord Tennyson.
(i) State any two pairs of rhyming words from the above poem
(ii) Apart from rhyme, with illustrations from the poem, identify any other two
techniques hat have been used by the poet to create rhythm in this poem
(iii) If you were to classify the above poem as a song, in which category would
you place it and why?
(iv) Comment on the number of syllables used in the last line of each stanza.
What does this tell you about the rhythm of this poem?
(v) If you were to recite this poem to its target audience, how would recite the last
line of the last stanza?
(vi) From the poem, identify any two words containing the vowel sound
b) Underline the silent letters in the following words
i) Subtle
ii) Comb
iii) White
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iv) Hymn
v) Clinton
c) Rewrite the following sentences identifying the stressed syllable in the underlined
words ( use stress marks)
i) Drug abuse is so rampant in coast province
ii) The alarm clock rang on time
iii) Can I have your contact, please
iv) We were forced to desert our fertile land and now, here we are in a total desert
d) Carefully study the following conversation and then answer the questions that
follow:-.
Juma : I am so happy! (Jumps up) we finally did it! Four powerful sweet goals!
Solomon: No doubt about that victory! Chelsea…..
Collins :(interrupting) shut up your pointed beak! Its Chelsea not Chelesea! Simply stated;
the blues.
Solomon: Accept my apology. I didn’t mean to offend anyone. For your information
Collins, Man City isn’t my team. Notwithstanding, the fact remains that Manchester city
outran and outfoxed your team. I saw the match myself.
Juma: Hold your peace, boy. Are you not aware of the adage that goes: he who fights the
truth,fights against God! Chelsea can beat any other team in the English premier
league but not Manchester City: that’s the truth, period.
Collins : Sure? Come to think of it, have you ever stopped to wonder why all the beautiful
women in this present world and probably the one that will come, prefer to
associate with Chelsea players and fans rather than those of man city? Still
wondering? Answer is obvious: Mancity players are not only short and ugly but
also daft morons!
Juma: To be honest, you could be saying the truth as far as your captain’s snatching of
Wayne bridges girl friend is concerned. However, don’t you think it’s a show case
of immorality, for a married man like him to engage in an extra-marital affair?
Catherine: Guys, let’s end the entire talk. Why can’t we talk about AFC Leopards, Sofa
Paka,and Western Stima! Isn’t there any football being played in Kenya?
Solomon: True
Catherine: What I…..mean is, who in England talks about Western Stima? Anyway, thanks
for your company! (Walks away)
i) Identify and illustrate any two features demonstrated by Collins which indicate lack of
courtesy while conversing with others
ii) From the above dialogue, identify any two features of a healthy conversation
iii) With relevant illustrations from the above dialogue state any two features that
characterize natural speech
3. a) Read the genre below and answer the questions that follow:-
“How high up has he heaved his heavy hoe?”
i) Identify the genre above
ii) For what purpose would the above genre be used
iii) Cite one feature of oral skills used in the above genre
iv) Mention two characteristics of the above genre
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b) Give another word that has the same pronunciation as the words below
i) Profit
ii) Mete
iii) Pull
iv) Dough
v) Key
c) Imagine that Ngugi Wa Thion’go, the author of the novel ‘The River Between’ has
been invited by the English department to give a lecture on the key themes and
aspects of style evident in the novel, in a week’s time. As one of the students of
literature preparing to offer him audience, what steps would you take just before
and during the presentation to ensure that you benefit fully from the event.
d) Read the poem below and answer the questions that follow:-
I stood and stared, the sky was lit
The sky was stars all over it
I stood. I knew not why
Without a wish, without a will
I stood upon the silent hill
My eyes were blind with stars still
I stared into the sky
i) Show how the poet has effectively created rhythm in this poem?
ii) What word would you stress in line 5 and why?
iii) Explain two ways in which you would make the recitation of the first three
lines of the poem effective
e) Read the conversation below and then answer the questions after it.
Hawa : Hallo, is that Thatu’s Girl’s school?
Peter : Yes, what is your name?
Hawa : Hawa Mukova
Peter : What do you want?
Hawa : May I speak to the head teacher?
Peter : He went to do shopping for his family. What did you want to tell him?
Hawa : Sorry it is confidential. May I speak to the deputy?
Peter : He is attending a pre-wedding in fact he is never in school
Hawa : Oh! I will call later
Peter : It’s okay
i) Identify four instances of lack of telephone conversation etiquette
ii) Write corrections using correct telephone etiquette
iii) Underline the silent letter in the following words
a) Eulogy
b) Phlegm
4. (a) For each of the following words, provide another similar pronunciation.
(i) Site …
(ii) Owe
(iii) Rite
(iv) Road
(v) Blew
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(b) A resource person has been invited to your school to talk on the newly introduced
playAn Enemy of the People by Henrick Ibsen. What five things would you do to
ensure you benefit maximumly from this talk?
(c) Using each of the words given below, construct two sentences to bring out two
different meanings.
A. (i) Import
(ii) Import.
(iii) Produce.
(iv) Produce
d) Read the following poem and answer the questions that follow:-
THANK THE MOTHER
I thank thee mother
Your back I wet
When I leaked
like a broken gourd,
Your breast I sought

like a blind bat,
On your back
I swung like a little vagabond
but you said
‘It’s my vagabond.’
(i) Who is the persona?

(ii) On the line ‘Like a broken gourd.’ Which words would you stress? Why?
(iii) How is rhythm achieved in the poem? Illustrate.
(e) Read the story below and answer the questions that follow:-
There lived two men who were good friends. One of them was very wise and the
other very foolish. One day, they argued between themselves, and one said, “I am the wisest
man in this country.” The other said, “No,! I am the wisest.” As there was no way of
measuring wisdom, the two men did not know who was wiser than the other.
One day they were discussing the ill-behaviour of their wives and one of them said,
“If we want them to behave well we must beat them up. Women are like children, beat
them up and they will behave well.”
The other said, “No ! if you beat your wife, she will become worse.” After arguing
for a long time, they kept quiet and went home. On reaching his house, the man who was in
favour of beating wives began to beat an ox-skin vigorously. When the other heard this, he
thought the sound came from his friend beating his wife and he took a stick and beat his wife
severely until she fell sick and later died.
When the two men met later, it was now clear who between them was wiser than
the other.(Adopted from: The Hyena and The Rock by B.M.
Lusweti: Nairobi: The Macmillan Press Ltd. 1992)
(i) Suppose you are the one narrating this story, what would you do first before narration to
capture the attention of the audience?
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(ii) How would you deliver the speech by the 2nd speaker? “No ! I am the wisest.”
(iii) If you are listening to this story, what would you expect the story teller to do so as to
make the story interesting?
(f) The following is a conversation between an Admission’s teacher and Juma, a

Form One seeking admission to Elimu Secondary School. Study it and complete
the blank spaces appropriately.
Juma : ……………………………………………………………………………
Teacher : Good morning young man, how are you?
Juma :
Teacher : Welcome to Elimu Secondary School and have a seat.
Juma : Thank you, Madam.
Teacher :
Juma : I’m Hassan Juma Masumbuko.
Teacher : I have verified your documents and therefore allowed you to join the
classroom next
door as our first Form One student this year, congratulations.
Juma :
5.a) Read the poem below and then answer the questions that follow: -
SWEET AND LOW
Sweet and low, sweet and low,
Wind of the western sea.,
Low, low, breath and blow,
Wind of the western sea!
Over the rolling waters go,
Come from the dying moon, and blow,
Blow him again to me;
While my little one, while my pretty one, sleeps.
Sleep and rest, sleep and rest,

Rest, rest on mother’s breast;
Father will come to his babe n the nest,
Silver sails all out of the west
Under the silver moon;
Sleep my little one, sleep, my pretty one, sleep. (Alfred lord Tennyson)
Questions
i) State any two pairs of rhyming words from the poem above. (2 marks)
ii) Apart from rhyme, with illustrations from the poem, identify any other two techniques that have been
used by the poet to create rhythm in this poem.
(2 marks)
iii) If you were to classify the above poem as a song, in which category would you place it and (2 marks)
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iv) Comment on the number of syllables used in the last line of each stanza. What does this tell you
about rhythm of this poem? (2 marks)
v) If you were to recite this poem to its target audience, how would you recite the last line of the last
stanza. (1 mark)
vi) From the poem, identify any two words containing the vowel sound / ^/ (1 mark)
b) For each of the following set of words, underline the odd one out.
(4 marks)
i) Pose paws pores pours
ii) Heel hill heal he’ll
iii) core corps cause
iv) told toed towed toad
c)Assume you are taking part in a group discussion. Explain how you would ensure you observe the rules
of turn-taking. (3 marks)
d) Study the following situations and write down what you would say in each case.
(6 marks)
i) When walking along a corridor, you accidentally bump into somebody out of your own
clumsiness.
ii) You are engaging in a conversation and you catch yourself interrupting the other person.
iii) You want to introduce a point during a discussion which contradicts what the other person
has said.
e) In the words given below, underline the part that should be stress.(2 marks)
i) challenge
ii) advice
f) Identify four examples of onomatopoeia in this text. 2 marks)
The car screeched to a sudden stop. This was followed by screams and howls as the passengers banged
their heads against their seats in front of them or smashed through the windscreen.
g) Rodgers was to attend a graduation ceremony for his daughter in Mombasa. Being his first time in the
city, he asked Mark his son-in-law who lives in Mombasa for directions to the graduation venue. But it
turned out that Rodgers never reached his destination. Give any possible reason for this. (3 marks)
6. ORAL SKILLS
a. Read the poem below and answer the questions that follow:
O whisper, O my soul! The afternoon
Is waning into evening, whisper soft!
Peace, O my rebel heart! For soon the moon
From out its misty veil will swing aloft!
Be patient, weary body, soon the night
Will wrap thee gently in her sable sheet,
And with a leaden sigh thou wilt invite
To rest thy tired hands and aching feet.
The wretched day was theirs, the night is mine;

Come tender sleep, and fold me to thy breast.
But what steals out the gray clouds like red wine?
O dawn! O dreaded dawn! O let me rest
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Weary my veins, my brain, my life ! Have pity!
No! Once again the harsh, the ugly city! By Claude McKay
i) Explain how the poet achieves rhythm in the poem above. (4 marks)
ii) Briefly explain how you would perform the first two lines in this poem. (3 marks)
b. The following sentences contain a highlighted word. In each sentence underline the part of
the word that is stressed to convey the meaning intended.
i. The county assembly agreed that the country’s pro.duce will be marketed locally.
ii. The citizens re.ject the proposal to divide them along tribal lines.
iii. Why didn't you re.cord the speech for me?
iv. The sur.vey revealed that most unemployed youth have skills that can be gainfully
used.
c. You have been appointed to chair a class discussion on M. Ogallo, ’The River and the Source’.
After the discussion, your classmates comment that you steered the discussion very well. Write down four
things you did right. (4 marks)
d. Underline the word that is said differently from the sets of words given below:
(5 marks)
(i) fairy ferry furry
(ii) floor flower flour
(iii) toe two tow
(iv) pear pare peer
(v) canal kernel colonel
e. You attend a talk on ‘Peer Pressure’ organized by your school. The speaker is audible and
interesting, but you find it difficult to concentrate fully. What factors could have led to your inattention?
(4 marks)
f. The following is a dialogue between Doreen and her mother. Read it carefully and answer the
questions that follow:
Doreen : Mom, what did you decide about my camp?
Mom : What camp, Doreen?
Doreen : Oh mom, you mean its not important to you? I already told you about
the St. John’s club camp that our school is organizing.
Mom : Oh, that one? Remember we discussed it. But remember we also
agreed that would pay for it only if your grades…
Doreen : I knew it! You always use my poor grades as an excuse not to do
anything for me.
Mom : That is not true, Doreen. You know I do a lot for…
Doreen : Stop it! You don't love me! That is why…
Mom : I will not allow you to speak to me like that, Doreen.
Identify three weaknesses in Doreen’s negotiation skills, and explain briefly how she can address them.
(6 marks)
7. ORAL SKILLS (30MARKS)

a) The Bride
Why do you wear that dress so white?
Why do you wear the veil so light?
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Why do your young eyes shine so bright?
Is it your wedding?
I wear the dress and veil to show

That gladly to my love I go
My young eyes shine because I know
It is my wedding.
i) Using illustrations, show how rhythm has been achieved in the poem (4 marks)
ii) How would you perform to distinguish stanza I from stanza 2? (2marks)
iii) What is the rhyme scheme of this poem? (2marks)
iv) Describe the tone you would use in performing the last line of the song. (2marks)
b) Give another word pronounced the same as the following. (5marks)
i. Heal –
ii. Elicit –
iii. Beach –
iv. Moor –
v. Shagreen –
c) Explain the emphatic stress on the underlined words in the following sentences. (4marks)
i. Jim slapped Jane yesterday.
ii. Jim slapped Jane yesterday.
iii. Jim slapped Jane yesterday.
iv. Jim slapped Jane yesterday.
d) Identify the odd one out in each of the following sets. (5marks)
i. Enough, staff, dough, graph
ii. Depot, rapport, report, debut
iii. Watched, wanted, laughed, rushed
iv. Wept, debt, receipt, doubt
v. Machine, chef, chess, machete
e) You are stranded at a bus stop. You decide to ring your principal to report that you cannot arrive in
school in time for class. Below is a part of the telephone conversation. Fill the other part. (6marks)
You: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1mark)
School secretary: I’m sorry the principal is in a meeting and cannot speak to you at the moment.
You --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1mark)
School secretary: May I know your class teacher please?
You:
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…(1mark)
School secretary: Oh I’m sorry Mrs. Mwangi is already in class. Can you please leave a message?
You: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1mark)
School secretary: Oh Mrs, Muli’s is your house mistress? Just hold on as I connect you to her.
Mrs. Muli: Hello, what can I do for you?
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You:--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1mark)
Mrs. Muli: Sorry, I’ll inform your class teacher about your predicament. Bye for now.
You: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (1mark)
8.
Read the narrative below and answer the questions that follow.
THE STUPID MONKEY
Once upon a time, a tribe of monkeys made their home in the pleasure garden of the king. In certain
holiday when the drum was beaten to call the people together, the King's gardener, hearing the drum, said
to himself, "Even though it is holiday, the garden must be watered. Accordingly, I will ask the monkeys to
water the garden for me so that I can be off to enjoy myself and keep holiday with the rest." So he called
the monkeys and asked them to water the garden. When the monkeys had promised to water all the young
trees faithfully, the gardener gave them water skins and the wooden pot with which to perform the task.
After the gardener had gone, the monkeys took up the water skins and the watering pot and began to water
the young trees. But the leader of the monkeys stopped them. "Wait," he said," we must be careful not to
waste water. Before you water them, you must first pull up each tree and look at the size of the roots.
Then you must give plenty of water to those which have long, deep root. For when this water is finished,
we shall have hard work to get any more.
"To be sure," said the other monkeys," that is what we must do." So, they pulled up all the trees just as
their leader had told them to do and all the young trees died.
QUESTIONS
a) What would you do to prepare your audience to listen to the above story? (2 mks)
b) What two oral devices would you use in narrating this story effectively? (4 mks)
c) What two things would indicate that your audience is following the story? (4 mks)
d) You are one of the students chosen to negotiate in a dispute involving members of your class and
another class. What negotiation skills will you employ to ensure an amicable resolution is reached. (5mks)
e) Put the words below in correct column according to pronunciation of the vowel sounds.
school, floor, you, write, oar, night
/ai/ /u:/ /Ɔ:/ (3 mks)
f) Identify the silent letters in the following words. (4 mks)
i) Boutique ___________________
ii) Plumber __________________
iii) Bough _________________________
iv) Bouquet ____________________
g) Indicate how you would address each of the following officials to express courtesy. (2 mks)
i) President -
ii) Judge -
iii) Pope -
iv) MP -
h) You are attending a debate club competition in your neighbouring school. When a student from
your school takes the podium, you notice that he/she is afraid. Write down three indicators that would tell
you that the student is afraid and suggest how to overcome them. (6 mks)
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9.a) Read the poem and answer the questions that follow:(8 marks)
Who will believe my verse in time to come,
If it were filled with your most high whoosh deserts?
Though yet heaven knows, it is but as tomb
Which hides your life and shows not half your parts
If I could write the beauty of your eyes
And in fresh number all your graces,
The age to come would say ‘This poet lies’
Such heavenly touches never touched earth’s faces,
So should my papers, yellowed with their age,
Be scorned, like lazy less travelled old men of less truth than tongue
i) Identify the rhyme scheme of the poem?
ii) Apart from rhyme, how else has rhythm been achieved?
iii) Identify four words with silent letters and underline the letters.
iv) Which words would you stress in the first line and why?
b) Provide a word that is pronounced in the same way as the words provided below.(4 marks)
i) some
ii) be
iii) their
v) come
c) You have been invited to an interview for a clerical job in your former primary school. List things that
you will do before and during the interview so as to excel in the interview
(4 marks)
d) Your teacher of English has asked you to present an oral narrative to your class during the English
lesson. List three verbal techniques you will employ so as to make your narration interesting to the
audience.(3 marks)
e) Consider the riddling session below and answer the questions that follow:(4 marks)
Challenger: I have a riddle. Are you ready for it?
Audience: Yes, give us the challenge.
Challenger: I have a wife who never returns to where she came from
Audience: The waters of a stream.
Challenger: No
Audience: Rain.
Challenger: No, give me a city
Audience: Mombasa
Audience: fine, I will settle in Mombasa. The answer is the leaf of a tree.
i) How is the audience’s attention captured before the riddling session in the riddle provided above?
(1 mark) ii) Indicate whether the intonation used in the sentences provided below
assume a falling or rising intonation. (3 marks
i) I have a riddle. Are you ready for it?

ii) The waters of a stream
iii) The answer is the leaf of a tree
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f) Read the conversation provided below and answer the questions that follow: (7 marks)
JOHN:Hallo…
OPERATOR:Emergency, which service do you require?
JOHN:There’s been a terrible accident and I want you to do something about it.
OPERATOR:Kindly tell me the service you require. Is it fire, police or ambulance?
JOHN:Oh yes, ambulance.
OPERATOR:Your phone number please?
JOHN:0723…..
OPERATOR:Am putting you through.
DRIVER: Hello, will you tell me the exact location of the accident scene
JOHN:Just behind my house.
ii) What are the shortcomings of John’s listening skills? (3 marks)
iii) John did not succeed in giving directions clearly. What are the guidelines of giving directions? (4
marks)
9.
Read the poem below and then answer the questions that follow.
When, in disgrace with Fortune and men's eyes,
I all alone beweep my outcast state,
And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries,
And look upon myself and curse my fate,
Wishing me like to one more rich in hope,
Featured like him, like him with friends possessed,
Desiring this man's art and that man's scope,
With what I most enjoy contented least,
Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising;
Haply I think on thee, and then my state,
(Like to the lark at the break of day arising)
From sullen earth sings hymns at heaven'ss gate,
For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings
That then I scorn to change my state with kings.
(William Shakespeare's Sonnet 29)
i) Identify any four pairs of words that rhyme in this poem. (2 marks)
(ii) Give two instances of alliteration in this poem. (2 marks)
iii) Imagine you are performing this poem to learners who are visually impaired. B.Explain four ways
in which you would ensure that they get the message effectively. (4mks)
C. identify any five pairs of homophones in the list below. (5 marks)
phloemmad heir
floors flaws berry
hair coarse flame
clause mud
course cause
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close cloze
bold bald
floss air
phlegmbury
D. Provide two words for each of the following sounds. (2 marks)
/a:/ /ȝ:/
I) I)
II) II)
E.The underlining indicates the stressed word in the sentences below.
Briefly explain what each sentence means. (3 mks)
i) Mary bought a present for John.
ii) Mary bought a present for John.
iii) Mary bought a present for John.
F.Using a riddle of your choice, explain the riddling process. (6 marks)
G.Classify the following sub-genre. (2 marks)
Ken can can a can of curled kales
H.The following is a conversation between a father and his daughter.
DAUGHTER: (shortly having arrived home from school) Good afternoon, Daddy
FATHER:(Sitting complacently in the sofa, reading a newspaper. Looking up…..) Good afternoon
(Resumes reading)
DAUGHTER: (Holding out her school report form) Daddy, I’m excited. My teacher said I was the best
improved. I was………..
FATHER:Oh, you were? Me, I used to be number one. I was absolutely unbeatable.
DAUGHTER: Chemistry has been a particular headache ( now looking at the report form which she
thought her father would want to see), but this time…….
FATHER:(Stretching his arms, looking preoccupied)Chemistry for me was particular easy.I never
scored anything less than 90%
DAUGHTER: Dad, I was going to tell you that this time…….
FATHER:(Absent minded) by the way, where is your mum?
DAUGHTER: Mum is in the garden picking vegetables. But dad, you’re not listening to my story. I was
telling you about Chemistry
FATHER:You mean you have a story about chemistry? Chemistry is not about stories. It is hard science.
DAUGHTER: It’s about my improvement……..
FATHER:(laughing) me, it wasn’t matter of improvement. I was always at the top of the class
DAUGHTER: Daddy, I give up. You’re not listening
FATHER:( looking surprised) Listening? I heard you: you were talking about improvement in chemistry,
weren’t you?
DAUGHTER: anyway, Dad. Thank you for paying attention. Enjoy your newspaper.
FATHER:Oh yes, I’m reading an interesting story about politics
Question
Identify four ways in which the father can improve his listening skills (4mks)
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COMPREHENSION
1. Read the following passage then answer questions that follow.
Soil erosion is a continual process in nature. Over the centuries weather and rocks interact to replace work
out soil. Much as man renews his outer layer of skin. But the accelerated soil erosion created by man often
destroys faster than nature can renew. It usually results from rapid and thoughtless exploitation, an
attempt to obtain the maximum product as quickly as possible. This attitude has led to excessive cultivation,
deforestation, overgrazing, failure to consider the nature of the soil and its environment and reluctance to
devote labour and finance to maintaining its qualities. The results are seen in the barren lands of North
Africa, the Middle East, and south china. And soil erosion has been a factor in the downfall of past
civilizations. Perhaps the most frequently quoted example of soil erosion is that of the American dust bowl.
Its natural equilibrium was upset by over cultivation and the land was reduced to near desert conditions.
Wind erosion accelerated the process assisted by a succession of the dry years. There are many areas of the
USA which have felt the impact of wind erosion. Others have been subject to water erosion on land
which, through misuse has lost its fertility.
A number of measures which help to conserve soil have been in use for centuries in many
parts of the world. Their primary aim is to make the best use of rain. They include terracing, contour farming
and strip ploughing which control the quantity and pace of water run-off. Over the years, many of the best
soils have been developed under grass. The soil itself must have a good biological content of minute
organisms to circulate the nutrients and to maintain a health structure. With some crops, soil
conservation is facilitated by allowing weeds to grow or by cultivating leguminous crops. These help to
protect the soil from wind and water erosion and can be ploughed back as manure.
To restore vegetational cover to barren lands is a slow process, but the scientific and
technical problems are far outweighed by those arising from man’s use of domestic animals, notably
goats and sheep. These animals have caused soil erosion in many areas and it is urgently necessary to have
more control over them. Goats and sheep have grazed large areas of Mediterranean countries into
subsistence farming or deserts; they prevent tree growth and have reduced the average tree line by 1000
feet in four centuries. Unfortunately they and cattle are still being introduced into areas being cleared of
forests in Africa. For example, the cattle of Maasai in Tanzania give rise to much erosion in their now
restricted territories. In many instances, a far greater yield of protein could be obtained by ‘farming’ the
wild animals in these territories. These animals and plants on which their life is based have achieved a
harmony or balance in their relationship which, history, shows is rarely achieved between the goat, as
farmed by humans, and its terrain.
Adapted from Man and Environment by Robert Arvil
1. Explain how soil erosion replace work out soil

2. Soil erosion is said to be a naturally occurring process in nature. What role does man
play in making soil erosion a harmful process?
3. Perhaps the most frequently quoted examples of soil erosion is that of the American
dust bowl. Begin: The American dust bowl…………………)
4. How does the writer show that soil erosion is a global problem?
5. Which is the greatest consequence of soil erosion recorded in history according
to this passage?
6. “It usually results from rapid and thoughtless exploitation, an attempt to obtain
the maximum product as quickly as possible. State the word class of the
underlined words as used in the passage
Example: Exploitation: noun

Usually:…………………………………………………………….
Thoughtless:…………………………………………………..
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7. Why do you think the word: ‘Farming’: in the last paragraph has been put in
quotation marks?
8. What measures have been used in many parts of the world t o conserve soil?
(Answer in note form)
9. Explain the meaning of the following words as used in the passage.
i) Renew…………………………………
ii) Barren……………………………………………
iii) Pace……………………………………
2. Read the passage below and then answer the questions that follow:-
A situation whereby a large number of mentally and physically capable people of working
age are willing to work but cannot find work is usually known as unemployment. In Africa, the
unemployment rate is estimated to be 27-29%. This way beyond the usual acceptable rate of 4%. This is a
grievous situation which has contributed to the soaring levels of poverty witnessed all around us.
But what are the causes of unemployment? Can anything be done to ease the situation?First.
Political upheavals have played a key role in promoting the sky rocketing levels of unemployment. Civil
wars and ethnic clashes have led to bloodshed and massive loss of life. As is expected, foreign investors
have fled for their safety. They have shut down their companies and relocated their businesses to places
that are more conducive to the thriving of their enterprises. The results are usually jobless and consequently
poverty.
Ordinary citizens rarely ferment political trouble. Their “leaders” do it in an effort to upstage
one another and make political and economic gains. Through their vote, citizens have the means of ensuring
that such people do not accede to power.
Contrary to expectation, international trade has not helped the situation for a long time. The
developed countries, instead, have taken advantage of this trade to exploit Africans making them even
poorer. Liberation of trade has meant that goods from all manner of places are allowed into the country.
Most of these are cheaper than locally produced ones because the costs of production are lowered by
efficiency factors and government subsidies. As a result local infant industries are unable to compete and
end up collapsing. Once again many are left unemployed.
In addressing this problem, the buck stops with African governments. It is upon them to
create an enabling environment for local industries by way of improving infrastructure and security and
also giving tax waivers. Sound policies that enhance efficiency in the sector should be instituted.
In addition, the unemployment problem is worsened by a shortage of entrepreneurs. Many
people lack the necessary skills, spirit of boldness and risk taking attitudes required in starting
business ventures. Though they have the capital, they do not invest it locally. Thus they deny many people
a chance for employment. Some prefer to stash their money in foreign accounts.
A sense of patriotism is called for here. Nothing gives greater joy and satisfaction than
knowing that one has contributed to the betterment of the lives of others, as they say east or west, home is
the best, and so investing locally will have multiple benefits. African governments and NGO’s must also
do more in equipping those interested with entrepreneurial skills.
Moreover the African system of education has failed to change the white collar job mentality.
Many are those who believe that these are more prestigious and better paying than blue collar jobs. This
has meant that opportunities in the informal sectors go unexploited while there is excess unabsorbed labour
in the white collar sector.
To solve this problem, People need to be socialized differently. The 8.4.4 system of
education in Kenya is a step in this direction. One of its objectives is to equip its recipients with progressive
attitude and skills necessary for self-reliance.
As we have seen, unemployment is a big problem in Africa; it is directly connected to the
high poverty levels crippling many people. However, with concerted efforts, the situation can be
alleviated.
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a) What is the subject matter of this passage?

b) According to the first paragraph, who are the unemployed?
c) How would citizens ensure their peace?
d) Rewrite the following sentences by putting the first three words in
parenthesis:-.
“Through their votes, citizens have the means of ensuring that such people do not
accede to power”
e) According to the passage, why is the expression “their leaders” enclosed
in quotation marks?
f) Explain what is meant by “the buck stops with African government.”
g) Make notes on the effects of international trade
i) Ease…………
ii) Accede…………
iii) Patriotism………
3. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow.
All the interested parties in the education sector are impressed by the Kenya National
Examination Council’s measures to ensure this year’s national examinations are free of cheating.
It is for this reason that the 276,224 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education
Examination (K.C.S.E) candidates have 4,834 examination centres manned by 4,886 supervisors
who are assisted by 13,796 invigilators. All these are qualified teachers who have been recruited
mainly for their integrity.
The centres are manned by 4,886 armed police officers who are ready for action should
there be trouble. And as if this is not enough, there are 686 senior officers manning areas at stations
where examination papers are kept.
Before they get into the examination rooms, the candidates and thoroughly searched. Bags
containing question papers are opened by the supervisor in the presence of all candidates and thoroughly
searched.
Any remaining question papers are sealed and kept in full view of the candidates during
the particular paper’s entire duration.At the time of sitting for the paper, candidates are under hawk-
eyed invigilators. And at the end of the paper answer booklets are sealed as all candidates, invigilators and
the head teacher witness. All these measures are commendable.
The KNEC deserves a pat on the back also due to the fast reaction Kenyans received from
it whenever the media report leakages, which, in any case, turn out to be hoaxes. In fact, all doubting
Thomases are beginning to have faith in the KNEC.
However, all these money-guzzling measures would be unnecessary if Kenyan students had been
brought up in a morally upright environment.
Examination cheating shows how morally deprived our society has become. It is a sign that
parents and teachers have failed in their duty of moulding the youngsters.
Kenyans must stop and think why the current generation believes in short cut to its desire and does not
wish to sweat for it. As Kenyans, we should find out if our education system is catering for the students’
moral and ethical needs. Whenever things go wrong in education, interested parties are quick to point
accusing fingers.
Teachers blame parents and the society and parents blame teachers. This dangerous buck-
passing game should be stopped to save the youth who are foundation of the country’s future.
The responsibility of instilling moral and ethics rests squarely on education institutions.
School play a crucial role as far as the transmission of value is concerned as once children start going to
school; they spend more time with teachers than with any other person.
This is why what teachers say is gospel to them, and not even parents can make them think
otherwise.
21
A teacher can make a great contribution to the fostering of sound and religious values in children by
taking interest in their behaviour.(Adapted from the Saturday Nation, November 3, 2007)
a) Make notes on the precautions put in place to ensure that the national
examinations are free of cheating.
b) Give two reasons the writer attributes to the examination cheating.

c) Why does the writer think that instilling morals and ethics solely rests on
education institutions?
d] The KNEC deserves a pat for taking (strong) measures to curb examination
anomalies.
Use the word in brackets appropriately.
e) Explain the contextual meanings of the following words.
(i) Manned … controlled
(ii) Hoaxes ……
(iii) Guzzling …
(iv) Buck-passing -
4. Read the passage below and then answer the questions that follow:-
You could win a car, a motorcycle, or a generous cash reward. But you have to score an ‘A’
in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education first. As the cut throat competition for the best performance
among schools intensifies, ingenious school administrators are coming up with all kinds of rewards to
motivate their students to turn into top performers in the national examinations.
The top reward, a car, was promised to the top student at Nairobi school, while Alliance and
Mang’u high schools promised to reward each ‘A’ grade student with shs.10,000.
But Kianjuri High school has a different reward altogether.
At the beginning of 2006, 14-year-old Francis Itote walked through the wrought iron gate of
Kanjuri High school. Four years later, he rode out of the school on a brand new motorcycle.
Itote’s new ride was a gift from the school’s board of governors because he had given the school
its first ‘A’ in the last five years.
The board had challenged last year’s candidates with an enticing offer; anyone who got an ‘A’ in
KCSE would receive a motorcycle, with a one year comprehensive insurance cover and shs.5,000 cash
prize. The motorcycle is valued at shs.70,000.
In a region where motorcycle taxis are valued by enterprising youth, the prize elicited
immediate and intense competition among students.
As the motorcycle was officially handed over to 19-year-old Itote at a colourful ceremony
on the school’s football field; students could not wait to dash back to class to study in a bid to claim the
motorcycle next year.
“If I get one, I will go straight into the boda boda business,’ said Max Muturi, a form four
student.
All over Kenya, school boards as well as old boys and girls associations are willing to spend
millions on incentives for students.
But education officials, including school principals, warn that these material rewards may
not be the best way to prepare top students to face the challenges of everyday life after school.
“Motivating students by giving them money may not be sustainable in the long run,’ says
Patrick Nyagosia, a provincial director of education.The official warns that once top students step
into a world where money is scarce; their level of motivation might come crashing down.
Dr. Stephen Wahome, a clinical psychologist with psychological Health services, Nairobi,
concurs. If not well handled, some of the incentives given by schools can easily end up doing more harm
than good.
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“Unless the reward had some relevance to the young learners’ mental and emotional status, it can
easily disorientate them,’ warns the psychologist.
(Adapted from ‘Saturday Nation’ March 27,2010)
(a) Why do school administrators come up with all kinds of rewards?

(b) In note form, list the types of rewards offered by the various schools
(c) What is the main requirement to deserve the above rewards?
(d) According to the passage, what enabled Francis Itote to ride out of school on a band
new motorcycle?
(e) If I get one, I will go straight into the boda boda business.
Rewrite using ‘unless’ .............................................................................
(f) What is ironic about the mode of rewards given to top performers by school
administrators?
(g) School boards as well as old boys and girls associations are willing to spend millions
on
incentives for students. Rewrite using ...not only....
(h) Briefly describe the author’s attitude towards material rewards to students
(i) Explain the meaning of the following expressions as used in the passage:
enterprising youth........ young, industrious people(1) challenges of everyday life..........
ups and downs faced in life(1). disorientate.................... make unstable.(1)..
5. QUESTION 1: COMPREHENSION. (20MKS)
Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow.
Substance Abuse has emerged in recent decades as a major concern both on and off the job. Although
reasons vary, substance abuse can be a way that some people try to manage or reduce distress.
But it is important to be clear on what is generally meant by a drinking problem. In all cases related to
alcohol abuse, a common factor is the unfavorable effect alcohol has on the health or well-being of the
drinker and his or her associates. Common signs and symptoms that frequently indicate a drinking
problem include being constantly absent from work, causing on-the-job accidents and expressing
grievances most of the time.
Alcoholic employees can sometimes go undetected for years. Coworkers cover up for those unable to
perform their jobs because of drunkenness. Even managers may be adept at concealing their alcohol
abuse problems. Their secretaries or loyal associates may cover up for them. Alcoholics can be clever at
inventing “credible” excuses when detected: “I must have a drink or two when I’m entertaining
customers, of course.”
Drug abuse, or drug addiction, exists when the taking of drugs, whether prescribed or non-prescribed,
legal or illegal, causes difficulties in any area of an individual’s life. Years ago, the stereotype of the
drug user was either of a glazed-eyed musician frantically beating his sticks on a tight skin or a person
who dwelt in a slum. Mass publicity on drug abuse has long since caused that stereotype to fade from
view.
Complicating the ongoing war on drugs are changes in public attitudes and drug-use patterns. It
sometimes seems that no sooner is progress made in combating one illegal drug than a different kind of
substance abuse comes into vogue. Ethyl alcohol was the social drug during prohibition (1920 – 1933),
marijuana became the social drug of the 1960s and 1970s, and some observers believe that crack cocaine
and possibly ectasy – another so-called upper – became the social drugs of the 1980s and 1990s. the
23
drugs of choice and people’s attitude toward them may change, but the problem of drug abuse appears to
be continuing unabated.
Pinpointing the specific symptoms of alcohol and drug abuse problems is not a simple task. A
supervisor’s main responsibility, therefore should not necessarily be uncovering evidence of dependency
on alcohol and drugs but instead being observant for declining job performance. Yet there are certain
behavioural patterns that some excessive users of alcohol and drugs display. These patterns can
sometimes be spotted through simple observation. Increasingly though, employers are taking more
aggressive steps to ferret out substance abuse among their workforces. A growing number of companies,
especially large ones with many employees and those in business with potential to effect public health or
safety, are adopting drug-testing programmes.
The signs of alcohol dependency, unfortunately, do not always become manifest until the middle of the
late stages of the problem. No wonder some managers have mistaken an employee’s euphoric
appearance for the “look of love”. The earlier treatment begins, naturally, the earlier treatment begins,
naturally, the easier it will be. A person could experience some isolated incidents of such drinking
problems without necessarily being a alcoholic. However, alcohol abuse usually results in declining job
performance.
Because there are many symptoms of drug abuse, no one person would exhibit all of them and a
supervisor should guard against assuming that the presence of one or more symptoms is conclusive of
alcohol or drug abuse.
Questions
1. What is the main reason given for substance abuse? (2 mks)
2. From paragraph two, state three ways in which alcohol abuse can unfavourably affect the workmates
of a drunker? (3mks)
3. According to the passage, what is drug abuse? (2mks)
4. What was the common misconception about who a drug user was? (2mks)
5. Rewrite the following sentences using “as soon as”
It sometimes seems that no sooner is progress made in combating one illegal drug than a different
kind of substance abuse comes into vogue. (1mk)
6. What can we infer about “prohibition”? (2mks)
7. In not more than 55 words, summarize the reasons that make it difficult to effectively deal with
substance abuse. (4mks)
8. Why do you think the author of the passage cautions supervisors against hastily concluding that one
is a drug abuser? (2mks)
9. Explain the meaning of the following words as used in the passage. (2mks)
i) Credible
ii) Stereotype –
6.Read the passage below and then answer the questions that follow.
A lot of students think that learning is only in class. If students use two extra steps, most students will not
forget what they learned in class. To achieve effective learning, students needed to follow two extra steps
in the three strategic learning processes.
The key to success is by following these three strategies. Review is essential to student success. Unless
content is reviewed by students shortly after it is learned, it will soon be forgotten. To avoid forgetting what
you learned, it is recommended to review daily.
24
It is also recommended to reduce large volumes of notes into point form and to paraphrase what you have
learned. Other helpful tips include creating concept maps and diagrams; creating fact, concept or
vocabulary cards and using visualization to better connect to what you learned. These are all important
tools to helping students better understand and memorize lesson content.
The key to achieving academic success cannot be directly correlated to one specific area. Rather it
requires students to be overall rounded in many different aspects. This includes attending class regularly
to keep pace with the class. Falling behind in studies or homework can be detrimental to academic
success and can induce stress onto students. Participating in class activities and discussions are also vital
parts of learning and applying concepts learned. On the other hand, taking good, concise notes will always
help in the long run when reviewing for tests and exams. To sum it all up, strategic learning is the
password for many academic achievements. Being exposed to knowledge is the first step in the journey,
the fact that young scholars can learn and be a part of history is a phenomenal step in furthering their
search to success. Reviewing notes, in the way the young individual wishes, by him/herself, or with a
good friend, this will help him/her to understand what has been learned in a way s/he understands. Lastly
practice is a great way to memorise what has been learned, when practice achieves its full potential, the
individual won’t only be entitled for a good mark, but also a way to view, under and think of things.
Those three attributes will help scholars become more successful, but it’s important to one as it is to the
other, and each and every person should find the learning strategies effectual for him/herself, and in
extremely exceptional occasions even invent or innovate new strategies.
Questions
(a) What does the writer faults in the students thinking according to the first paragraph? (2
marks)
(b) Explain the three strategies that are key to success.
(6marks)
(c) Unless content is reviewed by students shortly after it is learned, it will soon be forgotten..
(1 mark)
Begin: if………
(d) The key to achieving academic success cannot be directly correlated to one specific area..
(1mark)
Add a question tag.
(e) Discuss the tone of the passage. (3 marks)
(f) How, according to the passage, does practice help memorise what has been learned?
(3marks)
(g) Explain the meaning of the following words and phrases are used in the passage.
(4marks)
i) Detrimental
……………..…………………………………………………………………………..
ii) Correlated ………… ………………………………………………………………………..
25
iii) Effectual
……….…………………………………………………………………………………..
Exceptional ………………………..…………………………………………………………………
7.COMPREHENSION – 20 MARKS
Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow
The act of giving and helping people in need is fast dying. Occasionally, we talk about a Good Samaritan
having come out of the blue and helped us in our hour of need. It is not clear whether it is because people
have become more egocentric or it is because of the diminishing culture of communal living.
If we found someone dying beside the road, we are unlikely to help because we first of all think of
how helping them would make us late. We would walk away hoping that the next person will not be as
busy as we are, and will therefore rescue the person. Whether it is modern life that has made us busier
than before is really debatable.
Have you ever noticed that people are always running around, immersed in deep thought with
drooping shoulders and with premature wrinkles etched on their foreheads? The common explanation for
this is that we are so busy that we do not have time for ourselves, let alone others.
One writer said that people, who claim to be busy, are not really busy. Being busy he said, was a
euphemism for an insatiable craving for money, power, status and overwhelming desire to have more and
more material possessions. What this culture of being busy does is that it makes us lose some of the
essential human values such as loving others, taking care of the sick and meeting other people’s needs
through generosity.
Let us take the example of hunger and starvation. The two kill many people, especially children
and the elderly. It is easy to say that hunger and starvation are as a result of a fall in the supply of rain. We
can say that this is all an issue of climate. This is true to an extent. When rains fail, people’s crops fail and
they lose their sole source of food. For those who depend on livestock, their livestock die or become too
famished to fetch enough money in the market to enable them buy food. The spiraling cost of foodstuffs
does not lessen the pain and suffering of those faced with starvation.
However, the culture of being good Samaritans need not die. If we stopped being too busy and set
aside time for our children, we would have time to watch them grow and understand their value system.
We can then inculcate the culture of generosity; starting highlighting small ways in which children can be
generous. For example, a child can be encouraged to share food with another who does not have or who
has come to school without. They can also be encouraged to donate clothes and shoes to a children’s
home. This gesture will go a long way in clothing another less fortunate child. Later in life, they can find
bigger ways of reaching out to those in need. Through small ways, we would have taught generosity to
our children, created the good Samaritans that we all wish for when in need and ensured the act of giving
lives on generations.
QUESTIONS
26
(a) According to the author, why is the act of giving dying? (2marks)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
(b) What is the main consequence of being too busy? (2marks)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………...
(c) Why does the writer believe that people die of hunger due to our selfishness? (2marks)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
(d) In what two ways can generosity be inculcated among children? (2marks)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
(e) The writer of passage is a parent; support this (2marks)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
(f) What are the benefits of teaching children to share? (3marks)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
(g) In note form, state the characteristics of busy people (4marks)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
(h) Write an appropriate title for this passage (1mark)
……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
(i) Explain the meaning of the following phrases as used in the passage (2marks) i) Out of
the blue
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
ii)Reaching out
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
8. Read the following comprehension and answer the questions that follow. (20
marks)
Over the years man has cultivated to exhaustion the better soils in the plains. This has led
to progressive destruction of land to the point where some of the steeper hill slopes are
cultivated so
that widespread erosion has been initiated. Meanwhile, the livestock are continuously being forced
on to smaller areas of poorer land and further up the hill slopes where they have to compete with
foresters. As a result the quantities of animal proteins, so necessary to human health, have steadily
declined. Surprisingly, instead of accepting the responsibility for all his destruction, man blames
livestock and in particular the goat.
Man has repeatedly failed to do anything to restore the fertility of the soils he has ravaged. After
the last miserable crop has been harvested the land has been left to weeds. No attempt has been
made to plant grass or to under plant the last agricultural crop with fodder species. Had this been
done rehabilitation would have been quicker and sure and erosion would have been reduced. Thus
the gradually worsening situation would be arrested.
If man would shoulder the responsibility for his own greedy misuse of the land, the goat could easily
carry the blame for its own much smaller share in this degradation. Unfortunately, because human
nature is what it is, man will find something to blame for his won carelessness. The goat has been
chosen to carry this blame largely because it is often the last animal to be seen wresting a precarious
living from the areas where man has done his worst and from which cattle and sheep have long since
been forced to move.
28
Conservation of land depends on proper planning. Livestock numbers therefore, irrespective of
species, should be strictly limited to a density which will permit pasture renewal instead of causing
its degeneration. This adjustment of numbers should help man to have a balanced mixture of
livestock.
Many writers in recent years have tried to show that there has been considerable improvement in
mountain grazing areas after the banishment of the goat. Most, however, fail to indicate to what
extent this has been due solely to the removal of the goat or to a reduction in other livestock densities
or other measures such as erosion control, terracing, the building of gabions and grass plan planting.
It is essential to ensure that results which are obtained in one environment are not automatically
applied to different one. (Adapted from observation on the goat)
(a) According to paragraph one of the passage, who has man used as a scapegoat? (2
marks)
_________________________________________________________________________
__
(b) In paragraph two, what two words show that land has not been very productive. (2
marks)
_________________________________________________________________________
__
(c) Why has the quantities of animal proteins necessary to human health declined? (2
marks)
_________________________________________________________________________
__
_________________________________________________________________________
__
_________________________________________________________________________
__
_________________________________________________________________________
__
101/2 2
(d) Rewrite the following sentences according to instructions given.
(i) Unfortunately, because human nature is what it is, man will find something to
blame for his own carelessness.
(Begin: The author stated that …………….) (2
marks)
29
___________________________________________________________________
__
___________________________________________________________________
__
___________________________________________________________________
__
_____________________________________________________________________
(ii) Thus, the gradually worsening situation would be arrested.

(Add a question tag). (2
marks)
___________________________________________________________________
__
___________________________________________________________________
__
___________________________________________________________________
__
(e) What could have been done to ensure quicker rehabilitation and reduce erosion. (2
marks)
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
(f) What other words could be used in place of those given without changing the meaning.
(4
marks)
(i) Initiated
_____________________________________________________________
(ii) Miserable
____________________________________________________________
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(iii) Degradation
__________________________________________________________
(iv) Banishment
__________________________________________________________
(g) Rewrite in the active voice.

(i) The goat has been chosen for this blame. (2
marks)
___________________________________________________________________
_
___________________________________________________________________
_
___________________________________________________________________
_
(ii) Livestock are continually being forced onto poorer areas.
___________________________________________________________________
_
___________________________________________________________________
_
___________________________________________________________________
_
101/2 3
(h) How would you sum up the author’s argument in 1 or 2 sentences? (2
marks)
_________________________________________________________________________
__
_________________________________________________________________________
__
_________________________________________________________________________
__
_________________________________________________________________________
__
31
ORAL LITERATURE
1. Read the following poem and answer the questions that follow
SYMPTOMS OF LOVE
Love is a universal migraine,
A bright stain on the vision
32
Blotting out reason.
Symptoms of true love
Are leanness, jealousy,
Laggard dawns;
Are omens and nightmares-

Listening for a knock.
Waiting for a sign:
For a touch of her fingers

In a darkened room,
For a searching look
Take courage, lover!

Could you endure such pain
At any hand but hers?
(Literature: Reading Fiction, Poetry and Drama, McGraw-Hill, 2000)
Questions
a) Identify the persona in the poem (2 mks)
b) What is the persona’s attitude towards love? (Explain) (3 mks)
c) Describe the tone of the poem with evidence from it (3 mks)
d) Identify and explain any three figures of speech used in the poem (6 mks)
e) Describe the mood of the poem citing evidence to support your answer (3 mks)
f) Explain the rhetorical question at the end of the poem (2 mks)
g) Explain the meaning of each of the following expressions as used in the poem
i) Migraine
ii) Laggard dawn’s
iii) Searching look
2. Read the following oral poem and answer the questions that follow:-
Don’t cry baby
Sleep little baby
Father will nurse you
Sleep baby sleep
Little bird flitting away to the forest so fast

Tell me, little bird, have you seen her
Have you seen my crying baby’s mother?
She went to the river at early dew

A pot upon her head
But down the water floats her pot
And the path from the river is empty
Shall I take him under the palm?

Where the green shade rests at noon?
Oh no, no
33
For the thorns will prick my baby
Shall I take him under the giant baobab
Where the silk cotton plays with the wing?
Oh no, no
For the termite- eaten bough will break
And crush my little baby
My little sleeping baby
The day is long and the sun grows hot
So, sleep, my little baby, sleep
For mother is gone to a far, far land- Alas!
She is gone beyond the river.
a) Give four features which prove that the above oral poem is a lullaby
b) Identify and illustrate the two speakers in the poem
c) Why is the singer hesitant to take the baby under the shade?
e) Identify and illustrate any two characteristics of oral poems evident in the above poem
f) What is the singer’s attitude towards the baby?
g) Comment on social organization of the people in the community where this song was collected
3. Read the following oral poem and answer the questions that come after it:
The earth does not get fat,

It makes an end of those who wear the head plumes,
We shall die on the earth
The earth does not get fat. It makes an
end of those who act swiftly as heroes
Shall we die on the earth?
Listen O earth. We shall mourn because of you,

Listen O earth. We shall die on the earth?
The earth does not get fat. It makes an end of chiefs

Shall we all die on the earth?
The earth does not get fat.
It makes an end of the women chiefs
Shall we die on earth?
The earth does not get fat. It makes an end of the royal women
Shall we die on earth?
Listen O earth. We shall mourn because of you.

Listen O earth. We shall die on the earth?
The earth does not get fat. It makes

an end of the beasts.
Shall we die on the earth?
34
Listen you who are a sleep, who are
left tightly closed in the land.
Listen you who are asleep, who are left tightly closed in the land.
Shall we all sink into the earth?
Listen O earth, the sun is setting tightly.
We shall all enter into the earth
(Source: Akivaga.K and Odaga A.B, Oral Literature: A school certificate course)
a) Classify this song and give reasons for your classification

b) What is the subject matter in this song?
c) Identify and comment on two features of style that are characteristic of songs
d) Describe the attitude of the singer to the subject he/she is singing about
e) What social belief is brought out in this song?
f) Explain the meaning of the following lines :-
i) The earth does not get fat
ii) We shall all enter into the earth
iii)…… who are tightly closed in the land.
4. Read the poem below and then answer the questions that follow
I SHALL RETURN
I shall return, I shall return again
To laugh and love and watch with wonder eyes
At garden noon the forest fires burn,
Wafting their blue black smoke to sapphire skies
I shall return to loiter by the streams
That bathe the brown blades of bending grasses,
And realize once more my thousand dreams
Of waters rushing down the mountain passes
I shall return to hear the fiddle and fife
Of village dances, dear delicious tunes
That stir the hidden depths of native life
Stray melodies of the dim-remembered tunes
I shall return, I shall return again
To ease my mind of long, long years of pain
(Claude McKay)
(a) Explain briefly what the poem is about (3mks)

(b) In NOTE form, identify four things which the persona is longing to return to (4mks)
(c) With illustration from the poem, identify and illustrate any three stylistic
devices used in the poem (6mks)
35
(d) What is the tone of the poem? Illustrate your answer (2mks)
(e) In what kind of environment is the persona living? Explain your answer(2mks)
(f) What specific name is given to the poems with one stanza and fourteen lines as
one above?
(g) What is the name given to the last two lines ending in similar sound? (1mk)
5. Read the poem below and answer the questions that follow:
POETRY:- OUT CAST
They met by accident So they had to separate

He proposed the idea The boy remains illegitimate.
She gave her consent
All the way to the alter. Last month not long ago
They both took their go
The casualty was male Coincidentally by accident
And his pigment was pale Nothing to inherit.
Unlike his alleged sire
Who was black with Ire The poor boy is hardly ten
And knows no next of kin
The recourse was legitimate He roams the street of town.
He declaimed responsibility Like a wind sown outcast.
So they had to separate
The boy remains illegitimate.
a) Who is the persona in this poem? (2 mks)

b) What is the message in the poem? (4 mks)
c) Comment on any three stylistic device used in the poem. (6 mks)
d) What is the persona’s attitude towards the ”they?” (2 mks)
e) Comment on the last stanza. (3 mks)
6. Read the poem below and then answer the questions that follow:
The inmates
Huddled together,
Cold biting their bones,
Teeth chattering from the chill,
The air oppressive,
The smell offensive
They sit and they reflect.
The room self-contained,

At the corner the gents’ invites
With the nice fragrance of ammonia,
And fresh human dung,
The fresh inmates sit thoughtfully.
Vermin perform a guard of honour,

Saluting him with a bite here,
And a bite there,
Welcome to the world’ they seem to say.
36
The steel lock of the door,
The walls insurmountable
And the one torching torturous bulb
Stare vacantly at him.
Slowly he reflects about the consignment
That gave birth to his confinement
Locked in for conduct refinement
The reason they put him in the prison.
The clock ticks

But too slowly
Five years will be a long time
Doomed in the dungeon
In this hell of a cell.
(a) What is the attitude of the speaker towards the fresh inmate? (4mks)
(b) Explain the atmosphere created through description in the poem (4mks)
(c) Why is the fresh ‘inmate in prison? (2mks)
(d) Identify and explain any three stylistic devices in the poem (6mks)
(e) Explain the mood of the new convict (2mks)
(f) Explain the meaning of the following line:
‘Locked in for conduct refinement (2mks)
7. Read the following poem and answer the questions that follow: (20mks)
THE FOOLISH OLD MAN
My father began as a god
Full of heroic tales
Of days when he was young
His laws were as immutable
As if brought down from Sinai
which indeed he thought they were.
He fearlessly lifted me to heaven
By a mere swing to his shoulder
And made me a godling
By seating me astride
Our milk cow’s back and too,
Upon the great white gobbler.
of which others went in constant fear.
Strange then how he shrank and shrank

Until by my time of adolescence
He had become a foolish small old man
with silly and outmoded views
of life and morality.
Stranger still
that as I became older
his faults and his intolerances
scatted away into the past
revealing virtues
37
such as honesty, generosity, integrity.
Strangest of all
how the deeper he recedes into the grave
the more I see myself
as just one more of the little men
who creep through life
no knee – high to this long-dead god.
(Ian Mudie)
(a) Briefly comment on the theme of the poem (4mks)

(b) Comment on the suitability of the tittle of the poem (3mks)
(c)What is the attitude of the persona towards his father? (3mks)
(d) Identify and explain any three stylistic devices used in the poem (6mks)
(e) What do the following groups of people learn from the poem?
(i) Parents. ……………… (ii) Children………
(f) Explain the meaning of the following words as used in the poem. (2mks)
Immutable…………… Outmoded……………………
GRAMMAR
1 a) Fill in each of the blank spaces with a phrasal verb which means the same as the word
given*
i) The driver ………………………..… (started) the lights and saw the carjackers
ii) Many girls ………………………(leave) school before completing their secondary
education
iii) We study till late in the night to ……………………………. (compensate) the lost time
b) Rewrite the following sentences following instructions given in brackets
i) Agnes accepted to marry Abdalla. She did not know he had two other wives already.
(Rewrite as one sentence beginning: Oblivious of ……………..)
ii) “Akinyi why do you always quarrel Edwin?” he asked
iii) He is quite handsome (Begin: How----------)
c) Fill in the following sentences with appropriate linking words
i) She could have improved ………………………..she had listened to her teachers
ii) Weche is rude to his instructor;………………, he is a loving husband and father back
home
iv) Students are prone to break rules; ……………., they should be under strict
surveillance and encouraged to do right
d) Rewrite the following sentences correctly

i) If today was Sunday, I would have gone to church
ii) We returned back to school before 7.00 P.M
iii) I wish I was as well prepared for K.C.S.E as you
e) Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate personal pronoun
i) Between you and ……………………..(me/ I) who is taller?
38
ii) Rose and ……………………………………. (she/ her) left for Nairobi.
iii) The winners are Arendi and………………………….. (her/ she)
2. a) Rewrite the following sentences according to instructions. Do not change the meaning
i) “I don’t know why she came,” Okoth replied. (Rewrite in reported speech)
ii) Nevele sang this song. (Change into passive)
iii) Peter does not have any money. (Change into affirmative form)
iv) I was not surprised that Nanjendo trekked that far. (Rewrite beginning: That….
b) Complete the following sentences using the appropriate form of the words in brackets
i) Swiss watches are famous for their ________________ (precise).
ii) Such ______________________ (repeat) serves no purpose.
iii) The ___________________ (clear) of the speech impressed us.
iv) The police said it was a strange __________________(occur)
c) Use an appropriate word to complete each of the following sentences
i) She was in great pain ___________ did not complain.
ii) Matumbayi earns his living ___________ selling second hand clothes.
iii) The preacher spoke for hours; _______________I did not get what he was saying
iv) “For ______________ have you brought this food?” Tortoise asked the servers
d) Rewrite the following sentences, inserting all punctuation marks in the correct places
i) the river between the teacher said was Ngugi wa thiongo’s first novel
ii) tom had one great desire to become a doctor
iii) its pity we have to live on charity he lamented
3. a) Rewrite the following according to the given instructions without changing the
meaning
i) It was the first time the school performed well (Begin: Never before…………)
ii) It is better to spend a holiday at the coast than to go overseas,
(Begin: Spending …. Use ‘preferable’ in place of better)
iii) Mulwa’s leg is still in a cast after last month’s match. He will have to watch
the match from the grandstand (combine into one sentence, using a relative
pronoun)
iv) ‘There’s a little food left for you in the kitchen.’ William’s mother told him.
(Rewrite in indirect speech)
b) Rewrite the following sentences correctly:
i) Jairo is more better educated than Saisi.
ii) He has the tendency of visiting people late hours
iii) When she came in, it was all calm but all over a sudden the house
became noisy.
b) Replace the underlined words with suitable phrasal verbs formed from the words in
brackets
i) The latest achievement deserves a celebration (call).
ii) The patient regained consciousness at 2pm (come).
iii) I will work hard to compensate the wasted time (make).
d) Explain the difference in meaning of the following pair of sentences
i) I only heard the news briefly
ii) I only heard the news in brief
e) Fill in the blank spaces with the correct preposition

i) The teacher congratulated him……………………………… his graduation.
ii) No other being can be compared …………………………………. God.
39
iii) They disagreed…………..………………….… who should be chosen the
prefect.
4. (a) Complete each of the following sentences by selecting the correct alternative
from the words in the brackets (5mks)
(i) Our school will move to a new_____________________next year. (cite, site)
(ii) Have you ____________ permission from the teacher? (sought, sort)
(iii) The ___________________store in the city is well-stocked. (stationary,
stationery)
(iv) Mary is the _______________ of the two sisters. (tallest, taller)
(v) Neither the teacher nor the cook __________________arrived. (have, has)
(b) Rewrite each of the following sentences as instructed. Do not change the meaning
(5mks)
(i) The residents saw the burglar enter the house (Rewrite in the passive voice)
(ii) He drank the water yesterday. (Rewrite beginning: The water was..........)
(iii) As soon as the teams arrived, the competition began. (Rewrite beginning: No
sooner...........
(v) Boys are playful and quick on their feet. They are also curious and like to
explore.(Combine using .................”not only”......................)
(v) The tourist knows some Kiswahili. He understands what I say. (Rewrite as one
sentence using.......”enough”.....)
(c) Fill in the blank spaces with an appropriate prepositional phrase made with the
word in bracket(3mks)
(i) They crossed the river __________________a boat. (means)
(ii) _________________the school rules and regulations every student should be
in full school uniform. (Accordance)
(iii) ___________the prefect’s negligence, he was demoted. (account)
(d) Explain the difference in meaning between these sentences (2mks)
(i) The hawker was selling ten day-old chicks.
(ii) The hawker was selling ten-day old chicks.
5. A) Identify, underline and correct the four words that have been mis-pelt in the in the
paragraph below. (4 mks)
We didn’t give him the priviledge of representing us on the District Environmental Committee
because he has a tendency of disagreeing either everyone. He embarrasses himself by pretending
to be so knowledgeable.
B. Rewrite the following sentences as instructed. (3 mks)

i) She realized that she had made such a serious blunder. (Rewrite using “what”)
ii) Just in case you change your mind, call this number. (Begin: should ……….)
iii) I don’t know either of them, (End ……………….. to me)
C. Fill in the blank spaces with the correct preposition. (4 mks)

i) Nyawira, get ……………………. The wet wall immediately!
ii) My sisters and I will share this piece of land…………………………………
ourselves.
40
iii) We wondered if there was need ………………………… such equipment.
iv) Mwela dipped the bucket ……………………………… the well.
D. Use the correct form of nouns given in brackets. (4 mks)

i) These ……………………(student) phones were confisticated.
ii) There are many ………………………(hero) who fought for our independence.
iii) How many ……………………..(editor-in-chief) were invited?.
iv) This must be your ……………………….. (father – in-law) car.
6. (a) Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions given. Do not change
the meaning. (3mks)
(i) The teacher found out how intelligent Omollo was when he started the discussion
(Begin: It was not………………………………………………
(ii) The prefect forgave Achimo, but only because she apologized
(Begin: If…………………………………………………
(iii) “Congratulations! All the best in all you do!” the principal told the graduands.
(Rewrite in reported speech)
(b) Use the correct form of the verb given in brackets to fill in the blanks in the
following sentences (4mks)
(i) The drama club patron wanted a written __________from the students
following their
misconduct during the festivals. (apologize)
(ii) Your explanation is based on too many ___________. (presume)
(iii) The government has lost all ____ following the increasing cases of corruption
in high places. (credible)
(iv) Expectant mothers should not do ______________work. (strain)
(c) Rewrite each of the following sentences, replacing the underlined word with a
suitable phrasal verb (3mks)
(i) The suspect confessed after a long interrogation.
(ii) Nyambura rejected Waiyaki’s proposal for marriage
(iii) Our principal does not tolerate indiscipline
(d) Put the adjectives given in brackets in the correct order to fill in the blank space
in each sentence (2mks)
(i) He bought a _______________dress for his mother (large, cotton, blue, party)
(ii) The ____________________man is the King’s heir (Light-skinned, handsome,
young, short)
(e) Fill in the blank spaces with the correct preposition (3mks)
(i) Every member is entitled ________one acre of land.
(ii) John is very excited __________going to India.
(iii) He has been down ______________malaria for the last three days.
7. (a) Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions given after each:- (4mks)
(i) The main is not to blame. The boys are also not to blame. (combine into one
sentence using neither….nor…..)
(ii) He paid the bill and this surprised me. (Re-write the sentence starting with: His….)
(iii) He comes to school late. This has been a concern for many people.
(Join the two using a gerund)
41
(iv) He won the race. I am not surprised (Begin: That……..)
(b) Replace the underlined words with a suitable phrasal verb (3mks)
(i) I was completely deceived by the thief.
(ii) The teacher ordered the students to submit their scripts at the end of the exam.
(iii) I will visit you if I got time.
(c) Change the following sentences into the passive (3mks)
(i) The organization bore the burden
(ii) The trainee pilot flew the plane.
(iii) Tom is riding the bicycle.
(d) Indicate whether the verb in the following sentences has been used transitively
or transitively. (3mks)
(i)Tomas drives his car every day…………………………………………………………
(ii) The girl wept bitterly……………………………………………………………………
(iii) We have to grow maize every year…………………………………………………
(e) Underline the adjectival phrases on the following sentences (2mks)
(i) Thank you for being so kind.
(ii) My mechanic is quite skillful.
IMAGINATIVE COMPOSITION
1. Either
(a) Write a composition ending:
................from that day, when ever I see him my heart is filled with bitterness.
or
(b) Write a story to illustrate the proverb: ‘ Once bitten twice shy.’
2. Either
a) Write a story beginning:
He steadily walked towards me with a broad, warm smile, but as we shook hands, I realized he
was avoiding eye contact…………….
Or
b) Write a composition to illustrate the saying:
“Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.”
3. Imaginative Composition (compulsory)

Either;
(a) Write a story to end with the following sentence:-
…………………If I had known, I would have thought twice before making that
statement.
Or;
(b) Write a story to illustrate the following saying:-
You reap what you sow.
42
4. Either
(a) Write an essay to illustrate the saying: “The early bird catches the worm”.
Or
(b) Write a story beginning: There was an air of celebration...
43
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MWALIMU AGENCY
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F2 TOPICAL REVISION

A Comprehensive Detailed Analysis

For Marking Scheme/Answers

0746 222 000

d) Explain the meaning of the following idiomatic expressions :-

Sleep and rest, sleep and rest,

Your breast I sought

(i) Who is the persona?

(f) The following is a conversation between an Admission’s teacher and Juma, a

Sleep and rest, sleep and rest,

The wretched day was theirs, the night is mine;

7. ORAL SKILLS (30MARKS)

I wear the dress and veil to show

i) I have a riddle. Are you ready for it?

1. Explain how soil erosion replace work out soil

Example: Exploitation: noun

a) What is the subject matter of this passage?

b) Give two reasons the writer attributes to the examination cheating.

(a) Why do school administrators come up with all kinds of rewards?

5. QUESTION 1: COMPREHENSION. (20MKS)

(ii) Thus, the gradually worsening situation would be arrested.

(g) Rewrite in the active voice.

(ii) Livestock are continually being forced onto poorer areas.

Are omens and nightmares-

For a touch of her fingers

Take courage, lover!

Little bird flitting away to the forest so fast

She went to the river at early dew

Shall I take him under the palm?

The earth does not get fat,

Listen O earth. We shall mourn because of you,

The earth does not get fat. It makes an end of chiefs

Listen O earth. We shall mourn because of you.

The earth does not get fat. It makes

a) Classify this song and give reasons for your classification

(a) Explain briefly what the poem is about (3mks)

They met by accident So they had to separate

a) Who is the persona in this poem? (2 mks)

The room self-contained,

Vermin perform a guard of honour,

The clock ticks

Strange then how he shrank and shrank

(a) Briefly comment on the theme of the poem (4mks)

d) Rewrite the following sentences correctly

e) Fill in the blank spaces with the correct preposition

B. Rewrite the following sentences as instructed. (3 mks)

C. Fill in the blank spaces with the correct preposition. (4 mks)

D. Use the correct form of nouns given in brackets. (4 mks)

3. Imaginative Composition (compulsory)

FOR MARKING SCHEMES

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