The Sunday News
Charles Dube
I CHOSE to pursue this subject after realising that many learners have a challenge in tackling compositions. If you go back to last week’s issue you will note that I referred to the topic sentence of the introduction. A clear introductory sentence leads to a clear answer. A clear introduction leads to a straightforward essay which can easily be understood by the reader.
I would like to believe that the example on what is a story, used last week helped many learners grasp what is required of them when they set the direction of their essays. Readers or examiners understand what is clear from the beginning. Just to recap, the question, “What is a story?” was answered in various versions, like a story is something that always entertains and a story is something that we always learn from, to mention just a few.
Learners should remember that a story should be interesting for readers to be drawn to it. A boring story puts off readers. A story should have a clear structure — that is it, have a clear beginning, a clear middle or body and finally a clear ending referred to as a clear conclusion. For clarity purposes the beginning is the introduction where everything about the story is made clear. A problem or complication is presented in the middle of the story.
Having presented the problem there should be a high point or climax. This could come in the fashion of the hero or heroine getting trapped, almost at the point of death then suddenly she or he is saved. This leads to an ending or resolution. The ending or resolution is necessary or the story will remain hanging, thus confusing the readers. As learners move closer to the public examinations they should have had thorough practice in the different types of compositions.
By thorough practice I mean they have had a feel of all types of essays and as individuals they know the areas on which they are best. Remember the examinations are set on all types: narratives, descriptive, stories, argumentative and explanatory ones. Learners as stated before should choose topics on familiar types. There is no justification in trying a new area in the examination because you will lose marks.
The choice is wide. In Section A of the English Language compositions, learners choose one topic from a total of eight. Well-trained learners make the right options and produce reasonable answers. Essays need to be written in correct grammar. There is no shortcut about it. The composition should show creativity, but, above all, it should have the flair which comes about as a result of writing everything in correct English.
It is pleasing to note that removal of registers from the English Language examination paper does not mean there is no more testing of language usage by learners. It has come the more in the comprehension examination. Learners should read more. English teachers should encourage to read more novels if they are to acquire as much vocabulary which will assist them in the examinations. The internet is blamed to destroying the reading culture but there a lot of books offered in various sites in the net which serious learners can tap from.
Learners should get into the examination room fully prepared for the examination having covered as much ground in the subject of study. Section B of the O-level Paper One examination covers situational or guided essays. Learners respond to given situations following guidelines. At times they are asked to write reports using given notes or they are asked to write letters, friendly or business letters. It is disappointing though that many learners forget the basics of letter writing. Letter writing is part of the syllabus and should be covered thoroughly. Revise all these parts when heading towards the examination.
Having digressed covering other important elements of composition writing can I draw towards the end by emphasising points which learners need to remember. Make the right choice when writing compositions. Remember the three main types of imaginative writing: Narrative — telling a story, descriptive — creating a scene or experience in vivid detail and discursive — discussing and expressing a point of view convincingly.
Let us suppose you choose to write a narrative, remember you are relating a story. The story will have a plot — that is a series of events or incidents which are related to each other and develop naturally and logically. It must have a beginning, middle and an end. Events are usually in the order of time though an effective opening (stating in the middle of the things) can catch the interest of the reader so as to want to know what led to that situation in the opening paragraph.
When you have completed the central idea you have been discussing, do not bring in another one. Your story should not be one you have read unless when asked for such. But ideas you have come across will naturally come into your writing. Remember the examiner should want to read your story willingly, not have to force himself to continue through boring pages to the end in order to give you marks. In some topics expression of feelings is very important to create the appropriate atmosphere. For example, fear, loneliness and sadness to mention a few.
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