This article provides a detailed guide and revision for SSS 1 students studying English Language, covering key topics essential for their second-term exams. The guide is structured to assist students, teachers, and examiners alike by providing clarity on each topic, examples, and practical exercises to reinforce learning. Whether you are a novice or experienced learner, this revision will help you understand English language concepts more easily and prepare effectively for your exams.
1. Revision and Grammar: Prefix and Suffix
What are Prefixes and Suffixes?
- Prefix: A prefix is a group of letters added to the beginning of a word to change its meaning. Example: ‘un-’ in ‘unhappy’.
- Suffix: A suffix is added to the end of a word to change its meaning or grammatical form. Example: ‘-ness’ in ‘happiness’.
Common Prefixes and Suffixes
- Prefixes: un-, re-, in-, dis-, pre-, mis-
- Suffixes: -ing, -ed, -ful, -ness, -ly
Examples in sentences:
- Prefix: “He was unaware of the situation.”
- Suffix: “Her happiness was evident in the way she smiled.”
Likely Questions:
- What is the difference between a prefix and a suffix?
- Identify the prefix in the word ‘rebuild’.
- What does the suffix ‘-ness’ change in the word ‘kind’?
- Use the word ‘unbelievable’ in a sentence.
- What is the effect of the prefix ‘pre-’ in the word ‘prejudice’?
- Which of these words has a suffix: ‘joyful’, ‘dislike’, ‘antique’?
- Add a suitable prefix to the word ‘happy’ to make its opposite.
- What does the suffix ‘-ly’ usually indicate?
- Use a word with the prefix ‘in-’ in a sentence.
- Identify the suffix in ‘carelessness’.
2. Grammar: Prepositions and Prepositional Phrases
What are Prepositions? A preposition is a word used to show the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence. Common prepositions include in, on, at, between, and under.
What is a Prepositional Phrase? A prepositional phrase is a group of words that begins with a preposition and ends with a noun or pronoun. Example: ‘under the table’.
Examples:
- Preposition: “The book is on the desk.”
- Prepositional Phrase: “She sat under the tree.”
Likely Questions:
- What is a preposition? Give two examples.
- Identify the preposition in the sentence: “The cat jumped over the fence.”
- Write a sentence using the preposition ‘between’.
- What is the function of a prepositional phrase in a sentence?
- Find the prepositional phrase in: “The keys are under the bed.”
- Complete the sentence: “I will meet you ____ the park.”
- What are the common prepositions used to show time?
- Create a sentence using the preposition ‘at’.
- What is the difference between a preposition and a conjunction?
- Identify the prepositional phrase in: “The dog ran across the street.”
3. Speech Work: Consonant Cluster Grammar, Tense Composition, Formal Letter
Consonant Clusters: These are two or more consonants appearing together without any vowels. Example: ‘st’ in ‘street’. Tense Composition: This involves understanding verb tenses (past, present, future) and applying them in writing. Formal Letter: A formal letter follows a structured format, typically used for official communication.
Likely Questions:
- What is a consonant cluster? Provide an example.
- Identify the tense used in: “She will go to the store tomorrow.”
- What are the main components of a formal letter?
- Write a sentence using the present continuous tense.
- What is the difference between ‘will’ and ‘going to’ in future tense?
- Rewrite the following sentence in past tense: “They are playing soccer.”
- What is the correct structure for addressing a formal letter?
- Use a consonant cluster in a sentence.
- Identify the tense: “By the time you arrive, we will have finished.”
- Write a formal letter applying for a job.
4. Speech Work: Stress, Vocabulary – Synonyms and Words Associated with Sexuality
Stress: This refers to the emphasis placed on certain syllables or words in speech. For example, in the word ‘record’, stress falls on the first syllable as a noun but on the second syllable as a verb. Synonyms: Synonyms are words that have similar meanings. Example: ‘happy’ and ‘joyful’. Words Associated with Sexuality: Vocabulary related to this subject can include terms like ‘gender’, ‘orientation’, ‘intimacy’, etc.
Likely Questions:
- Identify the stressed syllable in the word ‘banana’.
- What is a synonym for ‘fast’?
- Give an example of a word related to sexuality.
- Use the synonym ‘angry’ in a sentence.
- Which word is stressed in ‘present’ when it is a verb?
- List two words related to gender.
- What is the synonym for ‘big’?
- Identify the stressed syllable in ‘record’ (as a noun).
- What are antonyms to ‘happy’?
- Use a word associated with intimacy in a sentence.
5. Grammar: Phrasal Verbs
A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) that creates a new meaning. Example: ‘look after’ means to care for.
Likely Questions:
- What is a phrasal verb? Give an example.
- Use the phrasal verb ‘turn off’ in a sentence.
- What does the phrasal verb ‘give up’ mean?
- Write a sentence using the phrasal verb ‘run into’.
- What is the meaning of ‘set up’ in a sentence?
- Identify the phrasal verb: “I ran out of time.”
- Create a sentence with the phrasal verb ‘take after’.
- What does ‘break down’ mean in the context of machines?
- What is the phrasal verb for ‘continue’?
- Use ‘look forward to’ in a sentence.
6. Speech Work: Falling Intonation, Grammar – Will and Would, Vocabulary: Words Associated with Photography, Composition: Record Keeping
Falling Intonation: This refers to the downward pitch in speech, typically used in statements, commands, and direct questions. Example: “I am going home.” Will and Would: Both will and would are auxiliary verbs used to indicate the future, but would often suggests a polite request or hypothetical situations. Words Associated with Photography: Vocabulary related to photography includes terms like lens, aperture, exposure, shutter speed, and flash. Record Keeping: This involves the process of maintaining written or digital records, such as logs, files, or documents.
Likely Questions:
- What is falling intonation and when is it used?
- What is the difference between ‘will’ and ‘would’?
- Give an example of a sentence using ‘will’.
- Use ‘would’ in a sentence.
- List three words associated with photography.
- What is the function of ‘would’ in a conditional sentence?
- Identify the use of falling intonation in: “The concert is on Friday.”
- What is the importance of record keeping in an organization?
- How does exposure affect a photograph?
- What is meant by ‘shutter speed’ in photography?
7. Speech Work: Rising and Falling Intonation and Vocabulary – Words Associated with Sports
Rising and Falling Intonation: Rising intonation refers to the upward pitch in speech, commonly used for yes/no questions. Falling intonation, as previously mentioned, is used for statements. Words Associated with Sports: Vocabulary related to sports includes terms such as goal, referee, field, team, coach, match, and tournament.
Likely Questions:
- When do we use rising intonation in speech?
- Use the word ‘goal’ in a sentence related to sports.
- What is the role of a referee in a match?
- What are examples of rising intonation in questions?
- Identify the sport associated with the term ‘tournament’.
- Give an example of a sentence using falling intonation.
- Write a sentence with ‘coach’ as a vocabulary word.
- What does the word ‘field’ mean in the context of sports?
- How do rising and falling intonation affect the meaning of a sentence?
- List five words related to sports.
8. Grammar: Shall and Should, Vocabulary: Words Associated with Transportation, Composition: Speech Writing
Shall and Should: Shall is used for offers or suggestions, especially in formal contexts. Should is used for advice or obligations. Words Associated with Transportation: Vocabulary related to transportation includes words like vehicle, traffic, journey, commute, airline, and route. Speech Writing: This involves crafting speeches that effectively convey a message. A good speech usually has an introduction, body, and conclusion.
Likely Questions:
- When do we use ‘shall’ instead of ‘should’?
- Write a sentence using ‘should’ to give advice.
- What are some words associated with transportation?
- Use ‘journey’ in a sentence.
- What are the common forms of transportation?
- Identify the correct use of ‘shall’ in the following: “I shall go to the meeting.”
- What is the purpose of a speech introduction?
- What are some factors to consider when writing a speech?
- What does ‘commute’ mean in relation to transportation?
- Write a short speech on the importance of road safety.
9. Speech Work: Contrasting Consonants, Grammar: Punctuation Marks, Composition: Argumentative Essay
Contrasting Consonants: This involves the pronunciation of consonants that are similar but distinct in sound. Examples include ‘b’ and ‘p’, ‘t’ and ‘d’, and ‘s’ and ‘z’. Punctuation Marks: Punctuation marks such as commas, periods, question marks, and exclamation marks are essential for clarity in writing. Argumentative Essay: An argumentative essay presents a claim and supports it with evidence, reasoning, and analysis.
Likely Questions:
- Give an example of contrasting consonants.
- Use a comma correctly in the sentence: “I went to the store, and I bought some bread.”
- What punctuation mark ends a question?
- What is the purpose of an argumentative essay?
- Write a sentence using ‘t’ and ‘d’ consonants.
- What is the function of a full stop (period) in writing?
- In which situations do we use exclamation marks?
- What is the structure of an argumentative essay?
- List five punctuation marks and their uses.
- Write an argumentative essay on the topic: “Is it better to study online or in person?”.
10. Grammar: Punctuation Marks Continued, Spelling: Homophones
Punctuation Marks Continued: This covers more punctuation marks like quotation marks, colons, and semicolons, and how they help convey the intended message. Homophones: Homophones are words that sound the same but have different meanings or spellings. Examples include ‘there’, ‘their’, and ‘they’re’.
Likely Questions:
- What is the difference between ‘there’, ‘their’, and ‘they’re’?
- Use the colon correctly in the sentence: “He had only one goal: to succeed.”
- Write a sentence using the word ‘to’ and ‘too’.
- When do we use quotation marks in writing?
- What punctuation mark is used to separate items in a list?
- Provide an example of homophones and use them in sentences.
- What is the correct punctuation for dialogue?
- Identify the homophone in: “I saw the dog run.”
- Explain the use of semicolons with an example.
- How do punctuation marks impact the meaning of a sentence?
Conclusion This comprehensive revision guide for SSS 1 English Language will ensure students have a solid foundation in key areas such as grammar, speech work, vocabulary, and composition. By practicing the questions provided for each topic, students will enhance their understanding and perform confidently in their exams. A focus on consistent practice and mastery of the content will guarantee success.