Secondary School Lesson Note for English Language

Comprehension & Summary

One of the common pitfalls students face in secondary school exams such as WAEC SSCE and JAMB UTME is in the area of comprehension and summary. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

Misreading the Question: Always ensure you understand what the question is asking. Take the time to read the question carefully and more than once. Key words in the question may guide your understanding, and not paying attention can lead to wrong answers.

Ignoring Instructions: Following instructions is crucial. If the question asks for a summary in 50 words, do not exceed this limit. Adhering to word limits not only shows your ability to follow instructions but also tests your preciseness.

Using Personal Opinions: In a comprehension or summary task, avoid inserting your own views. Stick strictly to the information provided in the passage. Your task is to summarize the given information, not add or alter it.

Lexis And Structure

Lexis and structure can be challenging areas, especially when it comes to understanding the usage of words and sentence construction. Students often make these errors:

Confusing Similar Words: English language has many words that look alike but have completely different meanings, such as 'affect' and 'effect'. Make sure you understand the context in which these words are used. Using past questions from Green Bridge CBT can be extremely helpful in mastering this aspect.

Poor Sentence Construction: A well-constructed sentence can make a huge difference. Ensure your sentences are complete and coherent. Practice writing clear and concise sentences can help avoid awkward sentence structures.

Inappropriate Use of Tenses: One of the most common mistakes is the incorrect use of tenses. Whether you are writing an essay or answering a comprehension question, ensure your tenses are consistent. If you start writing in the past tense, continue that way unless a change in tense is required.

Oral Forms

Oral forms often seem intimidating to students, but understanding phonetics and proper pronunciation can boost your confidence. Beware of these common errors:

Incorrect Pronunciation: Pronouncing words incorrectly can distort their meanings. Spend time listening to native speakers, watching educational videos, or using the resources from Green Bridge CBT Learning to perfect your pronunciation. The mobile app available on Google Play also offers excellent aids in oral forms.

Misunderstanding Phonetic Transcriptions: Phonetic transcriptions guide you in pronouncing words correctly. Take the time to understand these transcriptions. They can be confusing at first, but with practice, they become easier to understand.

Neglecting Stress and Intonation: English is a language where stress and intonation play significant roles. Putting the stress on the wrong syllable can completely change a word's meaning. Practice speaking and record yourself to hear how you sound. This can help you make necessary adjustments.

By avoiding these common mistakes in your English language exams, you can enhance your performance and confidence. Make use of the abundant resources provided by Green Bridge CBT to ensure you are well-prepared. Good luck!