ENGLISH LANGUAGE NOTES FOR JSS 1 (GRADE 7)

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TOPIC 1: PHONOLOGY – IDENTIFICATION OF DIPHTHONGS

What is a Diphthong?

A diphthong is a "glide" vowel sound. It is a single syllable created by moving the tongue from one vowel position toward another. In English, we have eight (8) diphthongs.

Today, we are focusing on two specific sounds: /eə/ and /ɔɪ/.

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1. The /eə/ Sound (as in "Mary")

This sound starts with the "e" sound (as in egg) and glides into the "ə" (schwa) sound.

• Common Spelling Patterns:
  • -ary: Mary, wary
  • -air: Hair, chair, fair
  • -are: Care, share, dare
  • -ere: There, where
  • -ear: Pear, bear, wear

Illustration: Imagine your tongue starting in the middle-front of your mouth and sliding slightly back and down to a relaxed position. [ e ] ———→ [ ə ]

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2. The /ɔɪ/ Sound (as in "Boil")

This sound starts with the "ɔ" sound (as in all) and glides toward the "ɪ" sound (as in it).

• Common Spelling Patterns:
  • -oi: Boil, coin, noise, point
  • -oy: Toy, joy, boy, employ

Illustration: Your lips start rounded (like you are saying "O") and then move into a smile shape for the "I" sound. [ ɔ ] ———→ [ ɪ ]

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Practice Exercise:

Underline the word that contains a diphthong in the sentences below:

1. The boy is playing with a toy.
2. Please take care of the Mary’s chair.
3. Do not make any noise in the class.

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TOPIC 2: GRAMMAR – THE ACTIVE VOICE

What is Active Voice?

A sentence is in the Active Voice when the Subject of the sentence performs the action (the verb) on the Object.

The Formula:

SUBJECT (Doer) + VERB (Action) + OBJECT (Receiver)

Examples:

1. Amina (Subject) ate (Verb) the mango (Object).
2. The teacher (Subject) marked (Verb) the scripts (Object).
3. Chidi (Subject) kicked (Verb) the ball (Object).

Why use Active Voice?

• It is direct and clear.
• It makes writing stronger and easier to understand.
• It identifies exactly who is responsible for the action.

Illustration: The "Action Arrow"

In Active Voice, the energy flows from the Subject to the Object: [ AMINA ] ———(Eating)———> [ MANGO ]

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TOPIC 3: COMPOSITION – ELEMENTS OF WRITING

Writing is a craft. To write a good essay, letter, or story, you must include these five basic elements:

1. The Topic/Title

This tells the reader what the writing is about. It should be brief and catchy.

• Example: My First Day in JSS 1.

2. The Introduction

This is the opening paragraph. It should "hook" the reader and introduce the main idea.

• Tip: You can start with a question or a bold statement.

3. The Body (Development)

This is where you explain your points. It is usually divided into paragraphs. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea.

• Use Transition Words: Firstly, Secondly, However, In addition, Furthermore.

4. Coherence and Cohesion

• Coherence: Does the writing make sense? Are the ideas logical?
• Cohesion: Do the sentences stick together? (Using words like "he," "it," or "therefore" to link thoughts).

5. The Conclusion

This is the final paragraph. It summarizes your points and gives the reader a final thought to take away.

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Summary Illustration: The "Burger" Model of Writing

• Top Bun: Introduction (Holds everything together).
• The Meat/Fillings: The Body Paragraphs (The most important details).
• Bottom Bun: Conclusion (Finish the meal/story).

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HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT

1. Write five (5) words containing the /ɔɪ/ sound and five (5) words containing the /eə/ sound.
2. Change these sentences into the Active Voice:
   • The bread was eaten by the cat.
   • The car was washed by my brother.
3. Write a short Introduction (4-5 lines) for a composition titled: "The Importance of Education in Nigeria."