JSS 1 English Language Study Notes

Term: 2nd Term
Subject: English Language
Class: JSS 1 (Grade 7)
Curriculum: Nigerian National Curriculum (NERDC)

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1. PHONOLOGY: Description of Diphthongs

What is a Diphthong?

A diphthong is a "glide" sound. It is a single vowel sound formed by moving from one vowel position to another within the same syllable.

• Monophthongs = 1 sound (e.g., /i:/ as in "seat")
• Diphthongs = 2 sounds joined together (e.g., /eɪ/ as in "say")

There are eight (8) diphthongs in English.

The 8 Diphthongs and Examples

Illustration: The Glide Movement Imagine your tongue is on a slide. To say the word "Boy" (/ɔɪ/), your tongue starts at the back bottom (the /ɔ/ sound) and slides quickly to the front top (the /ɪ/ sound).

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2. GRAMMAR: Introduction to Active and Passive Voice

Voice tells us if the subject of the sentence is the "doer" of the action or the "receiver" of the action.

A. Active Voice

In the active voice, the subject performs the action.

• Formula: Subject + Verb + Object
• Example: Musa (Subject) ate (Verb) the mango (Object).

B. Passive Voice

In the passive voice, the subject receives the action. The focus shifts to the object.

• Formula: Object + "to be" verb + Past Participle + by + Subject
• Example: The mango (Object) was eaten (Verb) by Musa (Subject).

Transformation Table

Why use Passive Voice? We use it when the person who did the action is unknown or not important.

• Example: "The window was broken" (We don't know who did it).

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3. WRITING: Introduction to Expository Essay

What is an Expository Essay?

An expository essay is a piece of writing that explains, informs, or describes a specific topic. It is not about telling a story (narrative) or arguing (argumentative); it is about giving facts.

Structure of an Expository Essay

1. Introduction: Introduce the topic and give a clear definition.
2. Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should explain a different point or fact about the topic.
3. Conclusion: Summarize the main points and give a final closing statement.

Example Topics

• How to cook Jollof Rice.
• The causes of Malaria.
• The importance of Education in Nigeria.
• The duties of a Class Captain.

Tips for Writing:

• Use simple, clear language.
• Use present tense (usually).
• Be objective (stick to facts).

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4. LITERATURE: Prose (Themes and Characterization)

Prose is any written language that follows the natural flow of speech (novels, short stories).

A. Themes

A Theme is the central idea, message, or "big lesson" in a story. It is what the author wants you to learn about life.

• Common Themes in JSS 1 Literature:
  • Honesty: Why it is good to tell the truth.
  • Greed: The dangers of wanting too much.
  • Coming of Age: Growing up and learning responsibility.
  • Tradition vs. Modernity: Old ways of life vs. new ways.

B. Characterization

Characterization is the way an author describes and develops the people in a story (characters).

How do we know a character?

1. Direct Characterization: The author tells us directly.
   • Example: "Obi was a lazy boy."
2. Indirect Characterization: We learn about them through:
   • Speech: What they say.
   • Actions: What they do.
   • Thoughts: What they think.
   • Appearance: How they look.
   • What others say: How other characters treat them.

Types of Characters:

• Protagonist: The hero or main character (e.g., Chike in Chike and the River).
• Antagonist: The person who opposes the hero (the villain).

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Class Activity / Exercise

1. Phonology: Circle the diphthong in these words: Gate, Cow, Coin, Near.
2. Grammar: Change this to Passive Voice: "The principal invited the parents."
3. Writing: List three facts you would include in an essay about "Your School."
4. Literature: Mention one character from a book you have read and describe one of their character traits (e.g., "Sade is brave because...").